Credit: Brandon Oliver, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Veteran professional wrestling commentator Jim Ross has announced that he has been diagnosed with colon cancer.
The 73-year-old revealed the diagnosis via Instagram this week, sharing that he is scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming weeks.
Ross, currently serving as a part-time commentator and senior advisor for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), is widely recognised for his iconic commentary during his long tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
Ross’ latest health setback follows his hospitalisation in May last year due to breathing difficulties.
He made a swift return to AEW television for special interviews with Bryan Danielson and Swerve Strickland leading up to their AEW World Championship match at Wembley Stadium, which drew over 50,000 fans.
He was present at the ‘All In: London’ event, providing commentary during the main event where Danielson claimed the AEW World Championship just two months before retiring from full-time wrestling.
Support has poured in from fans and wrestling figures worldwide, including Chris Van Vliet and Major League Wrestling, wishing Ross a speedy recovery.
Ross’s career in professional wrestling spans back to 1974, shortly after he graduated from college. He previously battled skin cancer in 2021 and underwent a successful surgery earlier this year. In 2018, he also underwent an eye operation.
Honoured in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007, Ross has been recognised as the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s “Commentator of the Year” 14 times, solidifying his status as one of wrestling’s most celebrated voices.
