Jim Ross Pushes Back on Calls for Wrestler Union

Jim Ross didn’t hold back when asked whether pro wrestlers should unionize — and his response was blunt.

The WWE Hall of Famer was reacting to the renewed conversation around wrestler pay, sparked by Mark Mero’s viral post exposing his 2019 WWE royalty check. Mero’s transparency led fans and insiders to once again raise the question: should wrestlers form a union to protect themselves? JR’s answer was firm: absolutely not.

“No, I’m not for it,” Ross said flat-out on his Grilling JR podcast. “I asked Cowboy Bill Watts about this one time. One of the smartest guys I ever worked with.”

Ross knew that invoking Watts might raise eyebrows, especially given past controversies involving the former promoter.

“Which will drag in the racial issues. I get that a lot too. ‘Well JR must be a racist ‘cause he worked for Bill Watts.’ That’s just so weak. That’s a weak defense, your honor.”

Pressed further on why he opposed unionizing, JR said it comes down to how complex the wrestling business is behind the scenes.

“I think… it’s a big puzzle. And all the pieces got to fit.”

Ross acknowledged that royalty payments and payouts are difficult topics, and that some of the system’s flaws make it feel like WWE is more focused on protecting itself than the wrestlers.

“It sounds like somebody’s trying to take care of the house and not necessarily take care of the talent,” he admitted.

Despite the criticism WWE gets over contracts and royalties, JR still stopped short of endorsing any organized labor for wrestlers. His reasoning? The unpredictability and constant change in the business.

Jim Ross has never been one to sugarcoat things, and his stance on unionizing in wrestling proves it. Whether fans agree or not, he sees the system as one that rewards the top talent—if they know how to play the game.

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