Jim Ross has shot down rumours that he was drunk during an ill-fated promotional event that led to his WWE departure in 2013.
Legendary WWE Hall Of Famer Ross was called upon to host an all-star panel to promote the upcoming WWE2K14 video game during SummerSlam weekend in August 2013. The panel included the likes of ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, Daniel Bryan and ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair.
The event soon got out of hand however, led by a well-hydrated Flair steering the conversation off-topic and allegedly insultng the sponsors of the event.
Ross copped the flack for the promotional disaster and departed WWE soon after at the expiration of his contract.
Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast ‘Grilling Jr’, Ross revealed details of a meeting held with then-WWE Chairman Vince McMahon afterwards, with the Oklahoma native firmly denying rumours that he was intoxicated during the panel:
“That was an interesting meeting, say the least. And I was prepared for it. And I think Vince even thought I came off as a little defiant. I think that’s kind of what he expected. That’s the relationship that we had built.
And I didn’t want to waste his time with some long story of excuses, there wasn’t any excuses there. I screwed up. But the thing about that I was hell bent on standing on was, I was not drunk. I had one cocktail, and I didn’t even finish it.”
Ross would go on to note his regret about the incident, but took full responsibility for his handling of the hosting duties:
“But still, the end result was negative. And that’s what I regret. Still to this very day is I wish I had ended it better.
But I look in the mirror, man. It’s my fault. My fault. So a lot of guys don’t want to take responsibility for their actions. I got no problem with that. I think that was part of my talent relations training.”
Who Does Jim Ross Currently Work For?
Jim Ross is currently contracted to AEW and has been a key part of their broadcast team since joining the company in 2019.
Reports recently revealed that Ross’ contract with AEW is due to expire soon.
If you use any quotes from this article please credit the original source and H/T Inside The Ropes.