Jim Ross has plenty of reasons to be bitter about his time in WWE, but he refuses to let the past weigh him down.
The legendary commentator, who was often humiliated on WWE television in skits that mocked his health and his Oklahoman roots, addressed his feelings toward former CEO Vince McMahon on a recent episode of his Grilling JR podcast. Despite the on-screen ridicule, Ross explained that he sees no value in harboring resentment.
“I just don’t believe in rehashing things I can’t change. Why should I put that back in my head and back in my heart, back in my gut, to address a perceived wrong?” Ross said. “At the end of the day, really, how bad wrong was it? I can’t go there. I won’t go there.”
Ross acknowledged the difficult moments but balanced them against the financial success he achieved during his tenure. He credited McMahon with helping him secure his financial future, particularly through stock options.
“Vince made me a lot of money, and he and I — I made a lot of money on the stock. I was one of the original people that got grants that all you had to do is vest, which means you got to stay a certain length of time.”
McMahon resigned from WWE for a second time in January 2024 amid legal controversies. Ross, meanwhile, is set to return to the AEW broadcast booth this Wednesday on Dynamite in Tulsa, proving that his voice remains a vital part of the wrestling industry.