Farewell to a WWE legend: Jim Ross

Ross wasn’t one of the “Ignore play by play for colour” guys; he was more orthodox, more traditional. He believed that the essence of professional wrestling wasn’t confined to what happened inside the ring. He, along with the likes of Bobby Heenan, defined the role of a play by play announcer in professional wrestling.

I won’t compare the similarities or differences between Heenan and Ross. They were different in their own ways.

While Heenan had the gift of humour, Ross had the gift of pouring life and soul into a match. His famous rants about the likes of Austins and McMahons made some of the greatest feuds sound legendary, and his emotions and verbiage made even the trite and mundane storylines sound as if they were pieces of art.

Jim Ross had the special knack of putting over a storyline purely with words, and that is something no one can replicate. Ross gave legitimacy and credibility to superstars just by putting them over on commentary. Jim Ross was truly one of a kind.

Truly one of a kind – Jim Ross

Ross’s contributions to the WWF and professional wrestling didn’t just end there. Ross was responsible for bringing in stars from all over the world, including the rival companies.

Ross’s role in the beginning of Attitude Era cannot be ignored. If it weren’t for Jim Ross, there wouldn’t have been an Attitude Era, as most of the stars during that period were signed by J.R.

If it weren’t for Ross putting over the Austin-McMahon feud, it wouldn’t have been as impactful. With Jim Ross being the head of Talent Relations for a brief period in the WWF, he made sure that the line of great performers continued, and brought in some of the biggest names in professional wrestling to the WWF.

It can be said that without Ross, professional wrestling wouldn’t have been where it is today.

With Jim Ross’s retirement, it is truly the end of an era. For all those who were captivated by the emotions of Jim Ross, he will be truly an inspiration. From the legendary matches he called to the stories he was involved in, Jim Ross was more than just a mere commentator.

He was truly the greatest ambassador for professional wrestling.

Ross has earned his retirement, and with a heavy heart and a deep sense of gratitude, I speak on behalf of the wrestling fans when I say “Thank you”.

The contributions of Good Ol’ J. R will never be forgotten, and certainly will never be repeated.