Jim Ross certainly understands the pressures of serving as WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent Relations, a title he held for many years during his long tenure with the sports entertainment giant.
In 2004, Ross was replaced in the role by John Laurinaitis, who was far from a universally loved figure backstage, receiving criticism more than a decade ago for how he handled WWE’s developmental promotion Ohio Valley Wrestling, and call-ups to WWE’s main roster. In later years he was also criticised for his involvement in WWE’s women’s division, while upon leaving the company one top star branded him “one of the biggest snakes in the business.”
This past June, Laurinaitis was placed on administrative leave and later released from WWE amidst a sexual misconduct scandal that also includes former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
Jim Ross didn’t mince words when speaking about Johnny Ace on a recent episode of Grilling JR (available early via AdFreeShows), saying that he couldn’t trust Laurinaitis during their time working together and that he deserves the misery being handed to him.
“I had a hard time as time went on trusting Laurinaitis. That’s sad to say. I hired him. I gave him a job when he needed it. I don’t think he treated me quite right. He just wanted to show Vince that he was a better manager than JR and all these things. So now his ass is without a job and he deserves the Goddamn misery that he’s living, that I perceive that he’s living, and I didn’t like how he treated me.” (h/t WrestlingNews.co)
Jim Ross Doubled Down On His Comments About John Laurinaitis
While his words may have been harsh, Jim Ross confirmed that he meant every word when asked about his comments. A clip of Ross’ confirmation can be seen on AdFreeShows’ social media.
“Oh no, I meant it.”
Any regrets JR has about his John Laurinaitis comments? pic.twitter.com/BCYbJrEQ1O
— AdFreeShows.com (@adfreeshows) December 13, 2022
While John Laurinaitis has stayed out of the public eye since his WWE departure, former WWE CEO Vince McMahon certainly hasn’t done the same. After retiring in July amidst an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct and hush money payments, McMahon recently expressed that he intends to return to WWE despite the allegations against him. In the wake of his retirement, Stephanie McMahon and Nick Khan currently serve as co-CEO’s of the company, while Triple H runs operations as Chief Content Officer.
Those within WWE are reportedly against the idea of Vince McMahon’s return as both viewership and morale in the company have been higher since his departure.