AEW's Jim Ross Announces Colon Cancer Diagnosis, WWE HOFer Will Undergo Surgery

AEW commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross announced Thursday that he has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

In a post on X, Ross added that he is scheduled to undergo surgery "in the next week or two."

Ross, 73, is among the most legendary announcers in pro wrestling history, particularly thanks to his work during the Attitude Era when he called some of WWE's most iconic moments.

Nicknamed "Good Ol' JR," Ross was a fixture in WWE from 1993 to 2013, earning an induction into the company's Hall of Fame in 2007. He returned on a part-time schedule from 2017 to 2019 before leaving WWE and signing with the upstart AEW promotion.

Ross was initially a lead commentator for AEW, although his role has lessened in recent years, calling select matches at pay-per-view events.

Perhaps the biggest reason for Ross taking on more of a part-time role in recent years is the fact that he has dealt with some health challenges.

In October 2021, Ross announced he had been diagnosed with skin cancer before divulging that he was cancer-free two months later.

Ross later announced in February 2024 that he underwent successful surgery to remove cancer from his hip.

Ross also revealed in December on his Grilling JR podcast (h/t Fightful's Colin Tessier) that his current AEW contract runs through August 2025.