Longtime pro wrestling commentator Jim Ross announced Thursday he had been diagnosed with colon cancer.
“Diagnosed this week with colon cancer. Surgery being scheduled in the next week or two. I appreciate your concern and support,” Ross, 73, wrote in a social media post that included the praying hands emoji.
The Oklahoman is known for his emphatic, shocked “My God” — or “By God” — catch phrase which has highlighted wrestling events for decades.
Ross is best known for a sitting ringside at World Wrestling Entertainment from 1993 to 2013, most frequently paired up with Jerry “The King” Lawler. He was elected to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.
He previously worked with a number of promotions, including the defunct WCW.
Ross has been with All Elite Wrestling since 2019, but health issues have resulted in a reduced schedule. He last appeared at the Dynasty pay-per-view event in April.
“All Elite Wrestling joins fans around the world in sending love and support to Jim Ross as he battles colon cancer. J.R. is a valued member of the AEW family, and we stand beside him during his journey toward recovery,” AEW said in a statement.
Ross, who lives with Bell’s palsy, was previously diagnosed and received treatment for skin cancer in 2021 and underwent hip surgery for an unspecified cancer in 2024.
