During a recent episode of AEW Dynamite, Jim Ross inadvertently referred to the show as "WWE Dynamite." It certainly wasn't his best moment, but also far from the end of the world. Mistakes happen (especially on live TV), and while it was embarrassing, it was very much a blip on the radar.
Despite that, some fans on social media have really been laying into the WWE Hall of Famer, and Ross responded to them during the latest edition of his "Grilling JR" podcast.
"I don’t know what more I can say than when I addressed it. I made a mistake. It was inadvertent. I’m very sorry I did it, obviously. It was embarrassing," he admitted. "But then all of a sudden, out of that one or two-second bite, here’s what comes out of that for some wrestling fans. I have great respect for the fans. They’ve supported my efforts undeniably for years, through Jan’s death, through leaving WWE, there’s that word again, whatever it may be, they’ve always stood fast."
"I think the criticisms I’ve received have been from a vast minority of defiant young males, and some females, who ascertain these points: ‘I’ve had a stroke’, which by the way, I’ve never had a stroke, but that’s been diagnosed on the internet from my little OPAU, that I’ve had a stroke. I’ve had a bout of Bell’s Palsy," he continued, listing the false claims made online about him. "[Or] 'I have onset dementia,' which wouldn’t surprise me, quite frankly [Laughs]. It’s going to happen to everybody in some way or another. I’ve had everything from people wanting me to die."
Here’s what’s sad about this deal. It’s not about my mispronouncing, it’s a much bigger issue, in my opinion. That’s all it is folks, is my opinion. It’s the flavor of the country right now. It’s just where we are, and it’s sad," Ross concluded. "I don’t know what you call it, the ‘cancel culture?’ I don’t know what the f**k it is. I don’t even know. The thing about it is people quote misinformation without any thought. Bottom line, I’ve been doing this a long time. I still work every week to get better at my job, but I can tell you that this is all on me, and we had a hell of a show."
It feels like Ross hits the nail on the head here, and the sheer level of vitriol from fans has been disgusting over the past couple of weeks. Thankfully, it sounds like he isn't letting it get to him, and the WWE Hall of Famer will continue calling the action on Dynamite each week for the foreseeable future.
Needless to say, we'll keep you updated if Ross shares any additional comments.