Jim Ross Discusses Brain Surgery, Targets AEW All In Return

Jim Ross is gearing up for an eventful stretch that will see him make a public return before undergoing brain surgery he says has him understandably on edge.

The legendary commentator is set to reunite with longtime broadcast partner Jerry Lawler at WrestleCon in Minneapolis from July 31 through August 2, marking his first public appearance since his recent health struggles came to light. Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Ross made clear he’s looking forward to getting back in front of fans.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Ross said. “Quite frankly, should be fun and entertaining for all involved. Should be good.”

That appearance comes just weeks before Ross is scheduled to undergo brain surgery in August, a procedure doctors hope will resolve memory and balance issues he’s been dealing with. Ross didn’t sugarcoat his nerves about the operation.

“My surgery’s coming up in a few weeks, which has got me kind of worried, because they’re operating on your brain and all that,” he said. “That’s going to be tough to deal with.”

Through it all, Ross credited his family for helping him manage the lead-up to surgery, singling out his daughter Casey for the support she’s provided.

“I got my family helping me out,” Ross said. “My daughter Casey’s doing a great job of babysitting her dad. And I feel for her, because I’m a miserable bastard half the time.”

Even with a major medical procedure looming, Ross is already eyeing a return to the announce table. He indicated that AEW’s upcoming Redemption event is likely too soon for him to be back, but he’s hopeful he can be cleared in time for AEW All In at Wembley Stadium on August 30.

“I hope so. I’d love to do that,” Ross said. “I have my sights set on the UK and Wembley. It’s a big event, and it’s a good trip. It’s a nonstop flight, and I enjoy that opportunity. So that’s kind of where I’m setting my sights.”

Ross said he intends to be smarter about pacing himself going forward rather than piling on too many commitments at once.

“Hopefully, if I don’t overbook myself and I take my time and spread these appearances out a little bit, we’re going to be doing good,” he said. “I’m very respectful of my health and my time, and I’m excited to be a part of all these type events.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his health, Ross made it clear that connecting with fans remains one of his biggest motivators.

“I know how many more of these I got in me, but as long as I can do it and represent, I’m going to do it, because it’s fun to do,” Ross said. “These appearances are fun to do. They make me feel better, and psychologically, it’s just a win win.”

Ross has long been one of wrestling’s most beloved voices, and his health journey over the past several years has been closely followed by fans who grew up on his calls from WWE’s Attitude Era through his current run with AEW. A Wembley Stadium return for All In would be a fitting landmark moment, but for now, WrestleCon in Minneapolis and a successful surgery are the priorities standing in the way.

The wrestling world will undoubtedly be pulling for Ross as he approaches this next chapter, with plenty of fans hoping his familiar voice is back on commentary in time for one of AEW’s biggest shows of the year.