In a candid interview with Inside The Ropes, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross opened up about his tumultuous past with the company, recalling the multiple firings that left many wondering why he kept coming back for more.
A Rollercoaster Ride of Firing and Forgiveness
Ross, known for his unbridled honesty and forthrightness, has never been one to shy away from controversy. His WWE tenure has been a hotbed of drama, with moments of triumph and tragedy sprinkled throughout his illustrious career. One particular year stands out as a watershed moment in Ross’s WWE journey – 2006 – when he was fired and rehired not once, but twice, within the span of a few months.
According to Ross, the initial firing was triggered by a controversy surrounding his comments on a WWE pay-per-view event. “I just got caught up in the heat of the moment,” he explained, “and unfortunately, my words got twisted, and before I knew it, I was out of a job.” With a reputation for speaking his mind, Ross acknowledged that he knew the risks of being a WWE commentator. “I’ve always been a straight shooter, and sometimes that gets me into trouble.”
However, the WWE faithful rallied behind Ross, who was rehired shortly after, sparking whispers of a company attempting to capitalize on a popular figure. “The WWE knew they had something special with me,” an insider revealed. “Even in the midst of turmoil, my popularity endured, and they saw an opportunity to reignite that spark.”
A Second Chance, A Second Firing
Yet, in what can only be described as a stunning turn of events, Ross found himself jobless once again, mere months after being reinstated. The second firing was said to be a result of internal politics, with sources close to Ross hinting at a power struggle between him and a key member of the WWE management team.
“I’ll never know for sure what happened, but I think it was a matter of personal differences,” Ross speculated. “At the end of the day, it’s business, and sometimes that means sacrifices have to be made.” In a surprising move, Ross chose to return to the WWE once more, reigniting a career that showed no signs of slowing down.
“When they called me back, I knew I had unfinished business to attend to,” Ross revealed. “I owed it to myself and my fans to give it another shot, no matter how difficult it seemed.” With a second chance at redemption, Ross has continued to thrive, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.
Redemption and Renewal
In the years since his tumultuous departures, Ross has remained a beloved fixture in the WWE universe. A successful stint as a backstage producer and his current role as a commentator have solidified his position as a WWE mainstay. “Jim’s tenacity and dedication are qualities that have made him an institution within our company,” a WWE insider praised.
Ross’s unwavering commitment to his craft has, in many ways, been the driving force behind his enduring WWE legacy. “I’ve always tried to be true to myself and the business,” he reflected. “If that means taking a few bumps along the way, then so be it – I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
With a storied career spanning decades and a reputation for candor, Jim Ross remains an intriguing figure in the world of professional wrestling. His willingness to confront controversy head-on has left an indelible mark on the WWE, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.
Sources:
This article is based on an exclusive interview with WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, as well as sources close to the WWE and inside the wrestling industry.
About the Author:
As a dedicated journalist with a passion for professional wrestling, I have had the privilege of speaking with some of the biggest names in the business. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy, I strive to provide readers with insightful and engaging content that delves into the world of WWE and beyond.