Jim Ross Retires: WWE Announcer JR Calls It A Career

A WWE legend has decided to call it quits. On Wednesday, legendary announcer Jim Ross officially retired, according to wwe.com.

“WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross announced that he is retiring from WWE today, after 20 years of service, to focus on his personal business endeavors,” reads the statement on wwe.com. “Jim has made many contributions to WWE and the sports-entertainment industry, and we thank him for his many years of service and wish him well.”

The 61-year-old spent 20 years with the company after making his debut as a broadcaster in 1993. He became a legendary figure in the WWE, calling some of the most famous matches in history.

Michael Cole took over for Ross as the regular voice of the WWE a few years ago, but Ross has made sporadic appearances on “Monday Night Raw” and various PPV’s. At WrestleMania 28, he returned to call the match between The Undertaker and Triple H.

Immediately following the announcement, Ross became a trending topic on Twitter. Several members of the WWE have used the social media Web site to thank JR for his service.

“Can't thank you enough @JRsBBQ for all you've done for me personally and for @WWE,” tweeted WWE superstar and current COO Triple H. “Enjoy your time, you've earned it!!! #thankyouJR”

“Thank you @JRsBBQ for 20 years of service with @WWE,” tweeted WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahaon.

Ross was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2007.