Jim Ross Reveals Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Powerful Message That Fuels His Cancer Recovery
Legendary announcer Jim Ross recently shared triumphant news: he has successfully undergone surgery to beat colon cancer. On his Grilling JR podcast this week, Ross revealed a particularly uplifting moment during his recovery: a heartfelt, 43-minute phone call from his longtime friend, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
Ross described the depth of their conversation, emphasizing the simple yet profound nature of true camaraderie: “I was at home and I got a call from Steve Austin, and when we got off the phone we had talked for 43 minutes. 43 minutes,” Jim Ross explained. He continued, “Here’s what your friends do, they call you they talk to you and at the end of the conversation they tell you they love you and that’s what Steve did.”
The words from The Texas Rattlesnake clearly had a significant impact on JR, providing a much-needed boost during his recovery. Ross added, “That’s what I got and it cheered me up and made me feel strong, vibrant and he said ‘You’re going to beat this and everything’s going to be just fine, ride or die tough it out’. And that’s what I’m going to do.” It's the kind of blunt, yet deeply supportive message you'd expect from "Stone Cold", perfectly tailored to invigorate his old friend.
The mutual respect between Jim Ross and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin traces back to their legendary on-screen and off-screen relationship during the WWE's Attitude Era. Ross played a pivotal role in Austin's ascent to superstardom, notably being instrumental in bringing him into the WWF, a move that would ultimately reshape the landscape of professional wrestling. JR's passionate and unique announcing style was fundamental in cementing Austin's place as one of the most popular wrestlers in history. Their bond even extended to a critical moment in 2003, when Ross was key in convincing Austin to return to WWE amidst frustrations with creative direction.
That deep appreciation for Austin’s impact on the business remains strong for JR. Reflecting on Austin’s appearance at WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Ross recently stated, “He added a lot to WrestleMania, and I’m sure glad he got to make an appearance. He just adds so much to any event that he’s able to be involved in.” He continued, “I’m always going to be a big Stone Cold fan. He has done so much for the pro wrestling business. It’s hard to put into words what he’s meant to pro wrestling. And so I’m a Stone Cold fan, always will be, and I believe in what Steve does. He’s good at making his own decisions. So good for him. Good for Steve. I’m glad he’s doing well, living in Nevada. And he’s just a credit to the business, without question.”
As Jim Ross continues his recovery, this heartwarming exchange with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring friendships forged in the wild world of professional wrestling and the strength they provide during life's toughest battles.