Originally published on ProWrestlingSheet.

Jim Ross has announced he and WWE have agreed to part ways when his contract expires at the end of the month ... but JR say he doesn't expect to stay unemployed for long. 

The WWE Hall of Famer revealed the news on the latest episode of his podcast and said the decision was mutual between he and Vince McMahon. 

"I need to move on," the 67-year-old explained in regards to his decision. "I still want to play in the game. I still want to stay busy. I still think I can do play-by-play even though others that may surround Vince [McMahon] think I can't. "

JR returned to WWE to call The Undertaker's match at WrestleMania 33 against Roman Reigns. He went on to call various special events for the company afterward. 

Ross further elaborated on his decision, saying: "At this stage in my life where you're an empty nester, and you lost your best friend ... I need to stay busy. I need to get back on the road. I need to get back out there and do what my passion leads me to. So that's what I'm gonna be doing."

Jim Ross was linked to AEW prior to the new promotion becoming a reality and we previously reported there was interest in eventually using JR as an on-air talent. On his podcast, Ross was very confident he'd be back in the game doing play-by-play in the near future. 

Stay tuned.