Jim Ross, the voice of a generation for many wrestling fans, is renowned for his vivid commentary and equally captivating stories from behind the scenes. One anecdote that stands out in its sheer unexpectedness is a fascinating story that bridges the gap between the larger-than-life world of professional wrestling and the realm of pop music royalty: the revelation that Michael Jackson’s family were dedicated wrestling fans.
As Jim Ross himself recounted on his blog over a decade ago: “Many years ago I turned down an opportunity to join my wife, along with several WWE corporate types, at a private function at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. I believe the occasion was a birthday party for a Jackson family member.”
His late wife, Jan, attended this unique gathering and made a surprising discovery. “My wife recalls the Jackson kids asking if ‘J.R. was o.k.’ as that apparently was around the time Kane BBQ’ed yours truly,” Ross shared, referring to a memorable on-screen storyline where the demonic Kane seemingly set the commentator ablaze. This concern for J.R.’s kayfabe injury highlighted just how invested the Jackson children were in the wrestling product.
Jan Ross found herself in the midst of genuine wrestling enthusiasm. “Many within the Jackson household followed WWE on TV regularly as Jan remembers getting bombarded with questions and some of the Jacksons have attended WWE events over the years,” said Ross. His wife recalled the experience as being “a great deal of fun.”
Adding a layer of intrigue to the visit, Jan Ross was “pretty sure that she saw Michael in costume wearing a ‘fat suit’ so as to not to distract from the other family member’s birthday celebration by causing a commotion amongst the visiting guests.”
Reflecting on his decision not to attend, especially after Michael Jackson’s untimely death, Jim Ross expressed deep regret: “In hindsight I wish I had accompanied the Mrs on this trip.” He also noted Michael Jackson’s innate showmanship, stating, “Jackson was an impeccable showman with precision like timing and possessed amazing crowd psychology…..which are all enviable traits of a great wrestler in any decade past, present or future.”
As a small but memorable exchange, Ross also shared, “One thing left behind at the Neverland Ranch, by request, was a signed cookbook, ‘Can You Take the Heat’ and a few bottles of J.R.’s BBQ Sauce. Small world indeed.”
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