Who Would Be Your Commentary Team

[MMK]

There was a time when the announce team in wrestling was just as interesting as the wrestling itself. From Gorilla Monsoon & Jesse Ventura, to Gorilla & Bobby Heenan, to the Monday Nitro team vs. The Monday Night Raw team during the Monday night wars, the commentary team was often the best part of the show.

But since then it's been mostly bupkis. The current announce team is arguably the worst of all time. JBL's obnoxious cowboy routine and his unbearable pronunciation of Michael Cole's name as "Magel Cole" makes him my least favorite part of the show. Cole himself is just as obnoxious. As for Lawler, he's simply been around too long and whatever personality he once had it's now no more. He's as bland as bland can be.

So who would you replace them with?

For me, if it's a two man team then there's no better choice than William Regal and Paul Heyman. Regal does a terrific job on commentary on NXT. He has all the same wrestling lingo knowledge and medical terminology as Gorilla Monsoon. Meanwhile, Heyman is as close to a modern day Heenan as you'll ever find. With Regal playing the role as the face commentator and Heyman in the role of heel commentator I think you'd have commentary gold.

However, if they're hell bent on a three person team. Why not have a woman for a change? Renee Young could easily takeover Cole's role as Vince's earpiece. I might actually not mind constantly having WWE's website, network, and movies promoted during the show if she was the one selling them instead of Cole.

I think that trio would work well. It would also have an international flavour to it. You'd have the easy on the eyes Canadian Renee Young in the role of mediator between the easy on the ears British baritone of William Regal and the loud, overbearing, obnoxious American heel Paul Heyman.

 

[AegonTargaryen]

William Regal/Matt Striker, JBL and Jim Ross.

JBL because I loved his Smackdown commentary from 2006 and he adds a charm with his heelish stuff, quite similar to how Bobby the Brain Heenan was. William Regal, although I've never really heard him on the commentary long-term, I think would make an excellent commentator talking around the technical aspects of the match, do a Tale of the Tape on ppvs, etc. Or Matt Striker, of course. Jim Ross is Jim Ross. As long as the man can talk, I'd keep him there and IMO he hasn't really ever gotten bland or boring to the point of being unendurable like Jerry Lawler has long ago. Thus, Regal/Striker, JBL, and Jim Ross would be my tripartite team.

 

[roipdh123]

Mine would be William Regal & Tom Phillips & Paul Heyman.Regal and Phillips are both great commentators on NXT and I was very impressed by them and Paul Heyman is Paul Heyman.

 

[butch1983]

I would like Raven on commentary his intelligence would add a dimension to the commentary or as previously stated William regal, back in the 90's king was great as a heel commentator but I'm bored of his predictable commentary, if all else fails get heyman there he was a great 1

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I'd try to mix it up a little personally.

I'd go with someone who has the knowledge of a wrestling veteran, thereby giving said commentator a perspective that the others simply don't have. I'd go with William Regal because, personally, I think he's done a helluva job in NXT.

I'd also go with someone that brings a sense of depth and weight to the table, someone that's been around the block as a commentator and has pretty much seen it all. Someone with a great deal of credibility and that engage fans, so I'd go with Jim Ross. Ross is still the best in the game, maybe the best there's ever been. Jim Ross, especially during the Attitude Era, came off to me as Gordon Solie on horse crank. When JR got excited, it was worth watching just to hear the excitement and passion in his voice.

For the third person, I'd go a different route than what we're used to and put someone young there. Someone that seems completely fresh, brings a little sense of youth to the table, yet doesn't come off as some dumbass that has no idea what they're doing. I'd put Renee Young on commentary. She's done a damn good job in NXT, plus there's the novelty of having a woman on commentary.

 

[MerKane]

JBL, Booker T and William Regal. Three hilarious guys on commentary, screw the bland face crap that Cole and Lawler are so "good" at. These guys are entertaining

 

[Dowdsy McDowds]

JR, Heyman and Adamle.

JR and Heyman had some electric chemistry in the good old Invasion days with Heyman nailing the Devil's Advocate role while JR let his personal opinions sometimes get the better of his professionalism.

Add in a bumbling clown like Adamle who could side with either one while watching any given match and you'd create some brilliant moments.

 

[Hendog]

Agree with the OP about JBL. I've actually been driven to watch a few matches on mute lately, he grates on me that much. His constant mispronunciation of "Michael" and endless arguments with Cole are painful to listen to. It's not even as if they argue about a relevant storyline or wrestler taking place in front of them. I watched a match on Raw a couple of months ago and I swear to god, the 2 wrestlers in the ring didn't have their names mentioned once, nor did they have a single move called.

In regards to my commentary team.

Jim Ross without a doubt. His storytelling ability alone can make any match seem like an instant classic.

Renee Young as I feel she'd be a refreshing change and she could take care of all the plugging and promotions.

The 3rd person I'm not sure about. I haven't watched enough NXT to make a judgement on Regal but from what I gather, he's adapted to the role excellently. Either him or Heyman would work. Heyman with his knowledge of the business and he'd be the perfect yin to JR's yang.

 

[Loganity]

For me putting Jim Ross on any broadcast team makes it worth listening to. His passion and storytelling can make me interested in any match you put in the front of him. I have nostalgia for the Attitude Era so Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler are my dream team. They just worked so well together.

 

[JJ15776]

I've never been a Michael Cole fan but I can't recall him ever being quite as bad as he currently is. I think most would agree that Lawler was at one point an asset, and now he's probably the worst one of the bunch. This just really makes me believe that it's not the talent but the direction. I mean do you really believe that Michael Cole's preferred announcer style is talk endlessly about the WWE Network/APP and ignore the match? These guys do what they are directed to do.

Exactly. And let's keep in mind that there's a reason they're directed to do what they're doing. People tend to forget that the people in charge of the show know a lot more than anybody here does. And I mean a LOT more. If they're doing something you don't like, it's safe to say they're right and you're wrong.

By the way, William Regal has single handedly made me stop watching NXT. He's atrocious. He can't talk, and I'm not just talking about his accent. (Although it is absolutely hilarious that the same people complaining about JBL's "shtick" have no problem with Regal randomly adding letters or syllables to every wrestler's name.)

Obviously, JR coming back would be ideal. But of the guys not currently on the announce team, I like Josh Matthews. I'd go back to two man teams with Cole/Lawler on Raw and Matthews/JBL on Smackdown.

 

[billmac]

I actually really like what they're doing now for the most part.

The only thing I don't like about the current announce team is they joke around too much. It could be the main event of Mania in a hell in a cell where some of the most intense and personal in ring action ever is happening, and they'll still be cracking jokes about how old they are. There have been quite a few times this past year where something really good was happening, whether on the mic or in a match, and they start yucking it up together in the middle of it. The biggest problem is they ARE funny, so it takes away from moments that shouldn't be. They have to pick their spots better.

Also Renee Young is really the best new iterview personality/announcer since Coach first started up. I hope she ends up as SmackDown's lead commentator sooner rather than later because she's believable and likeable. Most importantly, I'm not exactly sure about her background in wrestling prior to NXT/WWE but she seems like a very legitimate fan. I'd be even more impressed if it turns out she came into the business cold and just has that natural ability to make a believer out of people.

 

[faltemer]

Exactly. And let's keep in mind that there's a reason they're directed to do what they're doing. People tend to forget that the people in charge of the show know a lot more than anybody here does. And I mean a LOT more. If they're doing something you don't like, it's safe to say they're right and you're wrong.

By the way, William Regal has single handedly made me stop watching NXT. He's atrocious. He can't talk, and I'm not just talking about his accent. (Although it is absolutely hilarious that the same people complaining about JBL's "shtick" have no problem with Regal randomly adding letters or syllables to every wrestler's name.)

Obviously, JR coming back would be ideal. But of the guys not currently on the announce team, I like Josh Matthews. I'd go back to two man teams with Cole/Lawler on Raw and Matthews/JBL on Smackdown.

Clearly every random poster on the internet knows far more then the most successful wrestling company in the world, what are you thinking?????

As far the the OP goes, I liked JR, but honestly the current group doesn't bother me. And if anyone thinks if they say got rid of Cole someone wouldn't be forced to take his place and plug the app/network/fotm item evry couple of minutes you clearly aren't paying attention. Would you really want to see JR forced to do that?

 

[Limitless]

Joey Styles and J.R.
or
Joey Styles and Heyman
or
J.R. and Heyman

The Three guys are all great in different ways. I feel it is important to have a face and a heel group to keep things even. Heyman is a great Heel commentator and he would do just fine. I thought JBL was good when Eddie was around stealing victories and JBL would call J.R. out on it. JBL has lost a lot of appeal to me, but he was once great... like Jerry.

 

[Pedigree1]

I go with Paul Heyman,because you have to have someone in their IMO who defends the heels and he would do a marvelous job of that.. Paulie has great knowledge,and his wit and humor would be must see TV..

Jim Ross,would be my second choice on commentary,he simply is the best there ever has been and no one and I MEAN NO ONE can touch him.. His knowledge is just amazing he is like a walking encyclopedia.. His Passion in his voice,just makes it must watch TV..

Third choice is a bit of a wild card... I do like the Renee Young choice,i hear she is awesome on NXT and a woman would add mixture to the group.. I dont know if a woman commentator has ever happened on a regular basis.. But that choice would be interesting.. This current crop of announcers though has got to go.. All three of them its really hard to listen to them,Lawler clearly doesn't care anymore,Cole plus that network every other sentence,and JBL tries to be the bad announcer but is not believable.

 

[ajdb]

J.R.- I mean, there's not really any down side to Good Ole J.R. It's a little bit embarrassing but I have watch that YouTube video "Why JR is the best"

If you've not seen it. It's just a tag match between New Age Outlaws/Rock & Austin. JR is unreal. It feels like winning this match despite meaning nothing is like life or death.

CM Punk- I thought he was great during his short run. Gotta love a smart ass.

Renee Young- I think it's something different. Only heard her once on NXT and was convinced. Plus, maybe they could use her to do more in-ring interviews (I kinda miss those)

 

[Reflection]

Mine would be Michael Cole, Matt Striker, and Renee Young/Tensai. I am a fan of commentators actually calling the match instead of insulting each other, or talking random stuff, or staying silent most of the time. With all the must-inform-fans-about social media plug-ins and reminders, Michael Cole can take care of that. But since the other two people would not be bickering among themselves, he will also be compelled to get back to calling the match as soon as he is done promoting the apps and stuff.
Also, I hate this concept of a heel commentator. Its just stupid and annoying how JBL always defends the actions of the bad guy- it doesn't come off naturally and it seems like he is trying too hard. Same with the face commentator that Jerry plays- which will support the face even if he is using unfair means. That is even more unbearable... Commentators should be neutral, in my opinion.

 

[KitsuneDreamer]

I think that a commentary team consisting of Christian, Renee Young, and Jim Ross
would be entertaining and be a nice change of pace, at least for Raw.

Christian could be the heel, but also provide us with some insightful views as it pertains to things inside the ring.

Renee Young is fantastic, and knows EXACTLY what she's talking about, plus it will show that the ladies can "do it too".

And Jim Ross, need I elaborate, lol.

It could be entertaining, and informal at the same time.

Keep Smackdown the same, maybe add Josh Matthews, he's ok.

I would like to see Bruno Sammartino in a Pre-panel position,
actually hear his thoughts on these ppv's and the story-lines building up to it.

 

[VictorSilva #WWEChamp2018]

I'd have have Matt Striker as the color commentator, and he would have a somewhat looser leash on the microphone in terms of speaking time when providing play-by-play, timing, i.e. when he can interject. His intelligence in terms of wrestling, and his wit were often overlooked. I would have Michael Cole and Jim Ross as the main commentators. Michael Cole would play heel commentator; contemplating bringing the booth back. The heat he got as an announcer could help get other heels get more heat by putting them over on the mic. Meanwhile Jim Ross could play the rational baby-face announcer.

 

[giblet55]

Face Commentator and Play by Play: Jim Ross
Heel Commentator and Play by Play: William Regal
Color Commentator: Matt Striker

JR is the voice, Regal is the wrestler, and Striker is the passion.

 

[MMK]

Agree with the OP about JBL. I've actually been driven to watch a few matches on mute lately, he grates on me that much. His constant mispronunciation of "Michael" and endless arguments with Cole are painful to listen to. It's not even as if they argue about a relevant storyline or wrestler taking place in front of them. I watched a match on Raw a couple of months ago and I swear to god, the 2 wrestlers in the ring didn't have their names mentioned once, nor did they have a single move called.

That's probably not the only time that's happened. It feels like every week there is at least one match where they're not even paying attention to what's happening in the ring. That trend started with Cole and Lawler during their bickering days where Cole was a heel and it's only gotten worse since. JBL is unbearable at this point. I too have had to mute many a match.

A lot of the responses so far have mentioned JR. Clearly a great choice. Only reason I didn't choose him was because I don't see WWE ever bringing him back, nor do I think he wants to come back. And while JR is obviously one of the greatest commentators of all time, if he ever did go back to work for WWE I'd rather see him takeover the creative side of things backstage. As good as he was on commentary, I'd prefer some new blood at the announce table.

 

[NegativeFeedback]

There have been about 30 announcers on TV in the past few years. I'd rank them as follows:

PLAY BY PLAY

1. Jim Ross
2. Joey Styles
3. Matt Striker
4. Scott Stanford
5. Todd Grisham
6. Jeremy Borash
7. Tom Phillips
8. Josh Matthews
9. Michael Cole
10. Byron Saxton
11. Tony Dawson
12. Jack Korpela
13. Todd Kennely
14. Mike Tenay
15. Mike Adamle

COLOR COMMENTARY

1. CM Punk
2. Paul Heyman
3. William Regal
4. Mick Foley
5. JBL
6. Jonathan Coachman
7. Jason Albert
8. Booker T
9. Brad Maddox
10. Renee Young
11. Taz
12. Don West
13. The Miz
14. Jerry Lawler
15. Alex Riley

You can get a good feel on what my ideal commentary team would be by looking at the top picks. If I had to stack each current wrestling show with a commentary team, I'd have:

1. WWE Raw- Jim Ross and CM Punk
2. WWE Smackdown- Joey Styles and Paul Heyman

3. WWE NXT- Matt Striker and William Regal
4. WWE Main Event- Scott Stanford and Mick Foley

5. WWE Superstars- Todd Grisham and JBL
6. TNA Impact- Jeremy Borash and Jonathan Coachman

A huge wrench would be thrown in my picks if guys like Edge or Jericho would like to join the booth. These guys have had some sporadic appearances on the booth in the past and they've been gold. I'd love to see them try to do it regularly.