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Under the Black Hat: My Life in the WWE and Beyond
From legendary wrestling announcer Jim Ross, this candid, colorful memoir about the inner workings of the WWE and the personal crises he weathered at the height of his career is “a must-read for wrestling fans” (Charleston Post Courier).
If you’ve caught a televised wrestling match anytime in the past thirty years, you’ve probably heard Jim Ross’s throaty Oklahoma twang. The beloved longtime announcer of the WWE “has been a driving force behind a generation of wrestling fans” (Mark Cuban), and he’s not slowing down, having signed on as the announcer of the starry new wrestling venture All Elite Wrestling. In this follow-up to his bestselling memoir Slobberknocker, he dishes out about not only his long career, which includes nurturing global stars like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and John Cena, but also about his challenges of aging and disability, his split from collaborator Vince McMahon, and the sudden death of his beloved wife, Jan. The result is a gruff, endearing, and remarkably human-scale portrait, set against the larger than life backdrop of professional wrestling.
Ross’s ascent in WWE mirrors the rise of professional wrestling itself from a DIY sideshow to a billion-dollar business. Under the Black Hat traces all the highs and lows of that wild ride, in which Jim served not only as on-air commentator, but talent manager, payroll master, and even occasional in-ring foil to threats like Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Undertaker. While his role brought him riches and exposure he had never dreamed of, he chafed against the strictures of a fickle corporate culture and what he saw as a narrow vision of what makes great wrestlers—and great story lines. When suddenly stricken with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis that makes it impossible to smile, he started down his greatest fear—being cast out of the announcing booth for good.
Picking up where Slobberknocker left off and ending on the cusp of a new career in a reimagined industry, Under the Black Hat is the triumphant tale of a country boy who made it to the top, took a few knocks, and stuck around—just where his fans like him. Not only being one of the greatest wrestlers of the WWE, Ross is also “a master storyteller, and this book is the perfect forum for his forty years’ worth of tales” (Chris Jericho, former WWE champion).
If you’ve caught a televised wrestling match anytime in the past thirty years, you’ve probably heard Jim Ross’s throaty Oklahoma twang. The beloved longtime announcer of the WWE “has been a driving force behind a generation of wrestling fans” (Mark Cuban), and he’s not slowing down, having signed on as the announcer of the starry new wrestling venture All Elite Wrestling. In this follow-up to his bestselling memoir Slobberknocker, he dishes out about not only his long career, which includes nurturing global stars like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and John Cena, but also about his challenges of aging and disability, his split from collaborator Vince McMahon, and the sudden death of his beloved wife, Jan. The result is a gruff, endearing, and remarkably human-scale portrait, set against the larger than life backdrop of professional wrestling.
Ross’s ascent in WWE mirrors the rise of professional wrestling itself from a DIY sideshow to a billion-dollar business. Under the Black Hat traces all the highs and lows of that wild ride, in which Jim served not only as on-air commentator, but talent manager, payroll master, and even occasional in-ring foil to threats like Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Undertaker. While his role brought him riches and exposure he had never dreamed of, he chafed against the strictures of a fickle corporate culture and what he saw as a narrow vision of what makes great wrestlers—and great story lines. When suddenly stricken with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis that makes it impossible to smile, he started down his greatest fear—being cast out of the announcing booth for good.
Picking up where Slobberknocker left off and ending on the cusp of a new career in a reimagined industry, Under the Black Hat is the triumphant tale of a country boy who made it to the top, took a few knocks, and stuck around—just where his fans like him. Not only being one of the greatest wrestlers of the WWE, Ross is also “a master storyteller, and this book is the perfect forum for his forty years’ worth of tales” (Chris Jericho, former WWE champion).
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First published March 31, 2020
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Jim Ross
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
May 8, 2022
A very good book. This book picks up right where Slobberknocker finished. As I said the writing got better towards the end of that book I am glad that continued into and throughout this book.
J.R's relationship with the WWF/WWE is like the ultimate toxic relationship no matter how badly one side treats the other one they are too in love with them to leave or they just keep coming back. I think he says it best
"Wrestling was my mistress, but she did not always love me back"
The first book was Jim's start in the business now he is well established, though many fans know him for his voice and story telling. Many people probobly did not know his work behing the scenes. Also how much and how hard he works. This is something that really resonates and appeals to me about the story. I have always respected hard work over ability. However when you take someone with all the passion and talent of Jim Ross works harder than anyone not named Vince, you can see the effects and results on the industry.
The book takes takes place from the Attitude era, the good, bad and some terrible angles/storylines. Many of the terrible angles involved Good Old J.R the character not by choice.
This book just has a great nostalgic feel to people like me who were along for the ride of these eras. Even though I switched to altunitives to the WWE after a couple of the terrible angles I still heard or knew everything going on. There are a couple of cross references to story's brought up in Chyna's and Mick Foley and Chris Jericho's book. I would day Jim Ross has seen it all in the business but I had no idea exactly how involved he was. As much as I respect hard work Jim's love and obsession of the business had wrestling at the top everything and everyone else was second onwards. I wish Jim luck in the future. Never the end as he said retirement never lasts in this business.
J.R's relationship with the WWF/WWE is like the ultimate toxic relationship no matter how badly one side treats the other one they are too in love with them to leave or they just keep coming back. I think he says it best
"Wrestling was my mistress, but she did not always love me back"
The first book was Jim's start in the business now he is well established, though many fans know him for his voice and story telling. Many people probobly did not know his work behing the scenes. Also how much and how hard he works. This is something that really resonates and appeals to me about the story. I have always respected hard work over ability. However when you take someone with all the passion and talent of Jim Ross works harder than anyone not named Vince, you can see the effects and results on the industry.
The book takes takes place from the Attitude era, the good, bad and some terrible angles/storylines. Many of the terrible angles involved Good Old J.R the character not by choice.
This book just has a great nostalgic feel to people like me who were along for the ride of these eras. Even though I switched to altunitives to the WWE after a couple of the terrible angles I still heard or knew everything going on. There are a couple of cross references to story's brought up in Chyna's and Mick Foley and Chris Jericho's book. I would day Jim Ross has seen it all in the business but I had no idea exactly how involved he was. As much as I respect hard work Jim's love and obsession of the business had wrestling at the top everything and everyone else was second onwards. I wish Jim luck in the future. Never the end as he said retirement never lasts in this business.
December 29, 2020
Under the Black Hat is the second volume in the biography of wrestling commentator and personality Jim Ross.
While I was a little let down by Slobberknocker, thinking it was a little insubstantial given Jim Ross's career, I was open to reading the second book. My wife got it for me for Christmas and I breezed through it the following Monday.
Under the Black Hat starts with Jim Ross becoming head of talent relations and ends with him leaving the WWE after calling one last Wrestlemania less than two weeks after his wife of 25 years was tragically killed and hits a lot of high and low points in between.
Vince McMahon sounds like a real mother fucker to work for but the WWE was pretty much the only game in town for almost 20 years so I guess Jim didn't have much of a choice other than to come back whenever they called despite being fired a few times.
Anyway, events like the death of Owen Hart, exodus of Jeff Jarrett, and retirement of Steve Austin are explored from Jim Ross's point of view. Ross gives an inside view of the pressures of working for the WWE during the Attitude boom. It sounds like it was a continuous dick measuring contest between Vince McMahon, the wrestlers, and good old JR.
There are topics I wish he'd spent more time on but overall I thought this was a much better book than Slobberknocker, with more emotion showing through. I could feel Ross's sadness and frustration at times. It had to be hell to have your dream job but constantly be in fear of someone yanking the rug out from under you.
Under the Black Hat is a great closing chapter to Jim Ross's WWE career. Four out of five stars.
While I was a little let down by Slobberknocker, thinking it was a little insubstantial given Jim Ross's career, I was open to reading the second book. My wife got it for me for Christmas and I breezed through it the following Monday.
Under the Black Hat starts with Jim Ross becoming head of talent relations and ends with him leaving the WWE after calling one last Wrestlemania less than two weeks after his wife of 25 years was tragically killed and hits a lot of high and low points in between.
Vince McMahon sounds like a real mother fucker to work for but the WWE was pretty much the only game in town for almost 20 years so I guess Jim didn't have much of a choice other than to come back whenever they called despite being fired a few times.
Anyway, events like the death of Owen Hart, exodus of Jeff Jarrett, and retirement of Steve Austin are explored from Jim Ross's point of view. Ross gives an inside view of the pressures of working for the WWE during the Attitude boom. It sounds like it was a continuous dick measuring contest between Vince McMahon, the wrestlers, and good old JR.
There are topics I wish he'd spent more time on but overall I thought this was a much better book than Slobberknocker, with more emotion showing through. I could feel Ross's sadness and frustration at times. It had to be hell to have your dream job but constantly be in fear of someone yanking the rug out from under you.
Under the Black Hat is a great closing chapter to Jim Ross's WWE career. Four out of five stars.
March 30, 2020
Under The Black Hat is the second volume of a two-book series detailing the life and career of Hall of Fame pro wrestling broadcaster, Jim Ross.
I’ve yet to read Jim Ross’ first book, Slobberknocker. No real reason other than the fact that I haven’t yet gotten around to it. While I do plan to still read that one, I jumped at the chance to read Jim’s new book when it was offered to me for review from the publisher.
The second part of Ross’ story covers the year 1999 all the way to present day. Given that timeline, you get stories about the Attitude Era, the failed launch of Vince McMahon’s XFL and the many repeated attempts to remove Ross from commentary and replace him with someone else. The latter being the most frustrating. I’m not about to victim blame here because let’s face it, we all have to eat a little crow once in a while during our careers, but the way in which Ross had been treated over the years by McMahon and the WWE came across as sociopathic at times – hazing and bullying at its finest. While he doesn’t appear to hold any ill will, I can’t understand the way in which Vince’s mind operates.
Ross also tells of the infamous Summerslam fiasco that resulted in his forced “retirement” from WWE. Ross had been tasked with moderating a panel in which fellow Hall of Famer Ric Flair had a few too many resulting in several non-PG stories. For those plugged into the online wrestling chatter, you may already be familiar with this story and Ross’ telling of the event pretty much matches up with what was reported. Fortunately, this would lead into Ross beginning his podcast and exploring speaking tours.
Outside of the more unsavory moments in Ross’ WWE career, I liked reading about the various hats (pardon the pun) that Jim had worn for WWE over the years. Not only was he responsible for some of the most iconic calls in the history of wrestling itself, he had also been placed in charge of scouting and developing prospects who would blossom into bonafied superstars (John Cena, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar and Dave Bautista, just to name a few). Also, as weird as it sounds, I really enjoyed Jim’s breakdown of how payroll and WWE’s bonus structure is worked out. I’m a geek for stuff like that.
The most painful aspect of the book deals with the loss of his wife, Jan. Jan was Jim’s anchor through the toughest and most difficult moments of his life as well as the person whom he shared his highest of highs. Losing your partner is beyond difficult, but to lose them suddenly and without warning can only be a level of grief I can not even begin to imagine.
If you’re looking for some AEW (All Elite Wrestling) stories, you’re not going to find them here. Jim rarely speaks at all about his new role, but he’s only been in this new role since Spring of 2019 and you have to imagine the book had to have been mostly written by that point.
I think in terms of learning new information, I can’t say that I feel like I learned a whole lot. Then again, I’ve read countless books written by wrestlers, historians and industry professionals that cover this same time period. That said, I can’t say I was bored at any point. For lapsed fans from the late 90s to modern fans alike, Jim Ross’ Under The Black Hat is a smooth and easy read that tells the story of one of wrestling’s most valuable players.
I’ve yet to read Jim Ross’ first book, Slobberknocker. No real reason other than the fact that I haven’t yet gotten around to it. While I do plan to still read that one, I jumped at the chance to read Jim’s new book when it was offered to me for review from the publisher.
The second part of Ross’ story covers the year 1999 all the way to present day. Given that timeline, you get stories about the Attitude Era, the failed launch of Vince McMahon’s XFL and the many repeated attempts to remove Ross from commentary and replace him with someone else. The latter being the most frustrating. I’m not about to victim blame here because let’s face it, we all have to eat a little crow once in a while during our careers, but the way in which Ross had been treated over the years by McMahon and the WWE came across as sociopathic at times – hazing and bullying at its finest. While he doesn’t appear to hold any ill will, I can’t understand the way in which Vince’s mind operates.
Ross also tells of the infamous Summerslam fiasco that resulted in his forced “retirement” from WWE. Ross had been tasked with moderating a panel in which fellow Hall of Famer Ric Flair had a few too many resulting in several non-PG stories. For those plugged into the online wrestling chatter, you may already be familiar with this story and Ross’ telling of the event pretty much matches up with what was reported. Fortunately, this would lead into Ross beginning his podcast and exploring speaking tours.
Outside of the more unsavory moments in Ross’ WWE career, I liked reading about the various hats (pardon the pun) that Jim had worn for WWE over the years. Not only was he responsible for some of the most iconic calls in the history of wrestling itself, he had also been placed in charge of scouting and developing prospects who would blossom into bonafied superstars (John Cena, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar and Dave Bautista, just to name a few). Also, as weird as it sounds, I really enjoyed Jim’s breakdown of how payroll and WWE’s bonus structure is worked out. I’m a geek for stuff like that.
The most painful aspect of the book deals with the loss of his wife, Jan. Jan was Jim’s anchor through the toughest and most difficult moments of his life as well as the person whom he shared his highest of highs. Losing your partner is beyond difficult, but to lose them suddenly and without warning can only be a level of grief I can not even begin to imagine.
If you’re looking for some AEW (All Elite Wrestling) stories, you’re not going to find them here. Jim rarely speaks at all about his new role, but he’s only been in this new role since Spring of 2019 and you have to imagine the book had to have been mostly written by that point.
I think in terms of learning new information, I can’t say that I feel like I learned a whole lot. Then again, I’ve read countless books written by wrestlers, historians and industry professionals that cover this same time period. That said, I can’t say I was bored at any point. For lapsed fans from the late 90s to modern fans alike, Jim Ross’ Under The Black Hat is a smooth and easy read that tells the story of one of wrestling’s most valuable players.
April 17, 2020
This was definitely one of the most emotionally touching wrestling books I've read. The tragic death of Jim's wife, and his love for her, permeate the whole story. The other theme throughout the book is the bizarre relationship between Jim and Vince McMahon. It is a very complicated relationship that has clearly left some lasting scars. The way Jim was used in various angles during the latter half of his career in WWE really boggle the mind, and it's not clear what was accomplished.
Just like Ross's first book, I felt like there could have been more to tell. I enjoyed the random details like him, Shawn and Undertaker having a drinking session around a fire after WrestleMania 26. For someone with Ross's career, I feel like there must be so many more stories of things he's seen that he could have talked about. But don't get me wrong, this is still an enjoyable book.
Just like Ross's first book, I felt like there could have been more to tell. I enjoyed the random details like him, Shawn and Undertaker having a drinking session around a fire after WrestleMania 26. For someone with Ross's career, I feel like there must be so many more stories of things he's seen that he could have talked about. But don't get me wrong, this is still an enjoyable book.
August 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this book more than I expected to! Jim Ross made every single story he told so entertaining, emotional, and real! There were things in this memoir that I would have never expected to hear about the wrestling business in this memoir! The way Ross talks about his relationship with the business that he loves and the wife that he loves is incredible. He brings forth issues that I feel need to be discussed about the wrestling business in a way that makes people understand the toll this business can take on people and their relationships, the emotional war that people in this business experience frequently. I really hope that he writes another book soon!
June 4, 2020
Awesome.
As an avid, die-hard fan of pro wrestling, I was interested in this book. BUT when I saw that the Audible version was narrated by Good Ol' JR HIMSELF=one of, if not THE best commentator for wrasslin' for over 30 years, (currently calling matches for AEW), he was for decades THE. VOICE. OF. WWE...and of many ppl's childhoods; well, THEN my decision was a no-brainer= if Good Ol' JR was the narrator, and I could hear wrasslin' tales from THE VOICE of wrasslin', well this became a book that I HAD to get; and I am so very glad that I did.
Jim Ross provides a lot of 'behind-the-scenes' stories of the goings on at WWE, including his loving-but-at-times-tumultulous-relationship with WWE owner Vince McMahon, his off camera work in talent relations + the many great wrestlers he himself signed (among them: The Rock, Stone Cold, and Becky Lynch), his work in NXT/developmental systems for WWE, and of course, many tales from traveling the road as the lead announcer for WWE's Monday Night RAW + PPVs.
I cannot say if this book would be enjoyed as much by non-wrestling fans, as I have been a biased WWE mark since I was about 6 years old. However, so many of the people involved are world famous and would be recognized by non-wrestling fans as well...? For example, JR tells one story of the night of Wrestlemania 26, when The Undertaker defeated Shawn Michaels in the last match of Michaels' career- his retirement match. At the end of the night, the 3 of them had a campfire in a parking lot, drank some beers, listened to country music and told tales. Is THAT not still interesting, even if you're NOT a wrestling fan?
This book is emotional, real and raw (no pun intended). JR frankly discusses the health problems he dealt with (abdominal issues, bowel re-sectioning, and mainly his 3 bouts of Bell's Palsy) + how WWE didn't want him on camera afterwards, as due to Bell's Palsy, his face was "unable to make a smile", and he often has to hold one side of his face with his hand in order to be understood clearly. This was not a popular decision in the eyes of the fans. He also tells many tales of Vince deciding to include him in story lines, mostly to "have the shit kicked out" of him and "to be humiliated over and over again in front of millions because it made Vince laugh."
JR doesn't hold back from the truth, in regards to wrestling + life at large. The love between he and his wife Jan, is apparent in every word he speaks about her. The last section of the book, in which his "beloved Jan" suffers her auto accident is heartbreaking.
Good Ol' JR is a man of words by profession, and his writing is damn near as great as his commentating. Listening to his famous voice telling tales for a few hours was a complete delight. Thanks, JR. --Jen from Quebec :0)
(PS) I'm a .@JRsBBQ fan for life! One of the MAIN reasons I watch AEW in addition to WWE + NXT is because JR is now the announcer for THEIR wrestling action.
As an avid, die-hard fan of pro wrestling, I was interested in this book. BUT when I saw that the Audible version was narrated by Good Ol' JR HIMSELF=one of, if not THE best commentator for wrasslin' for over 30 years, (currently calling matches for AEW), he was for decades THE. VOICE. OF. WWE...and of many ppl's childhoods; well, THEN my decision was a no-brainer= if Good Ol' JR was the narrator, and I could hear wrasslin' tales from THE VOICE of wrasslin', well this became a book that I HAD to get; and I am so very glad that I did.
Jim Ross provides a lot of 'behind-the-scenes' stories of the goings on at WWE, including his loving-but-at-times-tumultulous-relationship with WWE owner Vince McMahon, his off camera work in talent relations + the many great wrestlers he himself signed (among them: The Rock, Stone Cold, and Becky Lynch), his work in NXT/developmental systems for WWE, and of course, many tales from traveling the road as the lead announcer for WWE's Monday Night RAW + PPVs.
I cannot say if this book would be enjoyed as much by non-wrestling fans, as I have been a biased WWE mark since I was about 6 years old. However, so many of the people involved are world famous and would be recognized by non-wrestling fans as well...? For example, JR tells one story of the night of Wrestlemania 26, when The Undertaker defeated Shawn Michaels in the last match of Michaels' career- his retirement match. At the end of the night, the 3 of them had a campfire in a parking lot, drank some beers, listened to country music and told tales. Is THAT not still interesting, even if you're NOT a wrestling fan?
This book is emotional, real and raw (no pun intended). JR frankly discusses the health problems he dealt with (abdominal issues, bowel re-sectioning, and mainly his 3 bouts of Bell's Palsy) + how WWE didn't want him on camera afterwards, as due to Bell's Palsy, his face was "unable to make a smile", and he often has to hold one side of his face with his hand in order to be understood clearly. This was not a popular decision in the eyes of the fans. He also tells many tales of Vince deciding to include him in story lines, mostly to "have the shit kicked out" of him and "to be humiliated over and over again in front of millions because it made Vince laugh."
JR doesn't hold back from the truth, in regards to wrestling + life at large. The love between he and his wife Jan, is apparent in every word he speaks about her. The last section of the book, in which his "beloved Jan" suffers her auto accident is heartbreaking.
Good Ol' JR is a man of words by profession, and his writing is damn near as great as his commentating. Listening to his famous voice telling tales for a few hours was a complete delight. Thanks, JR. --Jen from Quebec :0)
(PS) I'm a .@JRsBBQ fan for life! One of the MAIN reasons I watch AEW in addition to WWE + NXT is because JR is now the announcer for THEIR wrestling action.
April 16, 2020
Suffers the exact same problem as his first autobiography as it feels like he's just skimming through everything, barely touching down to really dig into the meat that J.R. would uniquely have from living through all this, with the book in this iteration only leaving the stuff we already know. Now, I realize if J.R. actually wrote an autobiography on his life with deep, fleshed out detail it'd be thousands upon thousands of pages long, I'm just looking for a happy middle ground with something that has a little more substance and that feels "worth" reading rather than just for how much you may like J.R..
May 24, 2020
Something about this guy's voice is calming to me. Maybe I'm crazy. Anyway, it could also be that I just enjoy listening to an old-timer talk about his strenuous life in wrestling...
May 31, 2020
While a lot of this book is entertaining I was ultimately left feeling sad for JR mainly for the terrible loss of his wife but also for the abusive relationship he had with Vince McMahon. His love for the business kept shoving him into humiliation after humiliation just so he could keep doing the job he loved and excelled in.
August 24, 2020
This book was a good time. Really quick read, and a great nightstand book. Good job, Jim.
April 16, 2020
Fascinatingly awful stuff.
I've been a big fan of Jim Ross for so long that I can't even remember where I first saw him. Maybe on a UWF broadcast on a grainy UHF station in The Bronx in the late '80s...but by the time I moved to upstate New York and had access to cable TV, Ross' exciting, informative commentary made WCW must-see TV for me and my cousins. A big part of my lack of interest in current wrestling (AEW being the exception) is the sorry state of most announce teams. There is truly no one like Jim Ross. I feel like I know the guy. Which made this a painful book to read.
UNDER THE BLACK HAT: MY LIFE IN THE WWE AND BEYOND, Ross' followup to SLOBBERKNOCKER, covers his tenure in the WWE from the Stone Cold/Rock era to the beginnings of the AEW revolution. There are some fascinating behind-the-scenes moments such as Stone Cold Steve Austin's decision to quietly retire, the death of Owen Hart, and the firing of Stacy Carter, which led to Jerry "The King" Lawler walking out. Much of the book, however, is taken up by some truly disturbing stories about how WWE owner Vince McMahon delighted in publicly humiliating and mocking Jim Ross, often on live TV. One of the common threads in almost all stories that I've heard about Vince McMahon is that he has virtually no empathy for his fellow man, and he revels in shaming people with acts of petty revenge. If there was one single takeaway from this book, it is that I will never give Vince McMahon or the WWE one more cent of my money. I hope that someone, some day, gives this hopped-up white trash what he has coming to him.
Aside from all of that, we also have J.R.'s repeated battles with Bell's Palsy, and the sudden, tragic death of his beloved wife, Jan. Despite all of the battles and heartbreak, J.R. manages to keep things optimistic...at the end of the day, he just wants to be a part of his beloved wrestling. He's been given a new lease on life by his involvement with AEW, and as long as J.R. keeps calling matches, "Bah Gawd!", I'll keep watching.
I've been a big fan of Jim Ross for so long that I can't even remember where I first saw him. Maybe on a UWF broadcast on a grainy UHF station in The Bronx in the late '80s...but by the time I moved to upstate New York and had access to cable TV, Ross' exciting, informative commentary made WCW must-see TV for me and my cousins. A big part of my lack of interest in current wrestling (AEW being the exception) is the sorry state of most announce teams. There is truly no one like Jim Ross. I feel like I know the guy. Which made this a painful book to read.
UNDER THE BLACK HAT: MY LIFE IN THE WWE AND BEYOND, Ross' followup to SLOBBERKNOCKER, covers his tenure in the WWE from the Stone Cold/Rock era to the beginnings of the AEW revolution. There are some fascinating behind-the-scenes moments such as Stone Cold Steve Austin's decision to quietly retire, the death of Owen Hart, and the firing of Stacy Carter, which led to Jerry "The King" Lawler walking out. Much of the book, however, is taken up by some truly disturbing stories about how WWE owner Vince McMahon delighted in publicly humiliating and mocking Jim Ross, often on live TV. One of the common threads in almost all stories that I've heard about Vince McMahon is that he has virtually no empathy for his fellow man, and he revels in shaming people with acts of petty revenge. If there was one single takeaway from this book, it is that I will never give Vince McMahon or the WWE one more cent of my money. I hope that someone, some day, gives this hopped-up white trash what he has coming to him.
Aside from all of that, we also have J.R.'s repeated battles with Bell's Palsy, and the sudden, tragic death of his beloved wife, Jan. Despite all of the battles and heartbreak, J.R. manages to keep things optimistic...at the end of the day, he just wants to be a part of his beloved wrestling. He's been given a new lease on life by his involvement with AEW, and as long as J.R. keeps calling matches, "Bah Gawd!", I'll keep watching.
July 11, 2021
Jim Ross is in the WWE Hall of Fame due to his knowledge of the wrestling business, his adoration by the fans, his announcing of some of the most famous matches with his Oklahoma drawl and his love-hate relationship with Vince McMahon. Given all this, his memoir would have to be about many of his adventures in the business of professional wrestling.
It certainly is that, but in the end, this book is truly a love letter to his late wife Jan. Repeatedly crediting her for helping him make through yet another humiliation by McMahon, whether in the office or on the air, Jan was his rock. Ross was fired by McMahon more times than Billy Martin was fired by George Steinbrenner and yet “J.R.” kept coming back. Just one of the many reasons he was adored by fans and wrestlers alike. The best story in the book about his interaction with wrestlers was one in which Ross had one of his lower moments.
In what was billed as the last match for both Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker at Wrestlemania XXVI, the both pushed hard for Ross, not calling matches on the air at this time, to call this one. They seemed to succeed as J.R. and Jan headed off to join them. At the last minute, WWE decided to ‘go in another direction’ (a phrase used often in the book by Ross to explain McMahon’s decisions) and Ross would not call,it. Micheals and the Undertaker still went on with the show but were very angry. Afterward, they invited Ross to their trailer ant the three of them just shared their emotions and stories over adult beverages. Reading this account made it clear that no matter what WWE threw at Ross, he loved the business, loved the shows but mostly loved the people behind it.
This is just one of the many stories that Ross shares to make this book such an enjoyable read. Throw in he clearly shown love for his wife and you have a memoir that is truly a reflection of the feelings of the author. Wrestling fans who fondly remember the voice of J.R. will want to add this to their library.
It certainly is that, but in the end, this book is truly a love letter to his late wife Jan. Repeatedly crediting her for helping him make through yet another humiliation by McMahon, whether in the office or on the air, Jan was his rock. Ross was fired by McMahon more times than Billy Martin was fired by George Steinbrenner and yet “J.R.” kept coming back. Just one of the many reasons he was adored by fans and wrestlers alike. The best story in the book about his interaction with wrestlers was one in which Ross had one of his lower moments.
In what was billed as the last match for both Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker at Wrestlemania XXVI, the both pushed hard for Ross, not calling matches on the air at this time, to call this one. They seemed to succeed as J.R. and Jan headed off to join them. At the last minute, WWE decided to ‘go in another direction’ (a phrase used often in the book by Ross to explain McMahon’s decisions) and Ross would not call,it. Micheals and the Undertaker still went on with the show but were very angry. Afterward, they invited Ross to their trailer ant the three of them just shared their emotions and stories over adult beverages. Reading this account made it clear that no matter what WWE threw at Ross, he loved the business, loved the shows but mostly loved the people behind it.
This is just one of the many stories that Ross shares to make this book such an enjoyable read. Throw in he clearly shown love for his wife and you have a memoir that is truly a reflection of the feelings of the author. Wrestling fans who fondly remember the voice of J.R. will want to add this to their library.
April 14, 2020
Wrestling's backstage stories and politics have always been a source of fascination, and what better character to narrate some of these events than Jim Ross - one of the most successful commentator personalities. Known mostly because of his iconic narrations throughout the most iconic matches during the Attitude Era, he is natural at storytelling - a voice filled with raw emotion.
In this book, he lovingly tells the backstage view on the most important stories in the company in the past 25 years, having been responsible for numerous talent signings. Talents that now belong to the Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, iconic personalities such as Eddie Guerrero or Chris Jericho. It's all here: his weird relationship with Vince McMahon, someone JR describes a "curious cat", a relationship that led to on-screen storylines, mostly bad.
We read through a non-linear narration of events jumping back and forth. Listening to the audiobook was specially great: his voice seems to be tailored for these circumstances. JR knows what emotion to attribute to the sentences, evoking interesting responses in the listener. This is particularly felt during the telling of events that culminated in her wife's death.
In essence, Under The Black hat is a compendium of wrestling knowledge and events encompassing everything a wrestling fan should know about the past three decades. A must read and or listen.
In this book, he lovingly tells the backstage view on the most important stories in the company in the past 25 years, having been responsible for numerous talent signings. Talents that now belong to the Mount Rushmore of Wrestling, iconic personalities such as Eddie Guerrero or Chris Jericho. It's all here: his weird relationship with Vince McMahon, someone JR describes a "curious cat", a relationship that led to on-screen storylines, mostly bad.
We read through a non-linear narration of events jumping back and forth. Listening to the audiobook was specially great: his voice seems to be tailored for these circumstances. JR knows what emotion to attribute to the sentences, evoking interesting responses in the listener. This is particularly felt during the telling of events that culminated in her wife's death.
In essence, Under The Black hat is a compendium of wrestling knowledge and events encompassing everything a wrestling fan should know about the past three decades. A must read and or listen.
April 14, 2020
I fell in love with wrestling autobiographies as a kid through Mick Foley's "Have a Nice Day!: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks" which was easily the first great book about the behind-the-scenes world of wrestling. Over the years I've tried a lot of others. Mick's follow up books were good, and Chris Jericho wrote a trilogy that has surpassed Foley's as my favorite, but almost every other one I've tried fell way short of expectations.
Jim Ross and the story he crafts about the second half of his career easily belongs on the Jericho/Foley side of the shelf, even if it doesn't quite hit those highs.
As a 31 year old man who has had an ebb and flow relationship with professional wrestling Jim Ross was the voice of a large part of my childhood. While I was familiar with most of the stories presented here the glimpse into the relationship between Jim Ross and Vince McMahon was fascinating.
It's impossible to not feel sorry for JR, but at the same time he doesn't just present himself as a victim of bullying. He reveals ways he enabled it all, how some of the burdens of his own childhood can't be blamed on WWE and even how Vince was supportive in his own way to the very end.
I understand why but leaving Jan's death for the last two chapters felt rushed, and some of the dialog felt really stilted. I have no doubt the conversations all happened but it's clear the actual dialog is pieced together and through a JR filter. Otherwise this was a load of fun.
*Disclaimer that I have not read Slobberknocker which covers the first half of JRs life. I will be tracking it down however, especially since Vince wrote the forward to it.
Jim Ross and the story he crafts about the second half of his career easily belongs on the Jericho/Foley side of the shelf, even if it doesn't quite hit those highs.
As a 31 year old man who has had an ebb and flow relationship with professional wrestling Jim Ross was the voice of a large part of my childhood. While I was familiar with most of the stories presented here the glimpse into the relationship between Jim Ross and Vince McMahon was fascinating.
It's impossible to not feel sorry for JR, but at the same time he doesn't just present himself as a victim of bullying. He reveals ways he enabled it all, how some of the burdens of his own childhood can't be blamed on WWE and even how Vince was supportive in his own way to the very end.
I understand why but leaving Jan's death for the last two chapters felt rushed, and some of the dialog felt really stilted. I have no doubt the conversations all happened but it's clear the actual dialog is pieced together and through a JR filter. Otherwise this was a load of fun.
*Disclaimer that I have not read Slobberknocker which covers the first half of JRs life. I will be tracking it down however, especially since Vince wrote the forward to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
Even though this is an autobiography, it acts as a sequel to Jim Ross' first book, "Slobberknocker: My Life in Wrestling," because he didn't tell his full story there. This book primarily focused on his time in the WWE, and this is actually what I was hoping for from his first book (even though I ended up being pleasantly surprised by Ross' pre-WWF stories).
When I've heard Ross in interviews, he often comes off as cranky and disgruntled, but this book helped me understand why. If we are able to totally believe Ross' side of the story, he was seriously mistreated by Vince McMahon. As I write this review in early 2023, there is a lot coming out about Vince McMahon's true character lately, and I read Ross' account through the lens of my new (more negative) view of Vince McMahon. I think McMahon might be a truly bad guy.
I'm not sure if I preferred this book better, or Ross' previous book, but I loved them both. I already appreciated Ross' contributions to the professional wrestling business, and I like him even more now that I've learned more about his life.
Final rating = 4.5 stars
When I've heard Ross in interviews, he often comes off as cranky and disgruntled, but this book helped me understand why. If we are able to totally believe Ross' side of the story, he was seriously mistreated by Vince McMahon. As I write this review in early 2023, there is a lot coming out about Vince McMahon's true character lately, and I read Ross' account through the lens of my new (more negative) view of Vince McMahon. I think McMahon might be a truly bad guy.
I'm not sure if I preferred this book better, or Ross' previous book, but I loved them both. I already appreciated Ross' contributions to the professional wrestling business, and I like him even more now that I've learned more about his life.
Final rating = 4.5 stars
March 19, 2020
Jim Ross is the voice of my childhood, and I was excited to read some more of his stories. I thought I was going to OD on nostalgia throughout the majority of the book. This book is mostly about three relationships Ross has had: Steve Austin, Vince McMahon, and Ross's wife Jan. With his character being an exaggerated version of his real self and the candor offered in his podcasts, Austin is pretty transparent. McMahon is one of the oddest characters in the history of anything, and it is hard not to utterly dislike him...until those moments arise where it is impossible not to like him. The greatest takeaway from this memoir is Ross's love for his wife Jan. Ross shared many stories of her ceaseless love and support, and each simultaneously filled me with joy in seeing a marriage done right and with the dread of knowing what would be coming at the end.
Ross's newest work ranks at the top of wrestling memoirs.
ARC provided by publisher.
Ross's newest work ranks at the top of wrestling memoirs.
ARC provided by publisher.
Read
November 25, 2022ETA: I listened to the audiobook of this. Because JR is a voice from my childhood, and because I just spent 10 hours listening to him, I'm going to be reading everything in his voice for a while.
Giving a starred rating to a memoir is hard because it feels like you're judging the author's life. So I'm not doing it here.
I liked this well enough. But the back and forth with Vince McMahon was repetitive. I understand that JR is just telling us his life the way it happened. But he writes about every break with WWE like it's the last and every reunion like a surprise. I found myself frustrated because it felt like someone writing about going back to an abusive relationship over and over again, which it was. I just don't understand retaining positive feelings for someone who would mock your appearance and disability both on television and in private. For years. I guess I understand continuing to work for someone who does this if you need the paycheck and love the product, but continuing to have good feelings for McMahon on a personal level is some next level Patty Hearst shit.
Anyway, this book was solidly okay. I've always been more interested in the behind the scenes aspects of wrestling, so I'll read anything Good Ol' JR writes.
Boomer Sooner ❤️
Giving a starred rating to a memoir is hard because it feels like you're judging the author's life. So I'm not doing it here.
I liked this well enough. But the back and forth with Vince McMahon was repetitive. I understand that JR is just telling us his life the way it happened. But he writes about every break with WWE like it's the last and every reunion like a surprise. I found myself frustrated because it felt like someone writing about going back to an abusive relationship over and over again, which it was. I just don't understand retaining positive feelings for someone who would mock your appearance and disability both on television and in private. For years. I guess I understand continuing to work for someone who does this if you need the paycheck and love the product, but continuing to have good feelings for McMahon on a personal level is some next level Patty Hearst shit.
Anyway, this book was solidly okay. I've always been more interested in the behind the scenes aspects of wrestling, so I'll read anything Good Ol' JR writes.
Boomer Sooner ❤️
November 5, 2021
This book read strangely like a memoir of narcissistic abuse, except it’s not about a romantic relationship, it’s about Vince McMahon and Jim Ross. And I’m not even saying that flippantly. This isn’t the standard wrestling autobiography fare of locker room anecdotes and salacious gossip, but something strangely more psychological, about one man’s dysfunctional relationship with the business of wrestling, and in turn with Vince McMahon (and you could argue that Vince has been the business, at times). Compelling if alarming at times.
January 4, 2024
This was brilliant. Being a wrestling fan my whole life, it was so interesting to learn the true ins and outs of the business and how’s it run. JR has been one of the biggest parts of wrestling for me, making some of the best and most important moments better with his superior commentating and voice. Wouldn’t have been the same experience without him and learning about his career just emphasised his impact more. Fabulous read. Love you JIMBO!
May 13, 2021
Wonderful book on a life well lived and is still on going. His losses, struggles, and triumphs bring you through the book laughing, crying, and cheering him on.
It is not, like many things in the wrestling world, a tribal affair. He is fair to both his time in WWE and that time outside it. He is a wonderful man.
It is not, like many things in the wrestling world, a tribal affair. He is fair to both his time in WWE and that time outside it. He is a wonderful man.
December 22, 2020
A fascinating look at over 25 years of wrestling history by a man who's seen, called and managed it all. We'll worth a read for anyone interested even the slightest bit in the whacky world of professional wrestling
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2023
Writing was not consistently good. Stories were fantastic, even for someone like me who hasn't followed wrestling since high school.
October 13, 2025
Great second half of Mr Ross' life. A simple man from humble beginnings that ended up in the sheer madness of Pro Wrestling and made his own success through grit and determination.
This is a no holds barred book and the man has had some truly horrendous hands dealt to him in life and still came out the other side as an inspirational figure.
This is a no holds barred book and the man has had some truly horrendous hands dealt to him in life and still came out the other side as an inspirational figure.
April 16, 2020
If you grew up a WWE/F fan, you probably heard play-by-play guy Jim Ross (good ol' JR) blow a gasket hundreds of times to describe the action in the ring. In this book, his second autobiography, he shares plenty of cool announcing stories, but he also peels back the curtain on his off-camera work as the head of talent relations for the company, which entailed working directly under its eccentric CEO, Vince McMahon... and JR offers plenty of candid details about the strained dynamic between the two of them. Overall, this is a must-read for pro wrestling fans.
November 30, 2024
A great sequel to Slobberknocker and it makes you want more. Ross’s honesty is refreshing and it was a super enjoyable read.
August 14, 2021
Didn't want it to end!
April 5, 2020
I liked this better than the first book, in part because I wanted to know more about Ross' takes on the near-decade Vince spent humiliating him and trying to replace him. You get that here, in spades. The first book is still good, though, if you don't know Ross' backstory or the stories of the promotions where he worked.
December 18, 2021
I am not a wrestling fan but my husband is and I am familiar with J.R. through my husband's weekly habit of watching AEW on TV. We also were lucky enough to meet him at a recent show in Boston. We actually listened the the audiobook on a road trip. J.R. is the narrator of the audiobook and it made a big difference listening to him recall his own life stories. It definitely kept my interest even though I am not a fan and was unfamiliar with a lot of the people he spoke about in the book. If you are a wrestling fan, I definitely recommend the audiobook.
April 5, 2020
Anyone who became wrestling fans in the 1980s soon became acquainted with the deliberate, Oklahoma twang of Jim Ross (aka Good Ol' JR). After coming up through the territory system, he gained nationwide exposure as the voice of World Championship Wrestling in the late 80s and early 90s. Effectively pushed out of the Turner-owned WCW in 1993, Ross turned to the then WWF and made his debut at Wrestlemania IX...wearing a toga. Such was a portend of things to come.
Ross was the lead commentator for pay per views and their weekly shows, eventually being paired with Memphis legend Jerry "The King" Lawler. It was the Lawler-Ross team that gave voice to the WWF/E side of the Monday Night Wars of the 1990s. Along the way, Ross rose in stature with the company, eventually becoming Executive Vice President for Talent Relations. In that capacity, he signed some of the biggest names in WWE history, including Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock (Dwayne Johnson).
However, the pressures of working for WWE head Vince McMahon started working on Ross. He has been fired multiple times from the promotion - sometimes in story, sometimes not - but Ross clearly felt many times to be on the outside of the political inner circle. As WWE became a publicly traded company, the corporate culture changed and the folksy Ross did not seem to fit in with the Hollywood script writers and corporate sycophants that McMahon eventually surrounded himself with.
Often, Ross was brought out on RAW to be publicly humiliated by the McMahon family which did not do his mental state any favors. Thanks to the loving support of his third wife Jan, he was able to change his mindset and put aside the petty politics and just do the only job he ever wanted to do.
Sadly, his wife Jan died in March 2017 due to injuries suffered in a traffic accident. Currently serving as the announcer for All Elite Wrestling, Ross has moved on and lives to be a part of the sport he's enjoyed for over 40 years.
The book - while not intending to - shines a light on the troubles WWE has been experiencing. Many of these issues have frustrated long time fans such as myself who see a focus more on "entertainment" (as evidenced by McMahon's phrase of "That's such good s--t!") and less on the actual wrestling. It also provides an illustration of the hypocrisy of WWE's "Be A Star" anti-bullying campaign which it does not apply to its own employees.
Ross has stated on his podcast that he has no ax to grind with Vince McMahon; indeed, his recounting of the events of McMahon's boorish behavior is told in a matter-of-fact fashion. Ross harbors no ill will towards McMahon; nevertheless, the indictment of the latter as a bully and out of touch with his audience is clear from a reading of the book.
BOTTOM LINE: Wrestling fans need not be encouraged to seek this book out. The man they've loved for 4 decades has shared his heart and soul with his fans.
Ross was the lead commentator for pay per views and their weekly shows, eventually being paired with Memphis legend Jerry "The King" Lawler. It was the Lawler-Ross team that gave voice to the WWF/E side of the Monday Night Wars of the 1990s. Along the way, Ross rose in stature with the company, eventually becoming Executive Vice President for Talent Relations. In that capacity, he signed some of the biggest names in WWE history, including Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock (Dwayne Johnson).
However, the pressures of working for WWE head Vince McMahon started working on Ross. He has been fired multiple times from the promotion - sometimes in story, sometimes not - but Ross clearly felt many times to be on the outside of the political inner circle. As WWE became a publicly traded company, the corporate culture changed and the folksy Ross did not seem to fit in with the Hollywood script writers and corporate sycophants that McMahon eventually surrounded himself with.
Often, Ross was brought out on RAW to be publicly humiliated by the McMahon family which did not do his mental state any favors. Thanks to the loving support of his third wife Jan, he was able to change his mindset and put aside the petty politics and just do the only job he ever wanted to do.
Sadly, his wife Jan died in March 2017 due to injuries suffered in a traffic accident. Currently serving as the announcer for All Elite Wrestling, Ross has moved on and lives to be a part of the sport he's enjoyed for over 40 years.
The book - while not intending to - shines a light on the troubles WWE has been experiencing. Many of these issues have frustrated long time fans such as myself who see a focus more on "entertainment" (as evidenced by McMahon's phrase of "That's such good s--t!") and less on the actual wrestling. It also provides an illustration of the hypocrisy of WWE's "Be A Star" anti-bullying campaign which it does not apply to its own employees.
Ross has stated on his podcast that he has no ax to grind with Vince McMahon; indeed, his recounting of the events of McMahon's boorish behavior is told in a matter-of-fact fashion. Ross harbors no ill will towards McMahon; nevertheless, the indictment of the latter as a bully and out of touch with his audience is clear from a reading of the book.
BOTTOM LINE: Wrestling fans need not be encouraged to seek this book out. The man they've loved for 4 decades has shared his heart and soul with his fans.
June 20, 2020
Really fun read for anyone who watched/watches wrestling. Reading this was like listening to the voice of my childhood tell stories around a camp fire.
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