Jim Ross Announces He Is Leaving WWE This Month

The legendary commentator broke the news on his podcast.

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WWE.com

Legendary WWE play-by-play announcer Jim Ross will leave the company at the end of March, as announced by the man himself.

Ross made the announcement on his podcast, stating that the decision to part ways was mutual, and came after a recent conversation between him and Vince McMahon.

The Wrestling Observer reported a few weeks ago that J.R. would be leaving WWE when his current contract expired. Ross' announcement makes it official, and while the Oklahoman claims "I still want to play the game, I still want to stay busy," he "will not be returning to WWE after the 29th of March."

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J.R. says the parting is amicable, and that he is moving on in a positive way.

Having first joined the promotion in 1993, Ross has been in and out of the promotion ever since. His most recent run commenced in 2017, when he returned to call Roman Reigns vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33, before commentating on the first Mae Young Classic alongside Lita, then appearing again at 'Mania 34.

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Ross hasn't appeared since appearing on the Greatest Royal Rumble's pre-show panel in April 2018, and it's unlikely that he'll be seen again before he's released.

It should be noted, too, that J.R. has been linked with All Elite Wrestling several times in the past, going back to before the promotion was officially unveiled in Jacksonville earlier this year. Sources like the Observer have kept the story burning since then. There's no guarantee that this is definitely where Ross is headed, but it meshes with his comments on "still wanting to play the game."

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.