10 Things WWE Wants You To Forget About Jim Ross

5. He Almost Joined TNA

Dr Hiney Vince McMahon Jr
WWE.com

WWE have spent the the past 15 years no-selling their closest North American competitor's very existence, so you can bet your house they'd love it if you conveniently ignored the numerous occasions that talents synonymous with the McMahon wrestling empire have jumped ship to Nashville.

Jim Ross isn't on this list, but the Oklahoman has reportedly come close to signing with Impact Wrestling on multiple occasions. Only the man himself can speak to their accuracy, but rumours of JR accepting a position in the beleaguered promotion's announce booth were never far away when he was a free agent, with the most notable story coming in July 2015.

The stories materialised just before Eric Bischoff joined the promotion in 2010. Ross was unemployed at the time, and was locked in serious talks to become TNA's lead announcer, going as far as attending a meeting at company financiers Bob and Janice Carter's private ranch. They couldn't come to terms, and JR agreed to a new WWE contract shortly after, with TNA's longstanding backstage chaos likely a deciding factor, though he quickly ended up in the doghouse after being interviewed without Vince's permission at UFC 116.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.