Jim Ross Discusses His WWE Departure and CM Punk Walking Out

Josh Stewart of Newsday spoke with WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross to promote his upcoming one-man shows that start on March 1 in New York City. Among the topics discussed, Ross opened up more about his WWE departure.

As many are aware, Ross was reportedly released pushed into early retirement from WWE due to being unable to control Ric flair on the SummerSlam WWE 2K14 Legends Panel. Flair had been drinking before the show and still took the stage.

“I knew before we started, we didn’t have any script, we had no prompter, we didn’t have a producer in my ear,” Ross said. “And we had a panelist that was obviously impaired that should not have been on the panel. So you know that things have a chance, now, to not be the smoothest rides one has been on.”

Ross notes in the piece that it was the decision of “a handful of misguided, misinformed WWE people” that led to his departure.

He also talked about CM Punk’s recent departure from WWE, and what he feels it’s related to. He said:

“Here’s the deal: He’s a very cerebral guy, who has an old-school spirit, that really cares about every aspect of the business. I think that he needed time off, ample time off, to recharge his batteries. I think he has, for lack of a better term, a major case of burnout. And I think the problem should have been recognized and addressed much earlier than letting it get to a head and him being so frustrated and such a sense of hopelessness that he decided to go home. Walking away from a problem is never a solution. Never. Solve the problem.”

Ross also thinks that if Punk does want to get back into the game, but not with WWE, a new promotion would be wise to put him in a management role.

“But I can certainly see him, if somebody had a new promotion, and they wanted someone with a bright mind and a fresh mind, who understood the product and who could communicate well, which he can do, he might be a great fit in a new promotion: upper management, creative, working with talent. He may be perfect for that.”

The entire interview can be found here.

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