Jim Ross, renowned for his pivotal role in shaping the WWE roster during the 1990s and 2000s, recently addressed criticisms aimed at one of his most notable signings, The Rock, in a podcast episode.
As excitement builds for The Rock’s upcoming tag team match at WrestleMania XL, Ross questioned the negativity surrounding the Hollywood megastar’s return.
Scheduled to team up with cousin Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins on Night One of WrestleMania XL, The Rock’s initial return as a babyface transitioned into a heel persona at the event’s kickoff press conference.
Despite some fan backlash, Ross defended The Rock’s appeal and significance to WWE.
“It’s hard to read comments from those that criticize Rock’s return and how he returned, et cetera, et cetera, ad nauseam. But stop and think about it. You’re a booker, if you’re running the show, and you get an opportunity to retain the services of The Great One, then you don’t even think about it… …That’s a very easy decision to make. I’m glad that he’s back. He seems to be having a good time,”
Ross expressed.
The Rock’s recent self-proclaimed moniker, The Final Boss, signifies his new role as a board member of WWE’s parent company TKO Group Holdings, Inc., adding to his multifaceted persona.
Reflecting on The Rock’s absence from in-ring competition since his last match against John Cena in 2013, Ross drew parallels between The Rock’s return and the legendary baseball figure, Babe Ruth, equating The Rock’s impact to acquiring Ruth as a designated hitter.
“It’s a no-brainer, Conrad. It’s funny that we’re even discussing it. I understand why we’re discussing it, and I’m glad that we are, but golly, man, it’s The Rock. It’s like getting Babe Ruth to be a designated hitter,”
Ross emphasized.
Additionally, Ross recalled an instance where he recommended a WWE star to Triple H after commentating on one of their matches, highlighting the behind-the-scenes dynamics of talent evaluation within the company.
