Jim Ross Says He Was A “Scapegoat” Regarding Former WWE Star’s Departure

In a recent episode of his podcast “Grilling JR,” legendary wrestling commentator Jim Ross opened up about the tumultuous departure of Jeff Jarrett from WWE to WCW in 1999, with Jarrett holding up the company for more money to compete in one final match after his contract ended.

Ross, who was not only the lead WWE broadcaster but also handled various executive duties at the time such as Head of Talent Relation. Ross described the situation as “awkward” and “uncomfortable” and addressed misconceptions about his relationship with Jarrett.

Some people might assume that good ol’ JR and Jeff Jarrett don’t get along, which is not true. We get along fine.. It was just a course of doing business and the decisions he felt he needed to make.

However, Ross also admitted to some missteps in handling the situation and discussed the financial implications of the move.

So you know, he got a lot of money out of it. I should not have let it get to that point, but I did, unfortunately.

Jim Ross also highlighted the challenges he faced in managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously and how WWE’s company structure has evolved since then.

That’s where my staffing — and now that wouldn’t happen, because they got a big staff that can manage all these things, and not one guy that’s broadcasting and doing PPVs, weekly TV, payroll, all that stuff.

Describing the departure as an “expensive mistake”, Ross took responsibility for part of the fallout and felt like a scapegoat in the whole drama.

I was the scapegoat in that whole situation. And some of it honestly was my fault. And I didn’t pursue Jeff as fervently as some would expect; that may just have been on me. The money he wanted and the terms and all that stuff were commensurate with a top guy. I didn’t pursue Jeff at that time, [as] a top guy for WWE.

Reflecting on the complexities of his role, Ross concluded, “This job is not fool proof,” acknowledging the challenges in talent management and decision-making in the fast-paced world of professional wrestling.

Jim Ross Recalls Vince McMahon’s Reaction To Vince Russo Leaving WWE

During the same period of time, Vince Russo also left WWE for WCW and Jim Ross has also discussed Vince McMahon’s reaction to Russo’s departure, saying McMahon was surprised and not in a pleasant way.

H/t to 411mania