Jim Ross’ Reason for Leaving WWE, Rising NXT Wrestler Hurt

– As reported, Jim Ross will be leaving WWE when his current contract expires on March 29. The move was expected and Ross confirmed his decision during ESPN’s Outside The Lines.

“The main reason I’m leaving WWE is because they weren’t using me very much and I feel like I’ve got some great years left,” said Ross during ESPN’s Outside The Lines. “I needed to get out of the house, and I need to be involved. I need to be on the road, and I need to be around people.”

During 2018, Ross only work three times on TV. He worked at the announce during WrestleMania 34’s Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and also called part of the RAW 25th Anniversary show from the Manhattan Center. Ross also took part fort the Greatest Royal Rumble pre-show, but did not call any matches.

Still, the WWE Hall of Famer and Vince McMahon reportedly ended their lengthy business relationship on good terms.

“I had no issues, I wasn’t mad at anybody — there’s no major controversy here,” said Ross. “I believe WWE in general, as most television producers do, want to get younger. I’ve been around since the mid-70s doing this job that I truly love doing.

There is a major possibility that Ross appears or works in a backstage role for All Elite Wresting; who have their first show, Double Or Nothing, on May 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Below is footage of Ross’ time on ESPN’s Outside The Lines.

– NXT’s Keith Lee is out of action with an undisclosed injury accord to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 

Lee’s last appearance for NXT was a live event victory against Luke Menzies on March 8. Before that, Lee was worked a program with Kassius Ohno that would also see Matt Riddle get involved. 

Before the injury, it appeared that Lee might be used somewhere near or close to the main event scene. Stay tuned for updates on the extent of the injury.