WWE legend Jim Ross, 73, diagnosed with cancer after years of health struggles

Jim Ross has given a heartbreaking health update (Picture: AEW)

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

The 73-year-old broadcaster, who has been affectionately nickname by fans as Good Ol’ JR, was the voice of professional wrestling for the iconic Attitude Era.

He has been been candid with fans over the last few years after a series of health battles, including overcoming skin cancer and needing surgery related to the disease on his right hip.

In a heartbreaking update on Thursday, Ross wrote on X: ‘Diagnosed this week with colon cancer.’

The wrestling icon – who is currently employed by Tony Khan’s All Elite Wrestling (AEW) – added that he’ll be undergoing surgery this month.

‘Surgery being scheduled in the next week or two,’ he continued. ‘I appreciate your concern and support. 🙏’

JR was the voice of the Attitude Era alongside Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler (Picture: WWE)

Ross, who has worked alongside the likes of Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler, Michael Cole and more over his illustrious career, has faced a myriad of health issues over the past few years.

Almost exactly a year ago, Ross revealed he had been taken to hospital ‘unexpectedly’, but did not given any further details about what’s to come.

He wrote on X: ‘Unexpected trip to ER in Norman this morning. Shortness of the breath. That’s all for now.’

NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 19: WWE legend Jim Ross attends the world premiere of "Queen Of The Ring" at the 25th annual Newport Beach Film Festival at Lido Theater on October 19, 2024 in Newport Beach, California. (Photo by Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
Ross now works for WWE rivals AEW (Picture: Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)

In October 2021, he was diagnosed with skin cancer, and subsequently underwent radiation treatments with over 20 sessions to overcome the illness in 2023.

He was subsequently still undergoing treatment to deal with wounds from radiotherapy.

Meanwhile, in February 2024, he was seen walking with a cane after breaking his hip.

‘First full day on Jax Beach and out of the rehab facility! Using a cane for now. Improving daily. Broken hip responding well,’ he told fans at the time.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - MARCH 10: WWE Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross attends "What Now" Los Angeles Film Premiere at Laemmle Music Hall on March 10, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Paul Redmond/WireImage)
Fans have sent JR messages of support (Picture: Paul Redmond/WireImage)

Fans have already started to send prayers and messages of support for the pioneer, who has also been credited with helping WWE sign the likes of John Cena, Randy Orton and Trish Stratus.

‘JR is a fighter. So much love for Jim, and sending all the positive vibes for him for this surgery and his recovery ❤️,’ wrote Inside The Ropes editor Kenny McIntosh on X.

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