10 Fascinating WWE SummerSlam 2011 Facts
7. Jim Ross Was Pulled From The Show At The Last Minute
It's a rather morbid tradition in WWE circles, embarrassing beloved broadcaster Jim Ross for one reason or another. The year 2011 was no different, having obnoxiously-villainous Michael Cole mock Ross at every turn, and even pinning him in a "whipping" match at Extreme Rules. Ross was even coerced into a ridiculous "rap battle" with Cole that was similar to knowingly putting a limbless man into a ladder match.
According to The Wrestling Observer, Ross was told that he would be announcing at SummerSlam with Cole and Jerry Lawler, and he accordingly prepared for the gig. Moments before going on air, he was told he wouldn't be working, because WWE wanted a "SmackDown presence" in the booth, and so Booker T went on instead.
Seems kinda suspect to make a "last-minute" switch with Booker already there, especially since the brand split was deader than the dodo anyway. But hey, that's WWE for you.