Backstage News On Jim Ross' WWE Departure, Vince McMahon Comments

As noted earlier, WWE announced this afternoon that Hall of Famer Jim Ross is retiring after 20 years with the company. According to F4WOnline.com, Ross met with Vince McMahon earlier today, and the decision was made to end his tenure with the company. The company reason for Ross' departure is that he wants to "focus on his personal business endeavors."

The report noted that the decision was made by Vince McMahon, and that they first heard that it could possibly happen on the day of SummerSlam following the 2K Sports panel. The panel, which was hosted by Ross, featured Ric Flair upsetting WWE officials for going off script and "hijacking" the event. There was heat on Ross for not cutting Flair off and taking control back over the panel.

For what it's worth, McMahon commented on Ross' departure on his Twitter account, writing, "Thank you @JRsBBQ for 20 years of service with @WWE."