Jim Ross Takes A Shot At Big WWE Decision: “I Think That’s A Joke”

Jim Ross is a well-respected figure in the wrestling business.

Before joining the then-World Wrestling Federation in 1993 as a commentator, he had performed in a similar role at Jim Crockett Promotion and World Championship Wrestling.

The WWF/WWE is where he would gain prominence for his work. He was also sporadically used in storylines by Vince McMahon during the late 90s and the 2000s.

His history of a tumultuous relationship with McMahon and WWE is well-documented. In 2019, he decided against renewing his contract with the Stamford promotion and joined AEW, where he has had an active career.

On April 17, WWE held the Hall of Fame ceremony. One of the inductees on the list was Sycho Sid, but under the Legacy wing.

The Hall of Fame’s Legacy wing was introduced in 2016 to posthumously honor wrestlers from previous generations.

While speaking on a recent episode of his Grilling JR podcast, the 74-year-old criticized the Legacy wing, calling it a joke. Even Sid’s son had criticized the decision via a Facebook post.

Many believe Sycho Sid, who died in 2024, deserved to be honored when he was alive. Jim Ross said the following:

Sure, absolutely. If my daddy was going into the Hall of Fame, I’d want him to have the biggest presentation that they could assemble, that they could create, that they could produce. Based on previous years criteria by a variety of talents, Sid was overqualified to go into the Hall of Fame.

As far as the legacy wing, I think that’s a joke. It’s just one way to get somebody either a payday or some recognition. I understand that, God Almighty. But a guy that’s headlined WrestleMania a couple of times and was a multiple time champion, he deserves to be in the regular Hall of Fame.

He was a pain in the ass sometimes, no doubt about it. He was moody. He had a lot of pride. Some who worked with him closely may say he had too much pride because he could become a pain in the ass to work with. But does that mean he didn’t deserve to be in the regular Hall of Fame? No. He should have been in the regular Hall of Fame. [H/T: WrestlingNews.co]

Jim Ross Gearing Up For AEW Return

Jim Ross’ last appearance as a commentator was in January 2026.

The WWE Hall of Famer has been dealing with health issues and was recently involved in a frightening fall at his home.

During the podcast, Jim Ross also confirmed his return for AEW Double Or Nothing pay-per-view, scheduled for May 24 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York.

I’m planning on being there—that’s my next booking, as it were. Tony Khan is so good about that. I see it all the time on social media—these guys are getting paid all this money and they’re not working. But I want to work—that’s the difference between me and other people.

I want to work, but I’ve got to get steady walking, and I’m not gonna walk out to the ring with a walker or cane—I’m just too damn egocentric.

Also read: Jim Ross Picks Oba Femi To Headline WrestleMania 43