Jim Cornette 2023: Biography, Net Worth, Family, Income
Jim Cornette, born on September 17th, 1961 in Louisville, Kentucky, is a former professional wrestling manager, booker, promoter, and commentator who has worked for NWA, WCW, TNA, ROH, and WWE. He currently hosts several podcasts where he provides his unique take on today’s wrestling product.
Cornette began his pro wrestling journey at the age of 14 working as a photographer, ring announcer, and timekeeper in the Memphis territory. His first managerial duties came in 1982 under the name James E. Cornette. He managed Sherri Martel, Dutch Mantell, One Man Gang, and Exotic Adrian Street during this time.
The following year, Cornette headed to Bill Watts’ Mid-South territory to manage a new team called The Midnight Express. He began carrying a tennis racket with him at all times, which became his signature trademark. After winning the Tag Team Championships the duo and Cornette began a long-running and career-defining rivalry with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express.
In 1985 The Midnight Express complete with Cornette’s loud mouth and trusty tennis racket went to Jim Crockett Promotions and quickly became one of the promotion’s most-hated acts. In 1986, Cornette suffered a severe injury during an infamous spot at Starrcade where he fell from a 20-foot scaffold and blew out his knee.
In 1989, Cornette joined Jim Ross at the commentary desk as the new colour commentator for the promotions’ nationally syndicated NWA television show, and on the Saturday night TBS broadcasts. That same year, he joined the booking team as the promotion became known as WCW, however, due to a tumultuous relationship with WCW head Jim Herd, he quit the company after Halloween Havoc 1990.
The following year, Cornette formed the Knoxville, Tennessee-based promotion Smokey Mountain Wrestling. The promotion operated a traditional approach to wrestling with clear babyface vs heel matches and angles. During its four years of existence, the promotion worked with WCW, NWA, and WWE.
These working relationships saw Cornette accompany the Heavenly Bodies to WCW for a feud with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express over the SMW Tag Team Championships while also appearing in WWE as the manager of then-WWF Champion Yokozuna. Following the closure of SMW, Cornette joined WWE full-time as a colour commentator and on-screen performer, where he created Camp Cornette – a group consisting of Yokozuna, Mantaur, Vader, Owen Hart, and The British Bulldog.
He was also a part of the booking committee but after repeated confrontations with Vince Russo and Kevin Dunn, he was removed from the position in 1997. The following year, he lead the NWA invasion managing a stable including Jeff Jarrett, Barry Windham, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, Dan Severn, and a new version of The Midnight Express.
In 1999, he became head booker and part-owner of WWE’s then-developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling. There he was instrumental in helping John Cena, Dave Bautista, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar hone their craft before becoming major players.
After his release from WWE in 2005 following several incidents and heated confrontations with wrestlers, he headed to TNA where he performed as the promotion’s on-screen authority figure titled the Management Director. He was released from TNA in 2009 following disagreements with the creative direction headed by Vince Russo.
Cornette then joined Ring of Honor as the new Executive Producer for their television show where he stayed until 2012 before taking a break from professional wrestling. He returned in 2017 when he inducted the Rock ‘n’ Roll into the WWE Hall of Fame.
In 2018, he joined the re-launch of NWA as a colour commentator, however, controversial comments forced his removal from the promotion. He then joined MLW before announcing his official retirement from commentary in 2019.
Net Worth
Jim Cornette has an estimated net worth of $5 million.
Family
Income
It is reported that Jim Cornette’s income from his YouTube channel is $800,000 per year.
Record
According to Cagematch.net Jim Cornette has competed in 238 matches. Of those matches, 36 were wins, 196 were losses and 6 were draws.
Foundation and Charity
In 2017, Cornette used his real-life rivalry with Vince Russo to raise thousands of dollars for Special Education Needs by selling signed copies of the Protection Order, Russo filed against Cornette.
Age | 67 |
Birthday | May 27th |
Height | 5ft 10in |
Weight | 195lbs |
Marital Status | Married |
Residency | Cody, Wyoming |
Total Matches | 24 |
Matches Won | 9 |
Matches Lost | 14 |
World Championships | 0 |
Annual Salary | $800,000 |
Net Worth | $5 million |
Endorsements | Podcast, Book sales, YouTube. |
Jim Cornette Latest News
Dave Meltzer Slams Jim Cornette For Being Out Of Touch With Modern Wrestling
Dave Meltzer has criticised Jim Cornette's take on modern pro wrestling.
Jim Cornette Reacts To CM Punk’s WWE Return: “They Smell Blood In The Water”
Jim Cornette gives his take on CM Punk signing with WWE.
Jim Cornette Names His 2023 Wrestler of the Year
Jim Cornette names his wrestler of the year.
Jim Cornette Reacts To Violent AEW Match: “They Might Have Lost The Network”
Jim Cornette reviews the Texas Death Match from AEW Full Gear.
Jim Cornette Suggests Big Changes For AEW; Advises Tony Khan To “Bow The F*** Out”
Jim Cornette wants major changes to be made in AEW.
Jim Cornette Blasts “Gutless” Former WWE Champion
Jim Cornette didn't hold back with his criticism of one "pandering" former WWE Champion.
Jim Cornette Questions If AEW Needs Ric Flair: “It’s Hard For The Young Guys To Get Over”
Jim Cornette gives his thoughts on Ric Flair recently signing with AEW.
Audible CM Punk Chant Features On WWE Raw; November 7th Live Wrestling News Round-Up
A CM Punk chant broke out during WWE Raw, the first WarGames match for this year's Survivor Series is official, and Gene Snitsky has made a surprise WWE appearance!
Will Jim Cornette Be At AEW Dynamite Tomorrow Night?
Jim Cornette has been offered an invitation to attend the next taping of AEW Dynamite.
Jim Cornette Blasts AEW Stars For Lack Of Effort: “How Is It Hard To Figure This Out?”
Jim Cornette isn't afraid to take certain AEW wrestlers to task.
Jim Cornette Blasts Tony Khan Over Social Media Activity
Jim Cornette has given his perspective on some of Tony Khan's posts on social media.
Overall Thought In AEW Is That Tony Khan Should Step Away From Social Media
Tony Khan didn't hold anything back this week on social media, but the reported thought in AEW is that he should put his phone down.
Jim Cornette Claims “Genetic Marvel” Shelton Benjamin Could Outwork AEW Roster
Jim Cornette believes Shelton Benjamin could wrestle circles around a number of AEW stars.
Teddy Long Recalls Making Jim Cornette An “Honorary Black Muslim”
Teddy Long spoke recently about the time he made Jim Cornette and honorary Black Muslim.
Jim Cornette Heaps Praise On “Perfect” WWE Star Gunther
Jim Cornette is a big fan of record-setting Intercontinental Champion Gunther.
“Sometimes The Bad Guys Win” – Jim Cornette Blasts Tony Khan’s Treatment Of CM Punk
Jim Cornette believes that Tony Khan has made a massive mistake by firing CM Punk, one that will affect the future of the company.
“I’m Surprised CM Punk Didn’t Kick Him In The F*cking Pussy” – Jim Cornette Slams Tony Khan
Jim Cornette has spoken out about Tony Khan's handling of the CM Punk and Jack Perry incident.
“They Need Jade Cargill Back” – Jim Cornette Blasts AEW’s Women’s Division
Jim Cornette has called for the return of Jade Cargill to the AEW women's division.
“He’s So F*cking Entertaining” – Jim Cornette Heaps Praise On MJF
Jim Cornette has shared his thoughts on MJF vs. Adam Cole at All In and branded MJF as "f*cking entertaining."
Exclusive: Orange Cassidy Not Bothered By Jim Cornette’s Criticism
Orange Cassidy has a freshly-squeezed take on Jim Cornette's critique.
Jim Cornette Brands Recent AEW Match “The Fakest Most Embarrassing Thing” In The History Of Wrestling
Jim Cornette has given constructive feedback on a recent AEW match that has divided opinions.
Jim Cornette Blasts “Petulant Child” Jack Perry, Comes To Defence Of CM Punk
Jim Cornette has come to the defence of CM Punk, but the veteran doesn't have the same love for Jack Perry.
Jim Cornette Blasts AEW’s Glamorization Of ECW, Claims It “Paved The Way For Drug Abuse”
Jim Cornette thinks the dust shouldn't have been blown off the ECW letters.
Jim Cornette Offers Advice To Rising AEW Star Jack Perry
Jim Cornette has suggested a minor tweak that Jack Perry needs to make to his AEW presentation.
Matt Hardy Praises “Special” AEW Blood & Guts
Matt Hardy thinks AEW Blood & Guts was DELIGHTFUL.