WWE
Hall of Famer Jim Ross will quit WWE when his contract ends on March 29. In this picture, the World Wrestling Entertainment logo hangs on a wall at a media conference announcing the all-star lineup of WWE WrestleMania XIX at ESPN Zone in Times Square in New York City, March 18, 2003. Mark Mainz/Getty Images

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Famer Jim Ross recently confirmed he will leave WWE after 26 years of service when his contract ends on March 29. He revealed that his departure from the promotion is by mutual consent following a discussion with chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.

Ross paid tribute to McMahon when he revealed his decision on the Jim Ross Report, but made it clear that he was heading down the retirement route. The 67-year-old broadcaster is keen to continue working and is adamant that he can still do wrestling play-by-play.

“I don’t think I’ll be out of work long,” Ross told listeners of the Jim Ross Report, as transcribed by Pro Wrestling Sheet. “I’m 67, I still feel I can get the job done doing wrestling play-by-play, and I want to explore that opportunity and possibility. I’ll be moving on in a positive way; nothing but good things to say about everyone involved.”

“You know, I have my critics in WWE, as we all do, as people do when you’re there for very long. It’s a very unique community, and I have no regrets. The smartest thing I ever did was come to work for Vince McMahon in 1993,” he added.

And according to PWMania, Ross is unlikely to be out of a job soon as he is expected to sign with newly former All Elite Wrestling (AEW), who are actively trying to cut into the popularity of the WWE. They have already made a big impact in the United States and are keen to continue to grow by attracting the best talent in the industry.

The report claims Ross will sign a multi-year deal that will see him earn around $1 million annually. And his close friend Jerry "The King" Lawler almost confirmed it when he recently said the sports entertainment broadcaster “is moving to bigger and better things” meaning he will earn more money than ever before in his next job.

"The cool thing -- the reason it’s not sad -- is because as far as JR is concerned, he’s going to be going onto bigger and better things. When I say bigger and better, I mean, probably more money than he’s ever made before in his life. So, that is a good thing for JR. He didn't elaborate. He didn't mention his future plans,” Lawler said, as quoted on Fightful.

PWMania is stating that the deal will be for three years with options to extend and Ross is expected to play a key role in AEW operations going forward. It will be a big coup for the newly formed promotion backed by billionaire Shahid Khan to land a stalwart of the WWE.

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