James Mark "Jim" Cornette is a renowned American author and podcaster with a storied background in the professional wrestling industry. He has held various roles, including agent, booker, color commentator, manager, promoter, trainer, and occasional professional wrestler. Cornette is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in wrestling history, thanks to his exceptional mic skills.
Throughout his illustrious career, Cornette has worked for numerous prominent promotions, including the Continental Wrestling Association, Mid-South Wrestling, World Class Championship Wrestling, Jim Crockett Promotions, World Championship Wrestling, the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE),Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (now Impact Wrestling),and Ring of Honor. From 1991 to 1995, he was the owner and head booker of Smoky Mountain Wrestling, and from 1999 to 2005, he was the co-owner, head booker, and head trainer of Ohio Valley Wrestling.
As his career progressed, Cornette transitioned away from his role as an on-screen manager, focusing primarily on backstage positions. In 2017, he retired from managing, but not before making a few memorable appearances as an on-screen "authority figure" character in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and Ring of Honor, promotions where he also held backstage positions.
In addition to his on-screen work, Cornette has had a long and distinguished commentary career. He has most recently served as a color commentator for Major League Wrestling, What Culture Pro Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Alliance. Cornette is a member of the NWA, Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Memphis, and Professional Wrestling Hall of Fames.
Cornette's real-life feud with fellow professional wrestling booker Vince Russo has been a topic of interest for many years. In June 2017, Russo filed a restraining order (EPO) against Cornette for stalking, and their feud has been featured on two episodes of Viceland's Dark Side of the Ring series.
