Jim Ross loves wrestling, and wrestling loves him back — sort of

(Third in a series of review of sports books)

“Jim Ross: Under the Black Hat”

By Jim Ross with Paul O’Brien

Tiller Press

This was a birthday gift from my youngest son, Drew, a full-fledged pro wrestling fanatic. I was only marginally acquainted with the celebrity of Ross, the Hall of Fame broadcaster who for many years was Vince McMahon’s right-hand man with the WWE.

This isn’t Ross’ first book; his autobiography is entitled “Slobberknocker,” which evidently means a violent collision. That’s what Ross’ life was like inside and outside the ring (yes, he actually wrestled a number of times).

Ross writes in a style that makes the book read easily and quickly. He has a true affection for most of the wrestlers for whom he calls matches and a love/hate relationship with McMahon, the bombastic impresario of the biggest pro wrestling organization the world has seen.

The author also suffers from Bell’s Palsy, which combined with a rotund frame has left him with an insecurity complex that haunts him to this day. We read a lot — too much — about his infirmities and the indignities he suffers at the expense of McMahon and his minions.

Nevertheless, it’s a fun book. Also, one that brought tears to my eyes as he described the loss of his third wife, Jan, who died in 2017. While driving a Vespa, she was hit from behind by a 17-year-old driving a Mercury Grand Marquis. His despair was palpable, his loneliness with her gone unimaginable.

So Ross turned two his other life’s love — wrestling — for solace. One can only hope he finds peace and fulfillment as he continues to commentate and entertain audiences around the world.

Readers: did you receive any books over the holidays? Share the books and your thoughts in the comments below.

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