I've made my thoughts known regarding Lawler several times. I think he could go back to being the Heel Color Commentator tomorrow if he was able to, and he would bring back the Jerry Lawler we all preferred on the mic. The problem is that Vince McMahon no longer wants Face/Heel commentators who argue ... as he doesn't want the commentators "being part of the entertainment". He just wants Play by Play Commentators who call the action and Color Commentators who provide backup on calling the action, while providing a little bit of depth into the wrestlers and the feud, if the guys are feuding. That's it. And that is a terrible mistake on Vince's part, in my opinion, as it is just one more than that has taken the "E" out of World Wrestling ENTERTAINMENT.
Although most people accept that Bobby Heenan is the greatest Color Commentator of all time, I really go back and forth with who I feel the second greatest Color Commentator is. The Lawler of today, there is no question it is not him. But the Lawler of the New Generation Era into the early days of the Attitude Era was awesome and at his peak.
However, I still have to give the edge on #2 to Jesse "The Body" Ventura. The Body always told it like it was, and always kept Vince McMahon and his "toupee" in line, while proving to be more than a match for Bobby Heenan's nemesis, Gorilla Monsoon, whenever he did the PPV's.
Jesse's hatred for Hulk Hogan was absolutely classic, also had great one-liners of his own, and routinely bullied McMahon and Monsoon behind the mic.
Jerry Lawler in his prime, I would have to rank as the third best Color guy in the business, right behind Bobby Heenan (#1) and Jesse Ventura (#2). Paul Heyman would then be #4.