Legendary WWE broadcaster Jim Ross has announced that he'll be leaving the WWE to explore other opportunities later this month once his contract expires.
J.R., who has only worked sparingly with the WWE in recent years, explained on the most recent episode of "The Jim Ross Report" podcast that he still wants to do more wrestling play-by-play.
"I'm 67, I still feel I can get the job done doing wrestling play-by-play, and I want to explore that opportunity and possibility," Ross said.
"I'll be moving on in a positive way; nothing but good things to say about everyone involved."
"You know, I have my critics in WWE, as we all do, as people do when you're there for very long. It's a very unique community, and I have no regrets. The smartest thing I ever did was come to work for Vince McMahon in 1993."
He added, “I don’t think I’ll be out of work long.”
Rumors are swirling that J.R. could join All Elite Wrestling, aka AEW, a newly founded promotion that already includes a number of former WWE stars including Cody Rhodes, Chris Jericho and Neville.
Ross spent some time away from WWE between 2013-2017, but signed a two-year contract to call certain events which included the Roman Reigns vs Undertaker match at Wrestlemania 33. He also provided commentary during the RAW 25th anniversary special in January 2018 and the annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at Wrestlemania 34.
He last appeared on WWE programming last April as a pre-show panel guest for the "Greatest Royal Rumble" event in Saudi Arabia.