Jim Ross on WOR: His book, calling NJPW and WWE, more
While appearing on Wrestling Observer Radio earlier this week, Jim Ross discussed his new book — “Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling” — as well as some aspects of today’s pro wrestling landscape.
Ross talked about his initial collaboration with Scott Williams, who passed away unexpectedly during the writing process, and then working with Paul O’Brien on the book. Ross said there were so many setbacks that he didn’t know if the book was ever going to happen, but it did.
Ross’ early career working for Mid-South Wrestling was then brought up. When asked if he still loves the business like he did back then, Ross said he thinks he does but noted he gets angry when he sees things that he doesn’t like. He also celebrates things he likes, and is happy he took the time to watch it on TV.
Dave Meltzer brought up Ross’ unique position he’s in, calling matches for both New Japan Pro Wrestling and WWE. Ross said the bottom line is to always put over the product, and the talent is the crux of it. Ross mentioned that his contract with AXS TV is coming to an end, but he’s hopeful he can continue what he’s doing with their NJPW show.
Ross said when it comes to NJPW, athleticism matters most. In WWE, they get thrown under the bus for that. Ross said that at the end of the day, it’s the announcer’s job to explain the matches and the stories.
Women’s wrestling was another subject of discussion, particularly the Mae Young Classic and how fans have wanted to see more athletic matches from women in recent years. Ross credits MMA fighters like Gina Carano and Ronda Rousey for helping women’s wrestling get to where it is now and mentioned Toni Storm and Shayna Baszler as two of his favorite wrestlers from the Mae Young Classic.
Lance Russell was brought up, with Ross saying no one perfected a role that he created for himself like Russell did. He was honest, loyal, and was always there. Ross said Bob Caudle is the closest person who could rival Russell in just how good he was.
Ross said he doesn’t know if those traits that Russell and Caudle had are as important anymore. Meltzer mentioned that he thought it was an awful idea when Michael Cole turned heel because a lead announcer should never be a heel. Ross agreed, saying the lead announcer should be a “closer” — the top salesman should be trustworthy and they should be able to create positive vibes.
Meltzer said that if someone like Ross came around now, he probably wouldn’t even get a foot in the door. But now, every time someone gets called up, we hope that they can be close to the level that Ross is. It shouldn’t matter what an announcer looks like, as long as they are trustworthy and can get over the product — there’s a difference between just watching wrestling and getting emotionally interested in the match.
Ross also discussed match formulas, what he could be better at, wrestlers having input in their own merchandise, and his late wife Jan. Subscribers can listen to the full episode below: