10 Stretches Of Punishments WWE Stars Had To Endure To Be Forgiven
6. Jim Ross
Crime: Failing to control a drunk Ric Flair.
Time Served: 4 years.
A sacred cow among wrestling fans of a certain age, Jim Ross's relationship with WWE management has never been particularly straightforward, with the Oklahoman falling afoul of countless ribs and heavy-handed punishments throughout his lengthy tenure.
One such incident came in August 2013. JR was hosting a WWE 2K14 roster reveal with a panel of guests including Mick Foley and Ric Flair, with several sources calling out his alleged unprofessional behaviour. 'The Nature Boy' was the real problem, though. Accused of intoxication, Flair ran through a series of expletive-riddled stories, provoking bewilderment among the gathered masses, and embarrassment within WWE.
Having been charged with "controlling" the rowdy Flair, Ross' failure to do so coincided with him leaving the company. At the time, he claimed that he was "retiring" from WWE after they'd decided against renewing his contract, though it was widely reported that his departure had everything to do with the 2K14 incident.
Remarkably, Flair kept his job, and WWE didn't bring Ross back until WrestleMania 33, when he returned to the announce booth for The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns.