Jim Ross optimistic ahead of August brain surgery
Jim Ross is staying positive ahead of his upcoming brain surgery.
After spending more than a month in the hospital, Ross shared on his Grilling JR podcast last week that he’ll be undergoing brain surgery soon. The operation, called a “shunt,” will remove excess fluid on Ross’ brain, which should help the memory and balance issues that he’s been dealing with. Falls have been a major issue for Ross because of those balance problems.
The 74-year-old announcing legend gave a brief update on this week’s edition of Grilling JR, confirming that his surgery has now been scheduled and will be happening in August.
“Yeah, that’s it. I’ll be ready to go,” Ross responded when co-host Conrad Thompson brought up that the surgery is scheduled for next month. Ross did not say what the exact date is.
Thompson then asked Ross how it feels to be back home after his long hospitalization. Ross said he’s enjoying it and is staying optimistic, believing that he’s been diagnosed correctly and this surgery will help improve things.
“Great. I’m just getting better every day,” Ross said. “My balance is still a little screwed up, but it’s getting better. So, you know, I’m just happy that I’m alive and I’m happy that I’ve been diagnosed correctly, I think. So let’s get it on.”
Ross will be glad when this pre-surgery process is over and the operation is done. Following surgery, he’ll have a brief hospital stay before returning home to heal.
August is also when Ross’ current AEW contract is slated to expire. There’s been no word on an extension yet. When Ross’ deal came up in summer 2025, he signed a one-year extension to continue in his role helping out with commentary at pay-per-view events.
Jim Ross still scheduled for WrestleCon —
It was plugged on Grilling JR that — “fingers crossed” — Ross will still be making his scheduled appearance at WrestleCon in Minneapolis that’s happening from July 31-August 2. Ross’ longtime WWE commentary partner Jerry “The King” Lawler is among the other convention guests.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.