Jim Ross is heading back out on the road next week, and he says the appearances are doing him good even with a significant procedure on the calendar.
Ross will appear at WrestleCon in Minneapolis from July 31 to August 2 alongside his longtime broadcast partner Jerry Lawler, his first public appearance since his recent health setback. Speaking on Grilling JR, he said he is looking forward to it.
“I’m looking forward to it. Quite frankly, should be fun and entertaining for all involved. Should be good,” Ross said.
Ross has been open about the surgery ahead of him, which is scheduled for August and which his doctors expect will help with the memory and balance issues he has been managing. He did not downplay how it feels to have it in front of him.
“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,” Ross said. “That’s going to be tough to deal with.”
He said his family has stepped in to help, and credited his daughter in particular.
“I got my family helping me out. My daughter Casey’s doing a great job of babysitting her dad,” Ross said. “And I feel for her, because I’m a miserable bastard half the time.”
Looking further out, Ross has a target in mind for getting back on commentary. He said Redemption this weekend and All In at Wembley Stadium on August 30 are different propositions, and he is aiming at the latter.
“I hope so. I’d love to do that. I have my sights set on the UK and Wembley,” Ross said. “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 is being deliberate about how much he takes on.
“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,” Ross said. “I’m very respectful of my health and my time, and I’m excited to be a part of all these type events.”
What keeps him saying yes, he said, is the audience.
“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.”
