By Brian Cantor
F4WOnline.com reports that in the lead-up to their WrestleMania 26 match, both Shawn Michaels and Undertaker requested that Jim Ross be allowed to commentate their main-event bout.
There has been at least prior instance in which a request from main-event wrestlers led to Jim Ross regaining the helm of the commentary booth (Steve Austin and The Rock pushed for Ross as a commentator in 2001), but the campaign from Michaels and Undertaker was unsuccessful this time. WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, who made the call to keep Ross off the show, was unconvinced by the wrestlers and creative team and remained firm in his decision.
While the decision to keep Ross off the show was made several weeks ago, there were still many who hoped Vince McMahon would change his mind come game time. The issue of adding Ross to the main-event panel came up one final time during WrestleMania week, but McMahon shot it down, arguing that the company could not live in the past and that because Ross was not going to be returning as a full-time commentator, the WM26 slot should not be taken away from regulars Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and Matt Striker.
Sources say that wrestler and employee interactions with Ross during WM week were uncomfortable, since it was visibly clear that JR was hurt by his omission from the card. He nonetheless conveyed positive spirits in a recent blog post, demonstrating optimism that his role going forward will be productive.
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