Ross ‘retirement’ may be because of Flair’s mouth

Iconic play-by-play man and WWE Hall of Famer

Jim Ross announced his retirement this past week, but as the days went by, it became more apparent that Ross was fired as a result of the fiasco at the ‘‘WWE 2K14’’ video-game launch party last month.

During the news conference hosted by Ross, a panel that included Rey Mysterio, Dolph Ziggler, Steve Austin, Mick

Foley and Ric Flair was to discuss the game and wrestling in general. After about 45 minutes, Flair took over the event and went on lengthy rants about everything from he and

The Undertaker doing missed spots a second time in big matches to John Cena drinking 30 beers in five hours.

Immediately, word surfaced that Vince McMahon and other WWE executives were furious not only with Flair but also with Ross for not keeping Flair under control. While no confirmation has been given, the fact that almost no WWE performers offered any public congratulations on Ross’ ‘‘retirement’’ is a hint that this was a firing. In fact, the only two people to make public comments were Triple H and McMahon.

Around the ring

The plan is for the Randy Orton-Daniel Bryan feud to continue to Survivor Series, so don’t expect a clean finish when Orton defends the WWE title Sunday at the Night of Champions pay-per-view. . . . The babyface experiment with

The Miz is failing. Look for a heel turn soon. . . . Cena, who won’t be cleared to perform until early 2014, could be back on TV in October in a non-wrestling role to help ratings.