Jim Ross is recovering after undergoing another brain procedure, and longtime podcast partner Conrad Thompson has shared encouraging news on the legendary broadcaster’s condition.
Ross revealed on Tuesday night that he was scheduled for surgery to address an issue involving his shunt. The WWE Hall of Famer had the procedure on Wednesday, continuing a difficult stretch of health challenges that has kept him away from AEW commentary in recent months.
Later Wednesday, Thompson posted an update after hearing from Ross’ daughter. Thompson wrote, “I just heard GREAT NEWS from @JRsBBQ's daughter: Procedure went well. He is in recovery right now. Will hopefully be heading home around 3.”
View the referenced post on X
The update provides the first indication that the latest procedure was completed successfully. Ross’ immediate recovery and anticipated release timeline were not accompanied by further medical details, and no additional information has been provided regarding the specific shunt issue that required treatment.
For more background on this topic, read Eric Bischoff Calls Recent AEW Deaths ‘Concerning’ Following Pac Tribute Show.
Ross undergoing another procedure after August surgery
The latest surgery follows a brain procedure Ross underwent in August. At that time, Ross had a shunt inserted to drain excess fluid. A shunt is a medical device used to help redirect fluid, and Ross later made clear that his most recent surgery was intended to resolve a problem connected to that device.
Ross has been candid about his health status when he has been able to do so, while also keeping the more private particulars of his treatment within his family and medical team. His announcement ahead of Wednesday’s procedure was a significant development because it confirmed that further intervention was necessary after the August operation.
Thompson’s message did not establish how long Ross will need to remain away from his professional obligations. It did, however, offer a positive early report at a time when fans throughout the wrestling industry have been following Ross’ recovery closely.
For decades, Ross has been among the most recognizable and influential voices in wrestling. His calls have accompanied major moments across multiple eras, and his continued presence in AEW has given the company one of the sport’s most experienced broadcasters. That history has made every health update concerning Ross especially meaningful to viewers, colleagues, and fellow performers.
AEW return status remains unclear
Ross had hoped to return to the booth for AEW All In London after the August surgery, but that goal did not materialize. He was also absent from AEW All Out in Chicago. As of Wednesday, neither Ross nor AEW officials had publicly addressed whether he could be available for WrestleDream in Orlando on October 17.
Given the timing of the procedure and the fact that Ross is still in recovery, there is no basis to project a return date. The priority remains his health following the successful procedure. Any decision about commentary work would naturally depend on his recovery process and medical clearance, neither of which has been detailed publicly.
Ross’ absence has been felt on AEW programming, particularly at major events where his voice has often been used to add historical perspective and emotional weight. Even during periods in which he has worked a reduced schedule, Ross has remained an important member of AEW’s broadcast presentation.
His most recent public comments about working through health and travel concerns came after Double or Nothing. Ross called one match at that event, then explained in the days afterward that he had experienced several difficulties surrounding both his health and the trip. He was also hospitalized in June for an undisclosed medical issue.
Those developments preceded the August brain surgery, the subsequent hope of making All In London, and now the additional procedure to address the shunt. The sequence underscores the extent of the challenges Ross has faced this year, even as he has remained connected to wrestling and his audience.
A long history of perseverance
Ross has endured substantial health adversity over the years while continuing to work in wrestling. His resilience has long been part of his public story, and the outpouring of support after Wednesday’s update reflects the standing he holds among fans and people throughout the business.
Known to generations of fans as “Good Ol’ J.R.,” Ross became synonymous with many of wrestling’s biggest matches and most enduring calls. His commentary career includes a vast body of work that helped define major WWE eras before he later joined AEW as part of its original commentary team.
Within AEW, Ross has remained a distinctive voice on pay-per-view broadcasts and other major programming. His experience, familiarity with talent history, and ability to communicate the significance of pivotal moments have been among the reasons the company has continued to value his contributions.
His work with Thompson on the Grilling JR podcast has also kept him in regular contact with wrestling fans beyond television. Thompson’s update on Wednesday carried particular weight because of that close association, while the information itself came through Ross’ daughter.
At this stage, the most important takeaway is that the procedure went well and Ross was in recovery. There has been no announcement concerning complications, an extended hospital stay, or a revised plan for his AEW duties. Conversely, there has also been no indication that he has been cleared to travel or resume broadcasting.
Contract situation has not been updated
Ross’ medical recovery comes amid uncertainty over his contractual status with AEW. At the beginning of August, Ross said that his agreement with the company was set to expire that month. He has not since provided a new update on his status with Tony Khan’s promotion.
That issue remains separate from Wednesday’s medical news, and there is no confirmed information suggesting a resolution in either direction. Ross’ availability has understandably been shaped by his health situation, but no public statement has clarified whether a new AEW deal has been signed or whether an arrangement is being discussed.
For now, questions about Ross’ next appearance, his role at WrestleDream, and his longer-term future with AEW are unresolved. Those answers can wait while he focuses on recovering from the latest procedure.
Thompson’s report offered a welcome positive note: Ross’ operation was successful, he was recovering afterward, and there was hope that he would be able to head home later in the day. As more information becomes available, fans will be watching for any update directly from Ross, his family, or AEW.
Until then, the wrestling community’s attention is rightly on Ross’ recovery. One of the industry’s most celebrated voices has faced another serious medical hurdle, but the initial news from Wednesday is encouraging.
In pictures
Darryl Polo
Darryl Polo is a passionate wrestling fan covering WWE, AEW, TNA and beyond. He loves great rivalries, breakout stars and the moments that keep fans talking long after the bell. How we work.