Jim Ross Praises The Rock’s Response to Reports About His PAC Tribute

On the latest episode of Grilling JR, Jim Ross reacted to The Rock’s response to report that people in WWE were surprised by his video tribute to PAC, in which he praised Tony Khan and AEW. The Rock wrote on Instagram, “When one of our own passes away, I don’t care, nor do I see ‘our competition.’ I care about the wrestlers and how it affects them. I’ve been there. To me, humanity matters most.”

Ross also talked about his trademark cowboy hat, including Vince McMahon once wanting him in a full Western costume and what the hats cost. You can check out his comments below:

On The Rock’s Response:

“Right. Good job, Rock. I agree. I thought it was classy, timely, and it was a cool deal. I didn’t know Rock had that kind of relationship with Tony Khan, but he does. It was a classic move by the Rock. He was a classy guy without question.”

On Vince McMahon Wanting Him In a Costume:

“He wanted me to wear a costume, much like Porter Wagoner from the old television show he had with Dolly Parton. And I put my foot down on that deal. I didn’t want to come out there in a coat with wagon wheels and horses and cattle, and cowboys and Indians and stuff. It just wasn’t my thing. I was somewhat reluctant to wear the hat too, because you had to take it with you everywhere. It became a part of my luggage. It doesn’t sound like much when you’re flying so much every week, but it is. Randy Savage used to have a hat carrier. I didn’t want to do that either, because it’s just one more thing to carry on the plane. So I wore my hat on the plane, and I did that for years and years, and I still do when I go out on the road. I wear my hat because it’s become a part of my stage attire.”

On What His Hats Cost:

“The hat is over. Until I’m done in this business I’ll always wear the hat, because it’s a part of who I am. And that’s how I look at that deal. I’m happy with it now; it identifies me. They’re hanging right here in my living room.

“One funny little story about that: I noticed my hat inventory was shrinking and I said, ‘What the hell? I’m missing a hat.’ It turned out one had been given away to a charity. I said, ‘You know, those hats are about 1,000 bucks apiece.’ They’re 100% beaver fur, and I have them made at Shorty’s Cowboy Hattery in the Stockyards in Oklahoma City. They were $800 for a while, then they went to $900. So we stopped giving those hats away. I’m not saying I wouldn’t do it again for the right cause. But in hindsight, the hat was a good deal for me.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Grilling JR with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.