Justin Roberts Issues Statement on WWE Release

Shortly after “Monday Night Raw” this past week, WWE announced the release of longtime ring announcer Justin Roberts. There was fallout from around the wrestling community, including WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross.

Roberts has taken to his Instagram account to issue a statement regarding his firing.

“It might sound cliche, but I am truly overwhelmed & humbled by the messages I’ve received. As a kid who grew up loving & living for professional wrestling, I was able to chase, catch & live an impossible dream. I was a part of events I couldn’t fathom with the heroes I idolized from both WWF & various childhood favorite television shows (Hello Betty White). For a guy in a supporting ambience role–usually unnamed & unseen–I am blown away by the amount of people who apparently not only noticed, but also enjoyed my work.

Announcing was my dream, until I realized the absolute best part was using my position to help others. It brought me so much joy to bring a smile to a fellow fan’s face. The Superstars I’ve announced & traveled with over the past 12 years are not only extremely talented to work year round and on the fly, but they are also the most unselfish people I’ve ever met. I couldn’t help others without their support. Not one Superstar or Diva ever once hesitated when I asked them to meet a fan..or autograph..or call..or do whatever was needed. After reading through all of your messages, I just want to say this: Please do not be angry & Please do not be sad. I lived my dream! I’m glad that maybe now someone else will have a spot to live theirs.

Many thanks to everyone I have worked with in WWE. Sue, the company gem & my guardian angel. The producers who have taught me so much and constantly let me pick their brains. The referees (They make it look easy. NOT an easy job). Security. Props. Audio. Lighting. PR. Cameras. Travel. TR. Catering. Production. PA’s. My eyes and ears at the bell-Mark Yeaton. Everyone I have met along the way. Everyone who has come into my life because of this job & to those who I have never had the opportunity to meet, but have enjoyed my work. I appreciate & am grateful for everyone’s support. To Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn & The Authority who gave me this incredible opportunity, I’ve got two words for ya: Thank You. The journey has been incredible & almost unbelievable. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for to pen the final chapter of my memoirs.”

Loading

It might sound cliche, but I am truly overwhelmed & humbled by the messages I’ve received. As a kid who grew up loving & living for professional wrestling, I was able to chase, catch & live an impossible dream. I was a part of events I couldn’t fathom with the heroes I idolized from both WWF & various childhood favorite television shows (Hello Betty White). For a guy in a supporting ambience role–usually unnamed & unseen–I am blown away by the amount of people who apparently not only noticed, but also enjoyed my work. Announcing was my dream, until I realized the absolute best part was using my position to help others. It brought me so much joy to bring a smile to a fellow fan’s face. The Superstars I’ve announced & traveled with over the past 12 years are not only extremely talented to work year round and on the fly, but they are also the most unselfish people I’ve ever met. I couldn’t help others without their support. Not one Superstar or Diva ever once hesitated when I asked them to meet a fan..or autograph..or call..or do whatever was needed. After reading through all of your messages, I just want to say this: Please do not be angry & Please do not be sad. I lived my dream! I’m glad that maybe now someone else will have a spot to live theirs. Many thanks to everyone I have worked with in WWE. Sue, the company gem & my guardian angel. The producers who have taught me so much and constantly let me pick their brains. The referees (They make it look easy. NOT an easy job). Security. Props. Audio. Lighting. PR. Cameras. Travel. TR. Catering. Production. PA’s. My eyes and ears at the bell-Mark Yeaton. Everyone I have met along the way. Everyone who has come into my life because of this job & to those who I have never had the opportunity to meet, but have enjoyed my work. I appreciate & am grateful for everyone’s support. To Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn & The Authority who gave me this incredible opportunity, I’ve got two words for ya: Thank You. The journey has been incredible & almost unbelievable. This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for to pen the final chapter of my memoirs.

View on Instagram

It is unknown as to what Roberts will be doing next, though Ross believes he will be fine getting another job within the industry. There had been speculation he had been let go as a result of an incident involving him and Michael Cole on the show, though that is unconfirmed at this moment in time.

Editor’s Note

Good for Roberts to take it in stride. I am still anxious to hear the details of what actually happened though.

Follow @JonAlbaSFC