“They changed their mind” – Jim Ross reveals who was supposed to replace him in WWE

Jim Ross is widely viewed as one of the most popular WWE commentators ever. The current AEW announcer recently disclosed details about the company’s plan to replace him at the broadcast table in 2007.

Ross was inducted into the 2007 Hall of Fame after a 14-year association with WWE. Although he was unaware at the time, the legendary commentator soon found out that then-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon wanted to replace him.

On his Grilling JR podcast, Ross said former WWE announcer Todd Grisham was initially lined up as his long-term lead commentator replacement. However, the idea never materialized.

“I didn’t realize at the time that it [Hall of Fame induction] was set up for me to get out the door,” Ross said. “I didn’t realize that at the time. Todd Grisham was gonna be my replacement. Good guy. He’s built a great career for himself in MMA, but he was gonna be my replacement come the Fall. Somehow or another, as wrestling goes, it leaked out, and I was told that was the plan, finish up strong, and all that bulls**t. For whatever reason, they changed their mind.” [1:41:12 – 1:41:57]

Grisham commentated on several WWE shows between 2004 and 2011, including ECW and SmackDown. Since leaving WWE, he has worked for companies including DAZN, ESPN, and UFC.

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Why WWE’s higher-ups stuck with Jim Ross

Although he is best known as a commentator, Jim Ross also worked closely with Vince McMahon as a WWE talent relations executive for several years.

Ross believes McMahon wanted to replace him due to his accent and appearance before ultimately deciding he was the best man for the job:

“My work was strong. I didn’t have the look and the physique that they sought, and I sounded southern. So f***ing what? So what? It made me sound different.” [1:41:58 – 1:42:16]

In the same episode, Ross recalled how McMahon once played a “disrespectful” prank on him during the opening match of a WWE pay-per-view.

Do you think Todd Grisham should have been Jim Ross’ long-term replacement? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

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Please credit Grilling JR and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.