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WWE and AEW Stars React to Devastating News Around Wrestling Legend

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Xaiver Aguiar | Last updated May 15, 2025 10:14 PM ET

Legendary wrestling commentator Jim Ross took to X this afternoon to announce he has colon cancer. JR has been on the mic in parts of six decades, including a 20-year career in the WWE and as the original play-by-play commentator for AEW.

JR has already overcome skin and hip cancer and lives with Bell's Palsy, which is a condition that temporarily paralyzes his facial muscles. Even throughout his unfortunate history of health scares, JR has always remained a positive force in the industry, and his voice is synonymous with some of the business's most iconic moments. Stars across all companies, past and present, took to social media to react to the heartbreaking news.

AEW posted a statement wishing well to one of their own.

All Elite Wrestling joins fans around the world in sending love and support to Jim Ross as he battles colon cancer. J.R. is a valued member of the AEW family, and we stand beside him during his journey toward recovery. pic.twitter.com/FZIn1ZR4Hk
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 15, 2025

The current face of AEW, Will Ospreay, wished his colleague well.

All the best !!
— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) May 15, 2025

Former WCW boss and Raw general manager, Eric Bischoff, had some touching words of encouragement.

Prayers up for you Jim. You’re tough as hell and way too stubborn to let the bastard win. https://t.co/rLIcF6Chwz
— Eric Bischoff (@EBischoff) May 15, 2025

AEW star Swerve Strickland kept his message simple.

❤️❤️ https://t.co/LGRm8x0iuq
— The Realest Swerve Strickland (@swerveconfident) May 15, 2025

Matt Hardy responded with a sweet personal touch.

Love ya, JR! Thinking about & praying for you, my friend.
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) May 15, 2025

Combat sports journalist and known JR fan, Ariel Helwani, chimed in.

God bless you, JR. Wishing you the very best. We are all praying and pulling for you.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 15, 2025

Mike Santana, a former AEW original now working in TNA, shared his thoughts.

Love ya! Prayers your way!
— Mike SANTANA (@Santana_Proud) May 15, 2025

AEW star, Jeff Jarrett, shared his love.

❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/ogm9S0dwsQ
— Jeff Jarrett (@RealJeffJarrett) May 15, 2025

It's unclear when or if JR will put back on a headset, but he's a fighter. He's endured enough adversity for three lifetimes and continues to persevere.

Even at 73, he's still a joy to listen to, and few have been able to come close to his ability to tell the story of a match. Wishing "The Goat" the best on his road to recovery.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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