WWE announcer Jim Ross has hit out at suggestions he has been “phoning it in” recently on Smackdown.

Writing on his website, Ross, who has been dealing with a bout of pneumonia over the past couple of weeks, wrote: “As you will see in the Q&A section we have just updated, a fan asked me if I was essentially phoning it it on Friday Night Smackdown this week as I did not have the same intensity that I usually have. He said he read on the internet where I was trying to draw attention to myself by doing a lousy job because I am still angry about being on Friday Night SmackDown and not on Monday Night Raw.

“What a load of manure.

“I have been been battling pneumonia for the past two weeks that has included an infected, fluid filled lung. This infection has zapped my strength. My doctor instructed me to stay down for two weeks but I had work to do with the Smackdown tapings in Corpus Christi and a trip the following week to Connecticut to voice over the Smackdown program that aired this past Friday. I never took the two weeks off that I perhaps should have in hindsight and I will be the first to admit that my work the past two weeks wasn’t up to my own personal standards.

“However, for any one to think that I am not giving 100% effort at work is pathetically ignorant. Those that say such B.S. do not know me well nor have they known me long. My work ethic has never been questioned in my career by those that I have worked with or that matter in my life.”

The Hall of Famer added: “All announcers in WWE are encouraged to not yell at the audience and to lay out more and allow the in ring talents to better tell their stories at approiate times. Plus, there are times when the announcers, for whatever reason, are buried in the audio mix and are hard to hear which I feel is an issue with the various networks. Lastly, what one sees on the monitor dictates any broadcasters level of exuberance.

“Bottom line, for those conspiracy theorists who believe they have discovered some unique insight to the wrestling business as it relates to my announcing, try again. Create another conspiracy theory that actually has validity.

“My work may not be everyone’s cup of tea and that’s fine. Some weeks I don’t like it either. My style is unique and isn’t for everyone. But no one has the right to indict me for half assing it at the announce table when I have worked for over 30 years to build a body of work that I hope will stand the test of time, for better or for worse.”

I still find it hard to believe people have a problem with Ross’ work. He’s the best guy in the business at what he does bar none and has been for many years now. You can read his blog entry in full by clicking here.

Phil Lowe
phil@ifight365.com