Revisting WWE Hall-of-Famer Jim Ross' battle with Bell's Palsy

The legendary Jim Ross recently announced that he has been diagnosed with colon cancer and added that a plan for treating the disease is already in place. The 73-year-old WWE Hall of Famer has been an integral part of the professional wrestling business since the 70s. During his long and illustrious career, he has immortalised some  unforgettable moments with his iconic commentary style. However, he has had a fair share of health issues as well. 

Jim Ross has been battling Bell’s Palsy since 1994

Ross joined the WWE (then known as WWF) in 1993 after a short stint with WCW, He suffered his first Bell’s Palsy attack in 1994, shortly after joining the promotion. This forced him to step aside. 

 The neurological disorder, which may cause paralysis of one side of the face, can occur in people of all ages. The exact cause is relatively unknown. However, it is believed that Bell’s Palsy can be caused by stress. 

Diagnosed this week with colon cancer.
Surgery being scheduled in the next week or two.
I appreciate your concern and support.
🙏

— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) May 15, 2025

 Ross was fired from the WWE following his first bout of Bell’s Palsy. He, however, returned to the company a few months later as Vince McMahon-- the then-owner of the WWE– was absent from TV because of a federal trial. 

Ross suffered his second Bell’s Palsy attack in December 1998 while calling a Pay-Per-View event for the company. This kept him out for four months. 

The veteran announcer suffered another Bell’s Palsy attack in 2009. This came at a time when was working with WWE in a full-time capacity. Post this, JR appeared on WWE programming only sporadically. In 2019, he signed a deal with Tony Khan’s All Elite Wrestling (AEW). 

Jim Ross is no stranger to in-ring competition

Besides being a commentator, Ross has also occasionally also wrestled for the WWE. In fact, he once even beat Triple H with help from Batista. Ross  also teamed up with his friend  Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler to take on Al Snow and The Coach at Unforgiven (2003).