Legendary commentator Jim Ross has said he may be forced into permanent retirement from commentary due to skin cancer. The WWE Hall of Famer recently disclosed that he has been battling skin cancer for a while.
On the latest episode of the Grilling JR Podcast, the Dynamite commentator noted that his current health status requires him to undergo 22 radiation treatments. He went on to add that though he regrets the decision of disclosing the matter on social media, he strongly believes he had to update the fans regarding his health.
“I don’t like dealing with this skin cancer, but that’s the hand I’ve been dealt,” he said. He continued, “The only thing I can do is to get healthy and go through all the procedures to ensure that can happen.”
“On the 22nd of November, the doctor found two more places on my back and he’s going to cut those out in one appointment, then earlier in the day I’ll have gone to my cancer doctor and they have to build a boot for me to do the radiation accurately which I’m all for.
“It’s two different processes, one is my back which I didn’t even know I had and the other is that big one on my ankle. Ironically the one on my ankle is healing up real well. You can still see that there’s an issue but it doesn’t look as gross and as gruesome as I displayed in that picture which I wish I had not done quite honestly. I do believe in sharing with the fans and maybe to a faulting degree. I’ve got a big month of November, it’s going to be an aggressive month.”
Ross, 69, revealed his intentions to continue with his commentary duties when AEW moves to TBS on January 5. He added that he would continue to fight the disease to the best of his strengths.
“I wanted to make sure I can still do my stuff,” he said. “I’ll know more about that after November 22, if I can’t I’ve got to put my health first. I think that’s the right thing to do, ego wise people say ‘Are you worried about getting replaced?’ hell no.”
The legendary commentator also praised AEW CEO Tony Khan for providing continuous support, adding that Khan had assured him that “we’ll take care of you, whatever you need to do to get you healthy again we’re ready to take every step of the way with you.”
We’re sending out our best to Good ‘ole JR from everyone here at Ringside News.
Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the transcription. What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments!
November 12, 2021 3:29 pm