10 Most Tone-Deaf WWE Moments
8. Bad 'Ol JR
Jim Ross built on his reputation as the very best play-by-play in the game with some hugely significant calls of some embryonic Attitude Era moments. His 1998 sadly ended in tragedy though, when the stress from news of his Mother's death triggered an on-air Bells Palsy relapse at December's Capital Carnage pay-per-view.
He returned to television in March 1999, but was still suffering the stroke-like physical side effects. To this end, WWE booked him to play an embittered version of himself, targeting Bart Gunn for embarrassing Dr Death Steve Williams in the ill-fated 'Brawl for All' tournament, and Michael Cole for "stealing" his job.
Whilst Ross performed the exploitative role well, it was needlessly unpleasant to see WWE abuse their privilege and his good will. Not least just to needlessly villainise a beloved on-screen persona.
Highlighting how daft the whole thing was, fans cheered Ross' physical and verbal assault on his decidedly inferior replacement. Furthermore Jim got the last laugh (and a massive pop) when The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin insisted he call their WrestleMania XV main event. That reaction thankfully put a bullet in the entire sorry ordeal.