Jim Ross is still dealing with multiple health issues, but don’t mistake that for him thinking about walking away from AEW. During the latest episode of Grilling JR, the legendary broadcaster made it clear that his goal is still getting healthy enough to return to the commentary desk.
While discussing PAC and reflecting on AEW All Out, Ross spoke about how much the company still means to him before making it clear he doesn’t see himself as finished.
“And I’m telling you, out of everything that we’ve talked about and we’ll talk about tonight, including Saturday night’s pay-per-view in Chicago—which, I’ll kill the lead, I loved it. I loved it. I loved the show immensely. And I’m proud to be a part of AEW. I still got my playbook. I still got my jersey. I just gotta get healthy. And we’re working on that right now.”
Ross then explained what that process currently looks like as he continues dealing with complications related to his brain shunt.
“So, CT scan tomorrow, then back to the neurosurgeon later this week. The shunt is problematic.”
Later in the episode, Ross gave another update on his health while explaining that his shunt has already been adjusted multiple times. He also revealed that doctors are still trying to determine whether a recently discovered spot on his kidney is cancerous.
“I’ve had mine adjusted. I’ve had mine adjusted three times. So it’s not a recent situation, but, you know, at some point I’ve gotta be able to sleep. And I feel fatigued a lot. My oncologist is sending me to a specialist in Oklahoma City for a little place on my kidney, but they’re not sure if it’s cancerous or not. So it’s been a stressful week. Really has. And thank God I had AEW to watch on TV. I loved it. I loved it.”
Watching the show also reminded him how badly he wants to be back behind the microphone. Ross admitted he found himself wishing he had been part of AEW All Out, even if it was only for a match or two.
“I’m so envious of Schiavone and Excalibur—not for tonight’s show. As I said, they did a phenomenal job—but I’d like to have been sitting out there someplace for a match or two on Saturday night.”
Despite everything he’s been through over the past year, Ross made it clear later in the podcast that he still isn’t ready to call it quits after more than five decades in the wrestling business.
“Well, God bless ’em. God bless pro wrestling. It means so much to both of us in our lifetime. And for me, the last 51 years I’ve been immersed, and I don’t feel burned out. I feel very blessed, very lucky that I’m still able to put sentences together from time to time.”
Ross still has plenty of medical hurdles ahead of him, but his comments make one thing clear: he’s focused on getting healthy, not stepping away. If everything goes well with his treatment, the Hall of Famer is hoping he’ll be back calling AEW matches sooner rather than later.
Would you like to see Jim Ross return for another major AEW pay-per-view once he’s healthy, or should AEW continue using him in a more limited role? Let us know in the comments below.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
