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DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MARCH 31: Hall of Fame inductee Jim Ross speaks during the 2007 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Fox Theatre on March 31, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan.
For many pro wrestling fans, legendary announcer Jim Ross represents the voice of an entire generation.
“Good Ol’ J.R.,” as he’s often referred to, is a WWE Hall of Famer who served as a play-by-play man for the company across multiple decades and currently works for rival company AEW.
However, Ross had been off the air for multiple months of late, and now we know why.
On the latest episode of his podcast, “Grilling JR With Jim Ross,” he shared that he’d been in the hospital for over a month. Additionally, Ross, who suffered from Bell’s Palsy, revealed that he’s set to undergo an operation on his brain.
Jim Ross Opens Up On Brain Surgery Intended To Drain Fluid
Ross opened the podcast, the first he has appeared on in over a month, alongside co-host Conrad Thompson, who asked Ross how he’d been feeling as well as if he could give fans an update on his health.
Ross was quick to do so, although it may not be the update that some wanted to hear.
“I’m getting ready to have another surgery, brain surgery this time, and that’s going to be an adventure, because I don’t think they’re going to find much, oh God, my brain,” Ross said jokingly.
“I gotta get it addressed, I couldn’t live my life the way it was, you know. I forget sh– and just couldn’t remember things. It’s just horrible. I felt horrible. But that all started with me passing out in my house and being discovered there, and we began an almost 40-day hospital stay.”
Ross then explained that he’s set to undergo a procedure to install a shunt that will drain fluid from his brain. He’s expected to undergo the surgery within the next week or so and will remain in the hospital for around 48 hours, assuming all goes according to plan.
“It’s not optional if I want to get better, and I want to get better for sure,” Ross added. “This is a whole new ball game, and it’s a little scary to be honest with you.”
Now, those who know Ross know he isn’t one to show fear or vulnerability. So the fact that he did so here speaks to the seriousness of the operation.
However, if it’s able to allow the 74-year-old to move forward in a healthier manner, it’s clearly the only option. Here’s hoping the procedure goes off without a hitch and the legendary announcer is back behind the commentary desk before long!