By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

The next ten days will be very interesting to determine the future of WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross, whose WWE contract expires on April 30.

Ross could sign a WWE contract renewal and stay with the company in an office job, he could balk at WWE's offer and sign with TNA in an executive position, or he could simply walk away from the wrestling industry and pursue outside projects such as writing his autobiography, regular speaking engagements, or become a consultant with relevant industry experience as a broadcaster and an executive.

Ross said on jrsbarbq.com today that he expects to hear from WWE regarding a potential assignment in the next two days. WWE and Ross have agreed to a series of contract extensions during the negotiation period to extend discussions. It seems WWE is simply trying to "create a position" to keep Ross on board. Whether or not Ross accepts a new position remains to be seen. Ross said on jrsbarbq.com that his priority is WWE when it comes to "wrestling gigs."

"Many interesting, high road projects are being presented to me of which I've previously discussed. Nothing is a done deal. I'm merely listening to some of them," Ross said. "Whatever I decide to do will be things that are classy, fun and things that I have been wanting to become involved with."

Caldwell's Analysis: Based on what Ross has said for months on his blogs, it seems Ross is at a point in his career where he could either take a nice salary from WWE in a "lifetime achievement" executive position without the weekly travel and contribute to WWE under-the-radar, or he could try a new challenge in TNA where he could have operational control, make cuts where necessary, and try his hand at growing the TNA product. Outside of the wrestling bubble, there's the possibility Ross will simply walk away and contribute outside of the wrestling business. That's not what wrestling fans want to hear, but it's realistic.

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