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WWE Legend Faces Major Surgery: ‘I’ve Had a Blessed Career’
Jim Ross Faces Brain Surgery and Possible Career End: What You Need to Know
Who Is Jim Ross?
Jim Ross (often called JR) is a legendary wrestling announcer. Think of him as the voice that made big wrestling moments feel huge. He’s in the WWE Hall of Fame and currently works for AEW (All Elite Wrestling). He’s 74 years old and has been through a lot health-wise lately.
What’s Happening Right Now?
Brain Surgery Scheduled
- Date: August 12
- Procedure: Doctors will put in a shunt (a tiny tube that helps drain fluid from the brain).
- Hospital Stay: Expected to be just one day.
- Why? JR has been having memory problems and passed out at home, leading to a 40-day hospital stay earlier this year.
Important Point: A shunt is like a little drainage pipe for your brain. It helps extra fluid move out so pressure doesn’t build up. It’s a common surgery, but still serious — especially when it’s your brain!
His Contract Is Ending Soon
- JR’s AEW contract expires this month.
- He might have already called his last match.
- He doesn’t want to just disappear — he wants a planned, clean goodbye.
- He hopes to attend AEW’s “All In” event on August 30 at Wembley Stadium in London.
What JR Said About Retirement:
“I hope that my ending, my career ending, is planned… I would like to be able to know that I’m leaving. I think that’s important for my psyche.”
“I’ve had a blessed career… If Tony Khan said, ‘Thanks for the efforts,’ then I’d have no problem with that. How could I be such a greedy bastard and want more than I’ve already received?”
How Did We Get Here? (Timeline)
- May 24 – AEW Double or Nothing event. JR suffers a fall afterward.
- Weeks after – JR passes out at home, discovered by family.
- ~40 days in hospital – Doctors run tests, find issues needing brain surgery.
- Recent – JR released after 30+ days in hospital (different stay).
- Now – Surgery set for August 12; contract ends this month.
Support from the Wrestling World
When JR announced he was heading home, legends and friends sent love:
- Kevin Nash: “Speedy recovery.”
- Sergeant Slaughter: “Keep Your Chin Up… Happy To Hear That Your Heading Back To Your Home Barracks.”
- Josh Barnett: “You’re tougher than a $2 steak!”
- Dory Funk Jr.: “Welcome Home… Time for comfort and continued success.”
- Hurricane Helms: “So glad to hear that JR!”
Important Point: The wrestling community is tight. Even tough guys cry when JR hurts. That’s respect.
JR’s Health Journey (Quick Recap)
| Year | Health Challenge |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Beat colon cancer after surgery |
| 2024 (Spring) | Fall after AEW event → 40-day hospital stay |
| 2024 (Summer) | 30+ day hospital stay → memory issues, passing out |
| August 12, 2024 | Brain surgery (shunt placement) scheduled |
What’s Next?
- Surgery: August 12 (shunt placement)
- Recovery: Short hospital stay, then home rehab
- Career Decision: Depends on health + AEW contract talks
- Dream: Be at All In (Aug 30, Wembley) — in person
Summary
- Jim Ross, 74, wrestling icon, is having brain surgery August 12 to insert a shunt.
- He’s had memory loss, fainting, and long hospital stays recently.
- His AEW contract ends this month — he may have already called his last match.
- He wants a planned, respectful goodbye, not a sudden exit.
- He hopes to attend AEW All In in London on August 30.
- The wrestling world is rallying behind him with love and respect.
- He’s beaten cancer before — this is just the latest fight.
FAQ
What is a shunt, and why does JR need one?
A shunt is a small tube doctors place in the brain to drain extra fluid. Too much fluid = pressure = memory loss, fainting, confusion. The shunt helps fix that.
Is JR retiring for sure?
Not 100% sure yet. His contract ends soon, and he’s having brain surgery. He wants to keep working, but says he’ll accept it if AEW doesn’t renew him.
Will he be at AEW All In in London?
He hopes so! He said he wants to be there on August 30 at Wembley Stadium. But it depends on how fast he recovers from surgery.
How long was he in the hospital?
Two long stays:
- ~40 days after passing out at home
- 30+ days more recently (after a fall post-Double or Nothing)
Has JR had other health problems?
Yes. Last year he beat colon cancer after surgery. He’s a fighter.
Final Thought: Jim Ross gave us decades of “Bah gawd!” and “Business is about to pick up!” Now, it’s our turn to cheer for him.
