AEW commentator Jim Ross is preparing to undergo brain surgery next week as he continues dealing with ongoing health issues.

Speaking on the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast, the 74-year-old confirmed that he will undergo surgery in Norman, Oklahoma, on Wednesday, August 12.

The procedure will involve doctors inserting a shunt to help drain excess fluid from his brain. Ross previously spent more than a month in hospital across May and June before the surgery was scheduled.

“I’m good, man. I got a big week coming up,” Ross said. “My surgery is this Wednesday in Norman (Oklahoma). I don’t want to say I’m looking forward to it, but I guess I really am to get to that point and to get it over with. I have never had brain surgery before. So they’re going to put a, what do they call it? A shunt? So I’m getting a shunt put in my brain. They said I’m only going to be in the hospital a day. That surprised me and made me happy, but still I would have guessed longer.”

Podcast co-host Conrad Thompson expressed hope that the procedure could improve the memory and balance problems Ross has experienced.

“Well, let’s hope so. We’ll see,” Ross replied. “I hope so too, Connie. Quite frankly, I hope so.”

Ross Reflects On WrestleCon Appearance
Ahead of surgery, Ross travelled to Minneapolis during WWE SummerSlam week for an appearance at WrestleCon.

While Ross enjoyed meeting fans, he admitted that lengthy convention appearances are becoming increasingly difficult.

“I hate to sound soft, but, you know, you gotta be a character and you gotta be nice to people, because that’s the only way to do it,” Ross said. “It puts a little pressure on you, but I had a good time. But I’ve come to the conclusion that doing four-hour shifts is a little more than I want to handle.”

Jim Ross Addresses AEW Future
Ross is hoping his recovery will allow him to travel to the United Kingdom for AEW All In on August 30, although another question hangs over his future with the company.

His current AEW contract expires this month, and Ross confirmed that he has yet to sign a new agreement.

While reflecting on his legendary broadcasting career, Ross explained that he would prefer to know when his final appearance is coming rather than have his time behind the commentary desk suddenly end.

“I hope that my ending, my career ending, is planned. And so I don’t just show up one Wednesday night on Dynamite and say, ‘Well, I got some news for you folks, I’m done.’ That might sound cool and edgy, but I would like to be able to know that I’m leaving,” Ross said.

Ross acknowledged that his wrestling broadcasting career is approaching its final chapter, particularly with his contract situation unresolved.

“I’ve had a unique life [in wrestling], and I realize that it’s coming to an end. I get it. If you ask me, ‘JR, how much longer you think you’re going to do announcing?’ Well, I think my contract’s up this month. So I’m done, pretty much. I don’t want to be done, but if Tony Khan said, ‘You know, JR, thanks for the efforts and thanks for being here and all that stuff.’ Then I’d have no problem with that.”

Ross added that he feels fortunate for everything wrestling has given him across more than four decades.

“My career as a wrestling broadcaster has been nothing but wonderful.”

Ross has been with AEW since the promotion launched in 2019. Initially a regular member of the commentary team, he has transitioned into a reduced role in recent years, primarily appearing for major matches and pay-per-view events.

Everyone at WrestlingNewsSource.com wishes Jim Ross the very best with Wednesday’s surgery and his recovery.