Jim Ross Says He Never Wanted to Wrestle and Isn’t A Fan of Comedy Wrestling

Jim Ross has been part of some of wrestling’s biggest moments, but stepping into the ring as a full-time performer was never something he seriously considered.

The legendary announcer has had physical moments throughout his career, including getting involved in storylines and taking bumps, but when asked if he ever thought about becoming an active wrestler, Ross made it clear that idea was never on the table.

During an episode of Grilling JR, Ross reacted strongly to the suggestion that he might have pursued an in-ring role, making it clear he never saw himself as someone who belonged in wrestling gear.

“Sh*t, no. Are you serious? I don’t even like to see myself in a swimsuit, much less in tights on television. That’s comedy.”

Ross didn’t stop there. The conversation shifted into his thoughts about comedy wrestling, where he made it clear that while he enjoys natural humor, he believes the industry sometimes leans too heavily into comedy-style matches and segments.

“I sometimes think in our business, overall, we’ve done too much comedy at times. It’s like one company trying to out comedy the other.”

He explained that while he appreciates moments that are naturally funny, making comedy the main focus of wrestling content isn’t something he personally enjoys.

“I’m not a big fan of comedy wrestling, obviously. Things that happen in the ring that are organically funny, I love. I don’t mind laughing, but if that’s our focus and goal, I’ll go watch reruns of SVU.”

Ross has spent decades calling some of the most intense and emotional matches in wrestling history, so his stance lines up with the style of presentation he helped make famous during wrestling’s most memorable eras.

Even though he occasionally got physical in storylines over the years, Ross never viewed himself as an in-ring performer, and based on his comments, that was never going to change.