Legendary wrestling broadcaster Jim Ross knows what it’s like to be in the ‘hot seat’ as the lead play-by-play announcer of WWE Raw. JR held that post during the Attitude Era, the popularity pinnacle of WWE’s storied history.
Jim Ross appeared on the Dan Le Batard Show this week and discussed Adnan Virk’s brief stint with WWE. Virk took over JR’s old job as Raw lead announcer right after WrestleMania 37 and lasted just six weeks before getting cut.
Ross feels that Adnan Virk is a talented broadcaster who probably should have gotten more time to prove himself. However, pro wrestling is a unique animal. It is unlike other professional sports. In hindsight, Adnan Virk may not have had enough product knowledge to make the most of the opportunity he was given.
“Adnan got put on TV in a very unique product before he was ready, from a product knowledge standpoint,” said Ross. “Wrestling fans today, with social media and all the information flow, they have a great sense of what they like and what might be wrong. He’s a solid broadcaster and they rushed to judgment too quick.”
JR also commented on what it’s like for broadcasters to work for Vince McMahon. He says Vince likes to “impose his will” and has a very distinct vision for what he’s looking for
“The simple fact is, they mis-assigned Adnan. He should’ve had more work in other areas and other TV shows, lord knows they have plenty of them, to get his chops under him. Vince is a strange cat and he’s the boss. If he doesn’t hear something he likes, he makes a quick decision.”
You can listen to Jim Ross on the Dan Lebatard Show on Apple Podcasts.
