Wrestling icon Jim Ross is facing a third cancer battle.
The Attitude Era phenomenon and veteran wrestling broadcaster shared the news earlier this week in a heartbreaking update on social media.
AEWJim Ross has continued to broadcast for AEW well into his 70s[/caption]
Renowned for his emotional and passionate announcing style, Ross is perhaps best remembered for his legendary spell alongside Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler at the WWE commentary desk.
The two forged a long-lasting partnership at one of the all-time peaks of the wrestling business as they presided over the rise of stars including The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
Ross has been a wrestling figure since the mid-1970s having worked in a variety of broadcast roles – as well as grappling in the occasional match – and continues to work in 2025 with Tony Khan’s All Elite Wrestling.
Though appearing less frequently than in his heyday, the 73-year-old continues to bring home the varied emotions of AEW programming as vividly as he did in his late 90s pomp.
Having battled through the many rigors and struggles of working on live television – many of those for Vince McMahon – the Oklahoma native has left his grit and determination in no doubt, just as he has in overcoming numerous health battles over the years.
Ross has lived with Pell’s Palsy, a type of facial paralysis, since the mid-1990s, its impacts worsening in 1998 following the death of his mother, of which he learned moments before going on air for a live pay-per-view broadcast in London.
The legend announced he had skin cancer in 2021, but triumphantly declared he was ‘cancer free’ months later.
Last February, however, he faced a similar battle, disclosing he’d had ‘cancer surgery’ on his right hip and, unfathomably, is now preparing to fight the disease for a third time.
In a post on X in a brutally yet typically Ross matter-of-fact way, he simply announced: “Diagnosed this week with colon cancer.”
Thanking fans for ‘concern and support’, the figure gave no further details but did state the matter was urgent enough to necessitate surgery shortly, adding: “Surgery being scheduled in the next week or two.”
A truly beloved personality – Ross boasts over 100,000 YouTube subscribers and 1.6 million followers on X – it was no surprise that well wishes came flooding in.
Having commentated on air for AEW as recently as April, his employers were quick to send a message of solidarity, posting on X: “All Elite Wrestling joins fans around the world in sending love and support to Jim Ross as he battles colon cancer.
“J.R. is a valued member of the AEW family, and we stand beside him during his journey toward recovery.”
In reply to Ross, other stars and fans chipped in, with WWE legend Matt Hardy adding: “Love ya, JR! Thinking about & praying for you, my friend.”
Former WCW and WWE executive and personality Eric Bischoff added: “Prayers up for you Jim. You’re tough as hell and way too stubborn to let the b win.”
One concerned fan noted: “This must be a terrifying time, but you’ve got this, JR,” while another kept things firmly in a wrestling context, quipping: “Get well soon Jim Ross.
“Choke slam cancer, Pedigree it through the mat and stun it into remission. You’ve got this big man”
Joining AEW in 2019 after his departure from AEW, Ross has enjoyed calls at numerous iconic events – not least a brace of All In shows at London’s Wembley Stadium.
Just last year, a new photo of Ross and his iconic on-screen partner Lawler surfaced on social media, sending fans into a nostalgic melt down.
On sight of seeing them reunited, one said: “Let’s love and cherish these heroes for as long as we live!”
Another beamed: “I still hear these two in my mind when I accomplish almost anything. “Good God Almighty, he’s hungover and he still took his dog for a walk!”
