Episode notes
What makes fans truly invest in professional wrestling? This week on Grilling JR, Jim Ross and Conrad Thompson tackle some of the biggest questions facing the business today. JR shares his thoughts on the conversation surrounding SummerSlam's ticket sales and whether they're a sign that something is missing in today's product. From there, the discussion turns to the importance of creative direction and why compelling storytelling remains the driving force behind every successful wrestling promotion. Jim also recalls some unforgettable experiences traveling with Vince McMahon, including the…
Podcast
Grilling JR
Podcast Heat · Sport · English
For over forty years Jim Ross has been the Voice of Wrestling. From starting as referee in the regional territories to becoming the Executive Vice President for WWE, nobody has a story quite like Jim Ross. From recruiting and hiring some of the biggest superstars in the industry to providing the sou
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20 Aug 2026 · 2 hr 2 min
Episode 385: Humiliated In My Hometown!
On this episode of Grilling JR, Jim Ross and Conrad Thompson fire up the time machine and take us back 25 years for a watchalong of an unforgettable edition of Monday Night Raw from November 26, 2001! Just one week removed from the end of the Invasion, the WWF was entering a brand new era, and nobody was safe from the wrath of Vince McMahon. JR shares his firsthand memories of the infamous night he was forced to become a member of Vince McMahon's "Kiss My Ass Club," one of the most outrageous and humiliating segments in Raw history. THIS WEEKS SPONSORS BLUECHEW - When you buy two months of…
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13 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 40 min
Episode 384: 30th Anniversary of the RAW Bowl
As "The Voice of Wrestling" Jim Ross continues his recovery, we're firing up the time machine and heading back 30 years for one of the strangest nights in Monday Night RAW history, the first and last RAW Bowl! Jim Ross and Conrad Thompson revisit the January 1, 1996 edition of RAW and the WWF's unforgettable attempt to kick off the new year with a football-themed wrestling spectacle. JR shares his firsthand memories of calling the action, why Vince McMahon believed themed television could attract new viewers, and whether anyone backstage actually thought the RAW Bowl might become an annual…
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7 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 25 min
Episode 383: Champion, Coach, Legend - Remembering Dory Funk Jr
On this LIVE edition of Grilling JR, the voice of wrestling, Jim Ross, pays tribute to his close friend and wrestling legend Dory Funk Jr. JR shares the story of how they first met, reflects on Dory's incredible influence on the wrestling business, and discusses the lasting legacy the WWE Hall of Famer leaves behind. Then, the conversation turns to Roman Reigns and his place in professional wrestling history. Does the Tribal Chief belong on wrestling fans' Mount Rushmore? Conrad and JR debate Roman's impact, accomplishments, and influence on today's wrestling landscape. Finally, the guys…
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30 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 24 min
Episode 382: Chemistry Of A Heel
On this episode of Grilling JR, the show kicks off with JR's predictions for SummerSlam, as Good Ol' JR shares who he believes will leave WWE's biggest event of the summer with momentum. The guys also recap AEW Redemption, discussing the standout performances, surprises, and what the event means moving forward. The conversation then shifts to the future of rising prospect Cruz Montana, before JR and Conrad break down Jim Cornette's timeless formula for creating a truly great wrestling heel and why the fundamentals of villainy still work today. Finally, the guys revisit one of the most…
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23 Jul 2026 · 55 min
Episode 381: The News Behind The News
It's another can't-miss edition of Grilling JR as "Good Ol' JR" Jim Ross and Conrad Thompson break down the biggest stories making headlines across professional wrestling! The guys dive into the latest developments surrounding Vince McMahon after another major allegation failed to gain traction, and JR shares his perspective on the ongoing controversies surrounding the former WWE Chairman. Then, JR gives his unique insight into what makes Kenny Omega one of the most gifted and compelling performers of his generation, revealing the intangible qualities that separate "The Best Bout Machine"…
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9 Jul 2026 · 52 min
Episode 379: The Return Of Good Ol' JR
After a brief absence, "The Voice of Wrestling" Jim Ross is back on Grilling JR, and he's got plenty to say. On this can't miss episode, JR opens up about his recent health challenges, shares how he's feeling today, and discusses what's next as he continues his remarkable broadcasting career. Then, the gloves come off. From the latest developments in AEW to the biggest stories coming out of WWE, Jim gives his trademark unfiltered analysis on the industry's hottest topics. No scripts, no spin just honest opinions from one of professional wrestling's most respected voices. If you've been…
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2 Jul 2026 · 2 hr 22 min
Episode 378: Terry Funk Forever!
On this week's edition of Grilling JR, Jim Ross and Conrad Thompson pay tribute to one of the most influential and beloved figures in professional wrestling history as they celebrate the legendary career of the original Texas Outlaw, Terry Funk, who would have turned 82 this week. From his roots in the iconic Funk wrestling family to his reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, JR shares firsthand stories and memories of a man whose passion for the business knew no bounds. The guys explore Terry's remarkable ability to reinvent himself across multiple decades, his unforgettable rivalries,…
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25 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 48 min
Episode 377: 30th Anniversary Of The 60 Minute Ironman Match
On this special edition of Grilling JR, Jim Ross and guest host Paul Bromwell celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the most pivotal and unforgettable years in the legendary career of The Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels. Join JR and Paul as they revisit a defining moment in wrestling history and the event that forever changed Shawn's career trajectory. The guys travel back to WrestleMania XII, held on March 31, 1996, at the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim in Anaheim, California. In the night's historic main event, Shawn Michaels fulfilled his lifelong dream by defeating Bret "Hitman" Hart in a…
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18 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 57 min
Episode 376: 30th Anniversary of King Of The Ring 1996
Thirty years ago, the landscape of professional wrestling changed forever. On this special edition of Grilling JR, Jim Ross and Conrad Thompson celebrate the 30th anniversary of King of the Ring 1996, one of the most influential events in WWE history. Join JR and Conrad as they revisit the action from June 23, 1996, at the MECCA Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where the future of the business was shaped before our eyes. The card featured Shawn Michaels defending the WWF Championship against The British Bulldog, Ahmed Johnson battling Goldust, and Ultimate Warrior colliding with Jerry "The…
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11 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 36 min
Episode 375: 30th Anniversary Of Bash At The Beach
Thirty years ago, professional wrestling changed forever. On this episode of Grilling JR, JR and guest host Paul Bromwell travel back to July 7, 1996, for one of the most shocking nights in wrestling history, WCW Bash at the Beach 1996. Listen as JR shares his unique perspective on the night Hulk Hogan stunned fans around the world by turning his back on Hulkamaniacs and aligning himself with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to form the New World Order. The guys break down the atmosphere surrounding the event, the impact of Hogan's historic heel turn, and how the formation of the nWo reshaped the…
