In the brand new installment of his “Grilling JR” podcast, WWE legend Jim Ross has unearthed intriguing info surrounding his tumultuous return to WWE in mid-1994, following his unexpected termination earlier that 12 months. Ross, a pivotal discern in wrestling commentary, shed mild on the tough dynamics that unfolded during this period, appreciably involving WWE stalwart Gorilla Monsoon and the enigmatic Randy Savage.
Amidst WWE founder Vince McMahon’s absence because of neck surgery and legal battles over steroid distribution prices, Gorilla Monsoon was entrusted with McMahon’s commentary position alongside Randy Savage and previous NFL superstar Art Donovan on the ill-fated 1994 King of the Ring pay-per-view. This event, infamous in WWE records for its lackluster remark, saw Monsoon and Savage struggling to find synergy, as discovered with the aid of Ross in his podcast.
“I felt so bad for Monsoon because Monsoon was not a big fan of Randy Savage,” Ross lamented, attributing the discord to clashing personalities and strong egos. “For whatever reason, they just did not blend well together,” he added, highlighting the challenging dynamics between two wrestling icons known for their larger-than-life personas.
Following the debacle at King of the Ring, Monsoon reportedly reached out to Ross, expressing his disappointment with the broadcast’s quality. “Did you see that shit… God was it awful?” Monsoon allegedly exclaimed, reflecting his dismay over the performance that fell short of his high standards. Ross recalled the aftermath, where Monsoon’s dissatisfaction with Savage’s approach prompted discussions that influenced Ross’s subsequent reinstatement.
The absence of a pre-show rehearsal further compounded Monsoon and Savage’s difficulties, exacerbated by the inexperienced Donovan’s inclusion in the commentary team. “It was a horrible show. Poor Art… But I felt bad for poor Monsoon,” Ross empathized, underscoring the challenges faced by the veteran announcer without adequate preparation.
“Savage was challenging to work with anyway as he was a perfectionist. And of course, Gorilla was Gorilla. He was as staple as anyone could ever be,” Ross reflected, acknowledging Monsoon’s enduring legacy as a wrestling announcer despite the setbacks.
Ross eventually replaced Monsoon on statement until McMahon’s return following his acquittal of steroid charges, marking a pivotal moment in WWE’s broadcasting history.
H/t to ITRwrestling.com
