Under the Black Hat

Under the Black Hat chronicles wrestling commentator Jim Ross's career from 1993 to 2019, focusing on his time with WWE. The memoir details Ross's experiences as both an on-air personality and an executive who helped shape professional wrestling during a transformative era. Ross recounts his relationships with notable figures like Vince McMahon and Stone Cold Steve Austin, while documenting the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the wrestling business. The narrative follows his navigation through corporate politics, personal challenges, and the evolution of sports entertainment. The book covers Ross's battles with Bell's palsy and the loss of his wife Jan, interweaving his professional achievements with personal struggles. It provides insight into the production of wrestling broadcasts and the process of talent recruitment. This memoir examines themes of resilience and authenticity in an industry known for illusion, while offering commentary on power dynamics in corporate entertainment. The work stands as both a historical record of wrestling's most profitable era and a study of maintaining one's identity within a complex business environment.

Readers found Ross's memoir candid and personal, focusing heavily on his relationship with his late wife Jan and coping with her death. Wrestling fans noted the book covers less behind-the-scenes WWE content compared to Ross's first book, Slobberknocker. Liked: - Raw emotional honesty about grief and depression - Details about Ross's health struggles and brain surgery - Writing style feels conversational and authentic - Strong coverage of his AEW transition Disliked: - Limited WWE backstage stories - Some repetition from his previous book - Less focus on wrestling than expected - Several readers wanted more depth on specific WWE events/personalities Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (400+ reviews) Sample review: "This is more a story about love and loss than wrestling. JR opens up about his darkest moments in a way that helped me process my own grief." - Goodreads reviewer "Expected more wrestling dirt, got a heartfelt memoir instead." - Amazon reviewer

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🎙️ Before becoming a legendary wrestling commentator and executive, Jim Ross started his career sweeping floors and setting up rings for wrestling shows in Oklahoma 🤼 The book covers Ross's second run with WWE (2017-2019) and touches on sensitive topics like his battle with Bell's palsy and the tragic death of his wife Jan in 2017 💼 During his tenure as Head of Talent Relations at WWE, Ross signed future superstars like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and John Cena 📺 The title "Under the Black Hat" refers to Ross's trademark black Resistol cowboy hat, which became his signature look throughout his broadcasting career 🏆 Jim Ross is a member of multiple wrestling Halls of Fame, including WWE (2007), National Wrestling Hall of Fame (2016), and Observer Hall of Fame (1999)