The following is an excerpt from the latest online blog of WWE announcer Jim Ross:
"I have never understood how some, vocal fans feel that they have "lost all respect for J.R." for doing such things as kissing Mr. McMahon’s ass or being a pawn in the Backlash/Santina skit. Many have declared that I should have quit my job and "walked off." I can only imagine that many of these fans are young and have never held regular jobs or have a family to care for.
These uncomfortable moments on TV are just that and are intended to elicit a reaction. These matters are entertainment based and are fictional. It’s like playing a Native American, of which I am one, on a TV western and being scripted to be killed by the calvary. Can you imagine any actor portraying a Native American refusing to follow the script? Me neither. Certainly they could refuse out of misguided principles but they might find themselves having a hard time finding work.
I have also been accused of being a shill for WWE. Call it what you choose but I am loyal to whomever employees me. If loyalty is a fault then I am guilty. I was taught by my parents to be loyal and to work hard. If I’m a shill in some folk’s eyes then I suppose I always will be as I don’t intend to be any thing but a team player whether I like the play called or not. For the record, I haven’t always liked the plays I have been instructed to run but I ran them to the best of my ability. I don’t plan on changing that philosophy any time soon.
Others have suggested that I will "be kicked to the curb" as soon as WWE can find someone to replace me. Interesting thought process. I have an entirely different perspective of my work and feel I can still carry my share of the water. When I can’t do so any longer then I need to be "kicked to the curb." The good news is no one will have to have a benefit for me and my departure won’t be like many in the wrestling business where I won’t have a pot to p*** in or a window of which to throw it out.
Uh, yes I am aware that I am not "TV friendly" in the eyes of many decision makers.
Plus, I won’t be out of work long if I choose not to be. We are growing a restaurant business as some of you may have heard and it is doing well, thank you very much.
After dedicating 35 years of my life to the wrestling business, one would think that some fans would have a different perspective but that is simply the world we live in. I know my style of work isn’t for everyone. I know that some people who hide behind phony names enjoy making fun of my issues with Bells palsy or the fact that I have far from a body builders psychique. Poor me, as Tony Soprano used to say.
For the record I am still having a blast at work because I love "calling" wrestling matches and being around the business I have followed, at times too passionately, since I was a young kid and, yes, believe it or not I was a young kid at one time.
Is today’s business my personal cup of tea, not always. But when a guy like me gets to broadcast a HBK-Undertaker match at an event like Wrestlemania that’s pretty much Heaven on Earth for an old school guy like me.
Some day I will not be on Friday Night Smackdown. I understand that this is a young man’s game and I’m 57 years old. Come to think of it, I used to own a ’57 Chevy but that’s another story. I wish I still had that old, classic car. But I’m good with the terms of what age brings us all. It brings change and change is inevitable.
So for those who feel compelled to write the negative about my ramblings, opinion, or "shilling", have at it and enjoy yourself. I’m not changing a damn thing at this stage of the game for better or for worse. I will dance with who "brung me" until I no longer hear the music."
Check out the full blog on the official website of Jim Ross at JRsBarBQ.com.
