Jim Ross was not a fan of one of his most memorable WWE segments.
On top of his work behind the announce desk, Ross would occasionally be featured more prominently on camera. While segments such as the excellent sit-down interview with Mankind are all-timers, others saw the legendary announcer become the butt of the joke for nothing more than Vince McMahon’s amusement.
In July 2003, Kane entered the next phase of his character as he unmasked for the first time. Attempting to explore The Big Red Machine’s mindset at that point, a sit-down interview was arranged backstage between Kane and Ross. The heated interview only got hotter when all was said and done as Kane set JR on fire.
Although it is still remembered more than 20 years later, the Hall of Famer does not look back on it as fondly. Recalling the segment on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross first criticised the segment for lack of believability:
“Made sense. I didn’t mind doing it because they had a stunt double come in, and they burned him. They just wanted me to scream, which I did. But I thought it was a waste of time. Because it’s unrealistic. It’s was unbelievable. So while your moms are turning the channel because it’s not appropriate for their kids to watch, you have a lot of other fans saying, ‘Why are they doing this?’”
Continuing, Ross also added that he recovered from the burns in just a couple of weeks, only adding to the unbelievability of the segment:
“I was back on TV in a week or two. It wasn’t even sold well. That ain’t my problem. I didn’t book it. I did what I was told. So I thought it was a waste of time. It was not a good scene. I understand the logic, I do. It just was unbelievable logic, and that’s not the best kind.”
Jim Ross Gives Thoughts On AI Immortality
With the advancements in technology in recent years, legendary voices who have since passed on have had their voice regenerated by artificial intelligence and used in various projects. During a recent episode of his podcast, Jim Ross discussed the possibility of his voice being recreated with AI.
In other WWE news, a Hall of Famer has teased a comeback.
In a new episode of his podcast, Jim Ross provided a positive health update.
H/t to Fightful.
Inside The Ropes presents An Intimate Evening With Jim Ross in January and February 2025. Limited tickets are still available and can be purchased here.