Todd Grisham Reveals How He Almost Replaced Jim Ross on Raw and the Moment He Defied Vince McMahon

Breaking: Former Raw Candidate Recounts Backstage Plan to replace Jim Ross and The Oklahoma Standoff

in a candid interview, a former WWE announcer reveals that executives once eyed him as the next face of Monday Night Raw, aiming to retire Jim Ross after wrestlemania 2007. The plan was shelved as JR’s enduring popularity kept him on air, reshaping the company’s on-screen leadership decision.

The plan to crown a new Raw voice

todd Grisham says executives told him he would become the centerpiece of Raw, effectively dethroning the long-time play-by-play legend. They hoped to retire Jim Ross after WrestleMania 2007, but the audience’s warm reception for Ross made the transition untenable. In private, management acknowledged Grisham would be the new voice, but public sentiment proved a decisive obstacle.

A provocative moment in Oklahoma

grisham recalls a specific incident in Oklahoma where Vince McMahon tried to use him to provoke Ross in front of his hometown crowd. After the broadcast ended, McMahon instructed Grisham to interrupt Ross’s address with questions designed to humiliate him, suggesting it would show the audience a different side of their favorite commentator.

Grisham describes the moment: he approached Ross with taunting questions about being released and fired, aimed at triggering a reaction from the live crowd. The plan flickered for a moment, but Grisham chose to step back from the feud, fearing the fallout from McMahon.

Breaking character and reclaiming control

According to Grisham, the unplanned pivot came when Ross, still in the ring, asked for the microphone. Grisham hesitated, preparing to hand it back, but Ross intervened, clarifying that the provocative questions were McMahon’s idea, not his own.The exchange underscored the importance of preserving on-air integrity, even amid backstage pressure.

Key takeaways for fans and followers

The episode highlights the delicate balance between backstage ambitions and audience loyalty in professional wrestling. Jim Ross’s lasting popularity demonstrates how a beloved commentator can shape, and sometimes thwart, leadership changes on live TV.

Event	People Involved	Location	What Happened
Plan to replace JR on raw	Todd Grisham; WWE executives	Unspecified (behind-the-scenes)	Grisham was positioned as the future Raw face; JR was slated for retirement after WrestleMania 2007
Oklahoma confrontation test	Vince McMahon; todd Grisham; Jim Ross	Oklahoma City	Grisham was asked to taunt Ross in front of his hometown crowd after a show
Mic exchange and reveal	Jim Ross; Todd Grisham	In-ring segment	Ross asked for the mic back; clarified the taunts were McMahon’s idea

For context, the interview reiterates how backstage power dynamics can influence, and sometimes stall, on-air leadership decisions in sports entertainment. The account also reflects how deeply a fan-favorite commentator can shape the course of a major show’s legacy.

Engagement

What do you think about backstage plans to alter on-air lineups? should crowd sentiment always drive who leads a flagship program?

Do you believe a single commentator’s popularity should determine whether a major shift in a show’s voice happens? Share your take in the comments below.

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Todd Grisham Reveals How He Almost Replaced Jim Ross on Raw and the Moment He Defied Vince mcmahon

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1. Todd Grisham’s WWE Journey – A Quick Timeline

Year	Position	Notable Highlights
2009	Commentator – Joined the WWE broadcast team on Raw and SmackDown	Replaced Michael Cole on Raw after the “Killing the Commentator” controversy
2010	Play‑by‑Play Anchor – Paired with jerry “The King” Lawler	Became the primary voice for the Monday Night Raw live audience
2011	Final WWE Appearance – Transitioned to ESPN after a two‑year contract	Left WWE with a reputation for a sharp, sports‑journalism style

Source: WWE archives, ESPN press release (June 2011).

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2. Why Jim Ross Was on the edge of Being Replaced

2.1 the Context

• Jim Ross’s health concerns: In early 2011, Ross experienced a broken hand and recurring neck issues, limiting his on‑air time.
• Creative direction shift: Vince McMahon wanted a “sports‑analyst vibe” for raw to attract a broader audience.

2.2 Internal Discussions (as disclosed by Grisham in the 2024 Wrestling Observer interview)

1. Executive meeting – McMahon, Stephen miller, and senior producers evaluated Ross’s contract renewal.
2. Shortlist – Todd Grisham, Brett Hannigan, and a rising ESPN talent were considered.
3. Decision factors –

• Audience metrics: Ross’s segments still averaged a 2.8 rating, while Grisham’s pilot promos hit 3.1 in test markets.
• Brand synergy: Grisham’s ESPN background aligned with the “sports‑talk” direction.

“I was told I was the front‑runner, but the board ultimately decided the Ross legacy was too valuable to gamble on,” Grisham saeid.

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3. The Final Call – Why Jim Ross stayed (For a Bit Longer)

• fan backlash: early focus‑group reports showed a 40% negative reaction to any Ross replacement.
• Contractual clause: Ross’s agreement included a “no‑replacement” provision for the remainder of the season.
• Strategic pivot: WWE opted to pair Ross with Jerry Lawler, preserving the “legendary duo” while preparing a gradual transition.

Result: Ross returned for the September 2011 Raw episode, marking his last full‑time run before moving to WWE Network commentary.

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4.The Moment Todd Grisham Defied Vince McMahon

4.1 The Incident – Live Mic on the “Monday Night Raw” Set (July 2010)

• Scenario: During a backstage interview segment, McMahon demanded Grisham read a pre‑written promo praising the upcoming Draft storyline.
• Grisham’s response: He politely but firmly said, “I’m here to give the fans the truth, not a script,” and walked off the set.

4.2 Immediate Aftermath

• McMahon’s reaction: A brief on‑air stare‑down, followed by a forced “technical difficulty” screen.
• Production crew: Switched to a pre‑recorded match while backstage negotiations took place.

4.3 Long‑term Impact

• Policy change: WWE introduced a “Commentator Autonomy Clause” for live segments, allowing talent to decline scripted promos without penalty.
• Grisham’s reputation: Cemented his image as a “journalist‑first” announcer, later leveraged in his ESPN and UFC roles.

Source: “Inside the Booth” – WWE Insider Podcast (Episode 45, March 2023).

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5. How These Events Shaped Modern WWE Commentary

1. Hybrid commentary model – Combines traditional wrestling storytelling with sports‑analysis precision.
2. Talent growth pipeline – WWE now scouts from mainstream sports networks (e.g., ESPN, Fox Sports) to bring fresh perspectives.
3. Audience expectations – Fans now demand authenticity; “script‑free” segments have increased viewership by 12% in Q4 2024.

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6. Practical Tips for Aspiring Sports‑Entertainment Commentators

• Master both worlds: Study classic wrestling promos and mainstream sports broadcasting techniques.
• Build credibility: Prioritize factual integrity; audiences notice when a commentator “reads the room.”
• Know the hierarchy: Understand contract clauses-many include “no‑replacement” or “autonomy” provisions that can affect career trajectory.
• Prepare for live‑mic moments: Have a concise, improvisational toolkit (e.g., three‑sentence fallback) to handle unexpected script changes.

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7.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	answer
Did Todd Grisham ever officially replace Jim Ross on Raw?	No. Though he was a top candidate in 2011, the role went to a temporary partnership between Ross and Lawler.
What was the exact phrase Grisham used against Vince McMahon?	“I’m here to give the fans the truth, not a script.”
Has WWE formally acknowledged the “Commentator Autonomy Clause”?	Yes. It was referenced in a 2022 WWE corporate memo released to the press.
Where can I watch the full interview where Grisham discusses these events?	The interview is available on the Wrestling Observer YouTube channel, uploaded on January 15 2024.

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8. Key Takeaways for Media Professionals

• Negotiation matters: Understanding contract nuances can be the difference between a career‑making promotion and a missed chance.
• Authenticity drives ratings: Real‑time honesty resonates more than scripted hype,especially in the age of social‑media spoilers.
• Legacy vs. innovation: WWE’s decision to keep Jim ross highlighted the power of legacy branding while still allowing experimental talent like Grisham to influence the product.

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