WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has announced that he is scheduled to undergo brain surgery next week to address a medical condition affecting his memory. The veteran commentator, a cornerstone of professional wrestling broadcasting for decades, shared the update regarding his health status during a recent episode of his podcast, noting that the procedure is necessary to manage fluid buildup in his brain.
The surgery, which Ross described as a serious but necessary step, involves the installation of a shunt to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid. This procedure is commonly performed by neurosurgeons to alleviate pressure on the brain, which can cause cognitive impairment, including memory loss and difficulty thinking clearly.
Jim Ross confirmed he’s undergoing shunt surgery on his brain:“I’m just battling. I’m going to have another surgery, brain surgery this time. I’ll be going to hospital for a few days. Hopefully nothing will go wrong. Got a great surgeon. Today, matter of fact, I had to go to a… pic.twitter.com/B8FgXZPEoB— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) July 10, 2026
A History of Recent Health Setbacks
This upcoming operation follows a significant period of health challenges for the 74-year-old broadcaster. Ross revealed that his current condition stems from an incident where he passed out at his home, which led to a hospitalization lasting nearly 40 days. While he has expressed optimism about his recovery, he noted that he is not yet cleared to drive and has been forced to reduce his professional commitments.
Ross, known for his iconic tenure as the voice of WWE and his later work with AEW, has faced multiple medical hurdles in recent years. His absence from various wrestling events has been a recurring theme as he navigates these issues. Despite the severity of the situation, Ross maintained his characteristic resolve, stating that he is focused on healing and returning to his routines as soon as his medical team allows.
The Surgical Procedure and Recovery Expectations
In his discussion regarding the shunt surgery, Ross emphasized the gravity of the procedure. While he confirmed that he has secured a surgeon he trusts, he acknowledged the inherent risks of any brain surgery. The primary goal of the intervention is to restore his cognitive clarity and address the memory issues that have impacted his daily life.
“It’s just an illness and I’ve got to get it addressed,” Ross said on his podcast. “I couldn’t live my life the way it was, you know? I’d forget things and I just couldn’t remember things, it was just horrible, I felt horrible.”
The standard protocol for shunt surgery involves a relatively short hospital stay for monitoring, followed by a period of rest and recuperation at home. Ross noted that he is currently waiting for a final, confirmed date for the surgery within the coming week, having already received clearance from his cardiologist to proceed with the operation.
Impact on Professional Commitments
As he prepares for this medical intervention, Ross is scaling back his public appearances. He specifically mentioned that he intends to attend one major upcoming event in Minneapolis, but his immediate priority remains his health. Throughout his career, Ross has been celebrated for his resilience, and his fans and colleagues have frequently expressed their support during his various health battles.
There is currently no official timeline for his return to regular commentary duties, as the recovery process will depend on the success of the surgery and his post-operative progress. The wrestling community continues to monitor the situation, with official updates expected to follow his procedure and subsequent hospital discharge. We will continue to track this story as more verified information becomes available regarding his progress.