📖 Overview
Jim Ross is an American professional wrestling commentator, business executive, and author best known for his decades-long career with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). His distinctive Oklahoma accent and passionate announcing style made him one of professional wrestling's most recognizable voices during the industry's peak popularity in the late 1990s.
As WWE's Executive Vice President of Talent Relations from 1994 to 2005, Ross played a key role in signing and developing many of the company's biggest stars, including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, John Cena, and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. He has authored multiple books about his career in professional wrestling, including his 2017 autobiography "Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling."
Beyond wrestling, Ross has worked as a football commentator for Fox Sports and launched his own line of barbecue products. He continues to be active in the wrestling industry as a commentator for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) while maintaining a successful podcast and regularly speaking at live events.
Ross's influence on professional wrestling earned him induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007. His commentary work has garnered multiple awards, including the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame and several Announcer of the Year honors.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Ross's candid storytelling and insider perspective on professional wrestling's biggest moments and personalities. His autobiography "Slobberknocker" receives particular attention for its detailed accounts of talent scouting and behind-the-scenes dealings during WWE's peak years.
What readers liked:
- Authentic voice that matches his commentary style
- Personal stories about wrestling legends
- Business insights from his executive role
- Direct, honest discussion of industry challenges
What readers disliked:
- Some found the chronological structure jumps around too much
- Several note the books could go deeper into specific events
- Limited coverage of his post-WWE career
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,200+ reviews)
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,000+ ratings)
Reader quote: "Ross tells it like it is without sugarcoating the tough times or overselling the good ones. His voice comes through on every page." - Amazon reviewer
"The business side of wrestling is fascinating but I wanted more personal stories." - Goodreads review
📚 Books by Jim Ross
Under the Black Hat: My Life in the WWE and Beyond (2020)
A memoir covering Ross's career in professional wrestling from 1993 to 2019, focusing on his time as WWE's lead announcer and head of talent relations.
Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling (2017) An autobiography detailing Ross's life from childhood through his early wrestling career up to WrestleMania XV in 1999.
The WWE Championship: A Look Back at the Rich History of the WWE Championship (2011) A historical account of WWE's primary championship belt, chronicling its lineage and most significant title changes from 1963 to 2011.
Can You Take the Heat?: The WWE Is Cooking! (2000) A collection of recipes from WWE personalities combined with wrestling stories and anecdotes from the author's experiences.
Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling (2017) An autobiography detailing Ross's life from childhood through his early wrestling career up to WrestleMania XV in 1999.
The WWE Championship: A Look Back at the Rich History of the WWE Championship (2011) A historical account of WWE's primary championship belt, chronicling its lineage and most significant title changes from 1963 to 2011.
Can You Take the Heat?: The WWE Is Cooking! (2000) A collection of recipes from WWE personalities combined with wrestling stories and anecdotes from the author's experiences.
👥 Similar authors
Michael Cole covered professional wrestling as both a broadcaster and author, focusing on behind-the-scenes stories from WWE and WCW. His autobiographical work shares similar perspective to Ross's as a commentator who witnessed major industry changes.
Jerry Lawler wrote about his Memphis wrestling territory experiences and WWE career spanning multiple decades. His storytelling combines personal anecdotes with historical wrestling business insights.
Chris Jericho detailed his journey through various wrestling promotions including WCW, WWE, and AEW. His books cover many of the same events and personalities as Ross's works but from a performer's viewpoint.
Bob Holly provided an unfiltered account of WWE's operations during the Attitude Era and beyond. His memoir overlaps with Ross's timeline at WWE while offering the perspective of a mid-card wrestler.
William Regal documented his career progression from British wrestling through WCW and WWE. His books explore the business side of wrestling and talent development, areas where Ross had significant involvement.
Jerry Lawler wrote about his Memphis wrestling territory experiences and WWE career spanning multiple decades. His storytelling combines personal anecdotes with historical wrestling business insights.
Chris Jericho detailed his journey through various wrestling promotions including WCW, WWE, and AEW. His books cover many of the same events and personalities as Ross's works but from a performer's viewpoint.
Bob Holly provided an unfiltered account of WWE's operations during the Attitude Era and beyond. His memoir overlaps with Ross's timeline at WWE while offering the perspective of a mid-card wrestler.
William Regal documented his career progression from British wrestling through WCW and WWE. His books explore the business side of wrestling and talent development, areas where Ross had significant involvement.