Jim Ross On What He Told Vince McMahon Before Leaving WWE

WWE wanted to give Jim Ross a lot of money just to sit at home, but JR still wanted to play.

During the Turner Memories panel at Starrcast III, Jim Ross opened up about the situation he was in before declining to sign a new WWE contract. He wanted to perform and he didn’t want to be at home. Now he will be getting out of the house much more often with AEW.

“It came to a deal when my contract expired. I fulfilled all my commitments. I did everything they wanted me to do. They paid me very, very well. In 2018 I worked two times. I was rusting away and I was lonely. I was fighting depression.”

At that point, Tony Schiavone put his hand on Jim Ross’ shoulder and said, “You won’t be lonely no more, buddy.” This drew a laugh from the crowd, but Ross was quite serious.

Jim Ross went on to further explain why he left WWE when his contract was up.

“Anyway, it was just one of those deals where it was time and if anyone can understand wanting to work. I said, ‘Vince, unlike you I still believe I can do it and there are other people who believe I can do it including some of your audience, but I gotta get back in the game here, man. I said if anyone should understand that, it’s you.’ He’s 74 years old, he’s still playing.”

“So good for him. I hope I’m still doing something that I love at 74. To be alive would be cool.”

Vince McMahon is only getting busier at 74 years old with the relaunch of the XFL. He should have understood Jim Ross’ desire to stay active, but his mindset hadn’t changed about featuring younger announcers.

Now Jim Ross will have a chance to call plenty of matches for AEW as they continue. It makes us wonder if Vince McMahon is regretting his decision not to work something out with Good ‘ole JR.

If you use our quotes credit Ringside News