Announce Team Idea

[Rasha]

I don't know if it's just out of acceptance or if they've actually found a groove, but it seems like the complaints about Mike Tenay and Taz as the announce team have gone down in the last few months. While I don't think they're as bad as many have claimed, I do feel that there's room for improvement. Taz does fine for me so the focus here is on Tenay and the play-by-play job.

I'm not going down the old "offer Jim Ross a trillion a dollars" road because that's just stupid. He's obviously happy where he is collecting a virtual retirement check from Vince and isn't going to jeopardize that. I'm not even going to discuss guys you've heard before like Schiavone or Styles.

I think TNA had an opportunity to do something original that also plays into the reality show-obsessed nature of the American TV audience. Here's what I'd do:

During either a PPV or Impact Main Event, have Immortal do something really heinous that makes Tenay flip out. Give him a chance to go out with some dignity as he grabs a mic and goes off on Bischoff about what he did to WCW and is now trying to do to TNA, then have him "quit" right there and walk off the stage.

For the few weeks, Tenay's job gets filled by just about everyone from Immortal. I'd also throw Eric Young in there once just for the comedy. Basically, it becomes a few weeks of pro-Immortal propoganda and bias with Taz just trying to do the best he can. Don't drag it out long, but do it just enough to make people mad.

Now, have Foley come out and say that The Network is not going to let this go on anymore. He announces that a new commentator will be hired, but the fans will get to make the decision. He says they've brought in 3-4 very worthy candidates and will give each man an opportunity to be the voice of TNA for a night. At the end of 3-4 weeks, the fans will vote for the man they want to get the job.

I think this could be a really cool way to freshen up TNA with a new, younger voice at the announce table and make the fans feel more involved and more attached to the person they hire. Even if the actual fan vote would be a lie, the illusion works with the majority of the audience.

 

[Big Nick Dudley]

My problem lies with both men.

I'm still scratching my head, ten (or so) years later, when I think about who actually thought Taz would make a great commentator. He was never a great talker, so I never got it. Since coming to TNA, he's actually regressed in that role. He wasn't good while commentating for WWE, but I think someone was in his ear. Taz is a meathead, plain and simple, and that is exactly what he sounds like. Not a smart guy, and his rambling magnifies that. Better than Don West, though.

Tenay phoned it in years ago. During the mid-to-late 90's, it was my personal hope that he would eventually replace Tony Schiavone. His knowledge of anything and everything related to wrestling was superior to anything Tony was capable of, no question. Today, I don't see that same fire. He's in his mid-50's, I checked, because listening to him, I figured he was in his mid-to-late 60's. He seems tired, and ready to hang 'em up. Please, don't stop him.

I guess I wouldn't necessarily be against some sort of competition to replace Tenay, if TNA had more than two hours of television time per week. It wouldn't need to be televised, actually, just have auditions, like a normal company would do.

I suppose none of this matters. TNA has given no indication that it's unhappy with Tenay, or Taz. I just hope the next pair is an improvement, whenever that happens.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

On paper your idea works, Rash, but what of Tenay? What of the man who's called every match in TN—err Impact Wreslting's history? He's just left out to dry? Sorry, but I don't buy that.

I don't doubt they could use a third voice on the panel, but I don't want to lose TN—err Impact Wrestling's signature voice in Mike Tenay, and Taz doesn't bother me at all. I don't see the big deal with him that people don't like. He's light years better than Don West who over sold everything.

Frankly, I'd run a really similar angle to yours (were I in charge), but Tenay isn't out on his ass in mine. Instead, I'd have Immortal get Bischoff, Hogan, Bully Ray, etc. all in the booth getting on Tenay's case every week to the point that Tenay no longer "feels safe" there. Hell, have him fire back at Bully Ray and then get pounded into the ground with Taz chasing off Ray in the process. Tenay is "injured" for a few weeks, and for those few weeks Mick Foley brings in a new voice who he says will be here to fill in for Tenay, who TN–err Impact Wrestling hope returns soon. When Tenay does return, he fills in as a third, not replacing the new voice, but adding to the panel.

Problem is, that "voice" you find to replace him temporarily needs to be known. Giving that gig to some random guy no one knows isn't likely to pay off as well as it would were that a guy like Tony Schiavonne or otherwise.

 

[RJB1976]

So you're think that TNA should copy exactly what the WWE did with Joey Styles? Have him cut a promo and quit?

Speaking as someone who's announced matches at indy shows, its a very tough job. You've got to not only call the match, but get the back story over as well, as do teases for matches and such coming up on the show. Tazz and Tenay aren't the greatest, but they do not sound as uninspiried as the WWE announce teams do as of late. Hearing their teams call a PPV and a TV show aren't that different. Atleast Tazz understands that he has to overreact at points, to get the emotion in his voice, so it will translate to the people watching at home, and get them glued to the TV.


Its not just a case of handing someone a mic and headset and say call the match people. Announce teams are just like tag teams. You need chemistry. Something that the WWE is lacking right now (though I would like to see Matthews and Lawler on their own, and Cole off to Smackdown completely)

 

[Big Nick Dudley]

Taz doesn't bother me at all. I don't see the big deal with him that people don't like. He's light years better than Don West who over sold everything.

Well....

He's dumb. A simple, unintelligent fool. It's hard to relate to such stupidity. I know that sounds harsh, and it is, but he's literally the least intelligent guy on television, I firmly believe that. Most of what comes out of his mouth doesn't make an ounce of sense. The guy talks in circles, and becomes confused by what's coming out of his own mouth.

"In my view, Mike. I mean, it's just my opinion, man. I'm just giving an opinion here, bro."

Not only is he dumb, he's redundant. He repeats himself over and over and over again, to the point where I actually feel like I might be going insane.

He annoys me. Not to the extent Don West did, I'm with you there. But, I still cringe at a solid 90% of what Taz says.

Now, TNA marks, understand this; this isn't a shot against TNA. I hated Taz while he was with WWE as well. Not as bad there as he is with TNA, but I'm guessing that has a lot to do with Vince not currently screaming in his ear every 8 seconds.

I wouldn't mind seeing Jarrett in the booth, eventually. Great talker, and probably won't remain an active wrestler for years upon years. Same goes for Bully Ray (eventually).

 

[TheWaffle85]

I think Tazz is hilarious. I'm sorry if you super intellectuals out there can't relate to him. I love his ramblings, because most of the time they make absolutely no sense. Then Tenay has to try to respond to them. And the small comments such as "NOT EVEN ONE PIGEON!" when Velvet Sky has been getting in the ring as of late and "not letting the pigeons loose". Plus, who else out there is going to tell you the differences between suplexes?

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Well....

He's dumb. A simple, unintelligent fool. It's hard to relate to such stupidity. I know that sounds harsh, and it is, but he's literally the least intelligent guy on television, I firmly believe that. Most of what comes out of his mouth doesn't make an ounce of sense. The guy talks in circles, and becomes confused by what's coming out of his own mouth.

"In my view, Mike. I mean, it's just my opinion, man. I'm just giving an opinion here, bro."

Not only is he dumb, he's redundant. He repeats himself over and over and over again, to the point where I actually feel like I might be going insane.

He annoys me. Not to the extent Don West did, I'm with you there. But, I still cringe at a solid 90% of what Taz says.

Now, TNA marks, understand this; this isn't a shot against TNA. I hated Taz while he was with WWE as well. Not as bad there as he is with TNA, but I'm guessing that has a lot to do with Vince not currently screaming in his ear every 8 seconds.

I wouldn't mind seeing Jarrett in the booth, eventually. Great talker, and probably won't remain an active wrestler for years upon years. Same goes for Bully Ray (eventually).

I don't buy that for a moment. He may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he's far from "dumb". Mike Adamle was dumb. Taz just isn't as witty or quick as you'd like him to be.

He knows what he's talking about when he gets into matches, especially when he starts talking about particular sumission moves/suplexes being applied.

 

[AntiChristDeicide]

I don't buy that for a moment. He may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he's far from "dumb". Mike Adamle was dumb. Taz just isn't as witty or quick as you'd like him to be.

He knows what he's talking about when he gets into matches, especially when he starts talking about particular sumission moves/suplexes being applied.

True, he might not be the brightest announcer out there but he knows what he's talking about unlike Mike Adamle. To be fair to Adamle, he wasn't a wrestler so he didn't know the buisness. Tazz since he was a wrestler, he has inside knlowledge of how the moves work and how they are supposed to hurt.

 

[Rasha]

On paper your idea works, Rash, but what of Tenay? What of the man who's called every match in TN—err Impact Wreslting's history? He's just left out to dry? Sorry, but I don't buy that.

Problem is, that "voice" you find to replace him temporarily needs to be known. Giving that gig to some random guy no one knows isn't likely to pay off as well as it would were that a guy like Tony Schiavonne or otherwise.

I know Tenay's been "the voice of TNA" forever, but he hasn't been amazing at it. Isn't it a bad decision to stick with what's familiar even if it's inferior? I'm not trying to make this a "bash Tenay" thread because I think he's done fine, but that position could be doing so much more for the product if someone was bringing more to the table than just the average and adequate.

As for the new guy needing to be a "known" entity, I don't agree at all. Look at how popular Gus Johnson has become as the voice of the NCAA Tournament. If something is good and entertaining people are going to latch on.

So you're think that TNA should copy exactly what the WWE did with Joey Styles? Have him cut a promo and quit?

Is that what they did with Styles? I had no idea as I didn't watch the WWE at all during any of his time working there. Just goes to show you how people can have similar ideas without necessarily "copying" one another.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

I know Tenay's been "the voice of TNA" forever, but he hasn't been amazing at it. Isn't it a bad decision to stick with what's familiar even if it's inferior? I'm not trying to make this a "bash Tenay" thread because I think he's done fine, but that position could be doing so much more for the product if someone was bringing more to the table than just the average and adequate.

Yes, it's a bad decision to stick with what's familiar even if it's inferior, but I don't consider Tenay inferior. I consider him a classic voice who's simply aging. Inferior is too strong a term to use to describe his skills behind the headset these days. That's another reason I'd like to see a third voice added, just like the WCW days. Let Tenay play still, but just limit his role a bit while grooming a new would be full-time voice.

As for the new guy needing to be a "known" entity, I don't agree at all. Look at how popular Gus Johnson has become as the voice of the NCAA Tournament. If something is good and entertaining people are going to latch on.

Dunno the guy. I only watch NHL hockey, but I'm not entirely sure one sportscaster being accepted as a newbie is proof enough that any broadcaster can be added to any show, even pro-wrestling, without an issue.

 

[CDoherty]

One guy, shell out the money for the Body, Jesse Ventura! You can put the guy with a blind idiot and it would still be good.

 

[LegendKiller716]

I think they just need a 3rd person to add to the booth to be the play by play guy. I think Taz is a great color commentator and Tenay is really good at selling a wrestler's moves, but Tenay can't tell a story. He reminds me of Matt Striker on Viagra. If they could just add a good story teller to the booth I think they would be fine.

Just sign a young broadcast journalist and add him to the booth. He doesn't need to much of a back story, just have Foley come out and say the network wants a new perspective on the product and introduce him. Add him in and let him slowly take over for Tenay as "the voice of Impact".

 

[The Bearded One]

Gus Johnson

This would be the best idea ever.

Now I have to find a way to make this non-spam.

Tenay doesn't really bother me other than when he is introducing a segment or returning from a commercial. There is just something about the way he does t that just annoys me and I don't know why. Not really a complaint, though, as it's just a minor part of the show.

As for a new commentator, it wouldn't hurt to add a third guy to the booth just to see how it works. I would love to see Desmond Wolfe get a chance to be a commentator. He's good on the mic and it witty enough and can think of stuff on the spot good enough to be a commentator. Try it out a few weeks to see what happens. I don't see what it would hurt.

 

[Morris The Grey]

I actually like Taz even though he says some dumb stuff. The thing I love most about Taz or JBL was when they said things like "me being a short guy I had more leverage for suplexes" or "when you return back from a injury, that injury never heals 100%". That's what makes wrestling real to me.

When they bring physics and reality to wrestling such as "the hardest part of the ring is the apron because thats were the metal frame is located" or "those 'ropes' are actually steel cables that are so tense they could rend flesh" and "theres no give to the ring post". If you ask me, Taz is not as dumb as he sounds.

 

[ECW Sandman]

I will say this I honestly miss Don West on the mic yeah I thought he sucked when I first watched TNA but he grew on me I miss his '' That Was UNFREAKING BELIEVEABLE '' ( in Don West's Voice ) they should have kept him on with Tenay and had Tazz as a manager like they did when he came in to TNA.

 

[Dagger Dias]

It's an interesting idea for a way to get in a new announcer, and it does sound like TNA booking up until the fan vote. That part wouldn't happen. The question is, who would the guys that Foley gives the chance to? There isn't really anyone else who would be a good fit for the job who isn't already working elsewhere. While it could be a route to go sometime it won't work because there is no one they could really put in Tenay's spot at the moment.

 

[Lancer]

While I have no problems with the current announce team of Tenay and Taz, I think there should be a search going for someone to replace either, or both, of them when the time comes. This is not a knock on the two or wishful thinking...but perhaps Spike (not the storyline 'Network') will throw its weight around and force TNA to look at other options to make the product fresh. They already gave the flagship program a whole new name and makeover. Christy Hemme replaced JB as the ring announcer. Why not "upgrade" the personalities that help sell the product to the audience?

And just because a search is happening, that isn't a reason to turn it into a storyline. It can be behind the scenes, and they can debut the new guy (or gal) as a backstage interviewer and slowly have them work their way into the booth. Simple. I for one wouldn't be tuning in every week to see how the "Announcer Search" is going. It would be as exciting as any Diva Search.

Plus, there's hardly enough time in the two-hour program to focus on the damn wrestlers, in a company where "Wrestling Matters." There's no need to take valuable time away from that aspect to focus on a guy who eventually will sit behind a desk and tell me what I'm looking at.

So, while I support a search for colleagues / replacements for Tenay and Taz, I don't think there's any need to make a circus out of it.

 

[Dieter_Von_Cunth]

I'd would love to see TNA employ the services of former WCW announcer Scott Hudson. I have no idea what he is up to these days. I think if you would add him to the current team of Tenay and Taz, it could work. I think the raport between those 3 would make a good announce team. Just my opinion. I thought Hudson was a very underrated announcer back in the day. Never saw him since the end of WCW.

 

[CDoherty]

Scott Hudson is soooooooo boring, and he always says good night, then I fall asleep.

 

[Psykohurricane55]

I don'T really have a problem with Tenay as a play by play guy because he's supposed to be the strait man of the announce team, my problem is with Taz seem like he going through the motion right now and he just there for the paycheck and that why the announce team and the product in general suffers. By know everybody knows how crappy the TNA product is, that's why you need a great announce team to sell the product. Don West was great at that. Back when he was part of the announce team, you knew that the product was crap sometimes, especially during their comedy era with the superheroes vs black reign and rellik, but he was able to sell you that crap like if it was the best thing going on in wrestling today.

Another guy that i though did a tremendous job at selling crap back in the day was Tony Schiavone. That guy was so into everything that was going on that you knew you had to come back next week to see how bad the product was going to be because tony was able to do his job and sell you the product.

Personally, the current product need a announce team that is going to able to hide the fact that the product is crap. Tenay and Tazz isn'T doing it but i doubt that anybody is able to really do that job in TNA. Personally i would love to see Don West and either JEremy Borash or Tony Schiavone as announce team in TNA but i doubt it would happen.