Matt Striker released.

[Shadrick]

WWE.com has learned that WWE has chosen to not renew Matt Striker’s contract. As of today, June 20, 2013, Striker will no longer be working with WWE.
WWE wishes him the best in all his future endeavors.


Discuss.

[CSL]

oh well. He did well to stick around as long as he did.

[Shadrick]

"Cenas Free!"

"I'm markin out bro"

I can't help but feel that those two lines may have contributed. I was a fan of his too.

[VSG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Was just informed by <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE">@WWE</a> that my contract will not be renewed. I am now available 4 appearances, signings seminars &amp; wrestling. Deep breath</p>&mdash; Matt Striker (@Matt_Striker_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Striker_/statuses/347822356623929345">June 20, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Thanks for all the support. To book plz email ForMattStriker@gmail.com <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE">@WWE</a> has your entertainment first in their mind. Support that product</p>&mdash; Matt Striker (@Matt_Striker_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Matt_Striker_/statuses/347827922872176640">June 20, 2013</a></blockquote>
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[Theo Dious]

"Cenas Free!"

"I'm markin out bro"

I can't help but feel that those two lines may have contributed. I was a fan of his too.

Okay the most recent of those two lines is over 2 years old. They may have been contributors in his departure from the announce team, but if they were that upset about those lines he'd have been off TV a long time ago.

Also I'm pretty sure the "HOLY SHIT" at the Rumble was worse than "I'm markin' out bro."

[Theo Dious]

From those Tweets it's obvious that he wants to keep a good relationship with the company in case they want him back. In the meantime he should totally start his own web show about wrestling. He could easily become king of the internet that way.

[Theo Dious]

Also, thinking of Striker and that Rumble makes me remember this from when Bryan and Punk were the only 2 in the ring:

Striker: The Internet loves this match.
Cole: The Internet loves this, the Internet loves that - who cares about the stupid Internet!

Fast forward two years:

"Make sure to download the WWE mobile app, and now to see what's trending on Twitter right now we go to tonight's social media ambassador...

[GD]

Not be an asshole, but I have never liked Matt Striker as a commentator or in any interview segments. I do hope that he gets a job.

[Emperor Smeat]

Does that mean Renee Young becomes the sole/main backstage interview now? Don't know if they have anyone else.

She was gradually taking over his spot on the main shows and NXT.

[Curtis]

This is disgusting, Matt Striker was one of the best WWE commentators, tons better than that horrible piece of crap josh Matthews. Striker was funny smart and well spoken while Matthews is boring and so generic anyone can sit down and do it.

I hope Striker lands commentary in TNA!

Tazz : Who is this at our table mike?

Mike Tenay : This is former WWE legend, THE Matt Striker!

Tazz : Cowabunga dude! I am glad you joined us!

Matt Striker : Thank you gentlemen, now what do we have in store for us tonight on Impact?

Mike Tenay : AN ANNOUNCEMENT FROM TNA PERESIDENT DIXIE CARTER!

Matt Striker : *kills himself*

[erickman]

Does that mean Renee Young becomes the sole/main backstage interview now? Don't know if they have anyone else.

She was gradually taking over his spot on the main shows and NXT.

last 2 weeks josh has done it wondered why he was off smackdown guess josh will go back to interviewing.

[Malfeitor]

This sucks. When Striker was on commentary it actually seemed like he cared about what was going on in the ring.

[Savio]

What is "Cenas free"?

[ClockShot]

Coach & Todd Grisham made out pretty good at ESPN. Maybe they'll put in a good word for him.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I remember when Zack Ryder debuted his Jersey Shore gimmick on ECW, Striker made up some story about how the jobber he was facing was a fashion designer and he denied Zack access to his fashion show and Zack was mad at him. Thought that was the stupidest thing ever, but the fact that he tried it made me like him. Been a fan ever since.

Plus its cool when guys who grew up as fans get to live their dream. And you could always tell how "into" the show he always was. He loved his job. Hope he does well elsewhere.

[Theo Dious]

What is "Cenas free"?

Near the height of the Nexus angle Cena was forced to be special guest referee in a match between Orton and Barrett for the WWE title. If Barrett won, Cena would be free of being a member of the Nexus, if Orton won, he'd be fired. Orton won the match and Striker, who seemed to have forgotten the nature of the stipulation, gleefully cried "CENA'S FREE!" kind of shitting on the climax of the entire PPV.

[Theo Dious]

I remember when Zack Ryder debuted his Jersey Shore gimmick on ECW, Striker made up some story about how the jobber he was facing was a fashion designer and he denied Zack access to his fashion show and Zack was mad at him. Thought that was the stupidest thing ever, but the fact that he tried it made me like him. Been a fan ever since.

Not since Gorilla Monsoon had anyone tried to make a jobber look like he had a reason to be in the ring...

[James Steele]

...now we know who will replace Todd Kennely.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Ya for real though loved how much of a nerd he was for the product. Kinda came off pretentious a bunch of times but when Jerry and Cole were just going through the motions calling a match, Striker was like OH MY GOD THIS RULES.

[CSL]

Striker's finest moment for me was the "NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" story when Benoit died that London and Kendrick spoke about on their first shoot

[MoFo]

I miss him actually calling the names of moves correctly, rather than King & Cole calling everything a suplex or side slam

[Theo Dious]

Striker has this "I LOVE WRESTLING AND GOD IT IS SO AWESOME THAT I AM HERE" vibe. Cole has this "YOU ARE FORTUNATE TO GET TO LISTEN TO ME" thing going on.

[Disturbed316]

I'm glad, hated him.

[#1-norm-fan]

Oh, fuck off WWE.

[Volare]

Well....shit.

[#1-norm-fan]

When he was involved in storylines on NXT and cutting promos, the guy was comfortable as fuck. Seemed like he could cut a great promo in his sleep.

[Next Big Thing]

I didn't mind Striker on commentary. He had a certain enthusiasm for what he was doing that made me more willing to ignore the blunders.

[mike adamle]

I liked when he first started announcing, but he wore out on me fast

[#1-norm-fan]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0L8TUQpQv8Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The promo he cuts here from 32:20-33:54

It's not groundbreaking or anything... But dammit he's miles ahead of most of the roster. He was so engaging and likeable and it seemed like he was so effortless with it. There were so many ways they could have used his talents. Retarded move, WWE.

[Lock Jaw]

I liked him as a commentator. Thought he would eventually be "the future" of commentary after everyone else retired/died.

[Bad News Gertner]

Striker with Big Daddy V was the goods.

[screech]

I was a big fan so this sucks for me.

[Theo Dious]

I didn't mind Striker on commentary. He had a certain enthusiasm for what he was doing that made me more willing to ignore the blunders.

When he worked with Lawler and Cole (PARTICULARLY Cole) they didn't help him out at all and jumped on him for everything. When he made the "Cena's free!" flub Cole could very easily have covered for it by saying "yeah but it's cost him his job!" and saved the moment. Instead he just said "Cena's FIRED" as if he were correcting a five-year-old who got a math problem wrong.

[Lock Jaw]

When he worked with Lawler and Cole (PARTICULARLY Cole) they didn't help him out at all and jumped on him for everything.

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Here they are ripping on him for telling the viewers the name of a move.

[Savio]

I'd rather not look up cattle mutilation

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Cole and King were first grade cunts to Matt Striker. Be a star guys not a bully.

[Afterlife]

This annoys me intensely.

[Droford]

If he could go back to teaching he'd be the coolest teacher ever, but I bet he cant

[Droford]

Sounds like the basis for a movie

Former teacher turned wrestler fired..goes back to school to teach..inspires a kid to stand up to bullies and try out for the wrestling team..

[James Steele]

Striker was great as a nerdy, smarky, and blow-hard announcer. Sadly, the average fan finds that annoying. He should have been fired after the "I'm marking out, bro!" bullshit.

[mike adamle]

What was so bad about the I'm marking out bro line? I can understand being annoyed by the Cena's free!! comment, but I'm marking out bro really goes with who his character was, an obnoxious wrestling fan turned commentator who loves nostalgia and surprises, which Diesel was. Unless there's more to it?

[mike adamle]

Also, I see he's moved on to commentating indy ippv's as he's set for tomorrows FWE show. I think this is where Striker belongs. Putting over indy talent before they get to the E (if they do.) Hope he picks up more indy announcing bookings.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>My favorite Striker line was a commentary exchange on ECW:

"As the great wordsmith Calvin Broadus once said, 'I've got my mind on my money and my money on my mind.'"
"Wasn't that Snoop Dogg?"
"Calvin Broadus."

[James Steele]

What was so bad about the I'm marking out bro line? I can understand being annoyed by the Cena's free!! comment, but I'm marking out bro really goes with who his character was, an obnoxious wrestling fan turned commentator who loves nostalgia and surprises, which Diesel was. Unless there's more to it?

A) 95% of the audience doesn't even know what that means.
B) Would J.R., Gordon Solie, hell even Tony Schiavonie even say that stupid shit?
C) It is the WWE. It is the premier brand in all of pro wrestling. It is the gold standard. Don't fuck up as much as he did and don't say stupid smark shit that goes over 95% of the audiences head.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

What was so bad about the I'm marking out bro line? I can understand being annoyed by the Cena's free!! comment, but I'm marking out bro really goes with who his character was, an obnoxious wrestling fan turned commentator who loves nostalgia and surprises, which Diesel was. Unless there's more to it?

I'm fairly certain they didn't tell him Diesel was coming out so he'd say something stupid like that so they'd have an excuse to cut him from the three-man-team.

[James Steele]

J.R. probably had a few surprises in his career and he didn't say stupid shit like that. It cheapens the product when the announcers make it sound like a fucking Chikara Fan Podcast.

[weather vane]

If it frees up a spot for Colt Cabana like it has been rumored then I'm all for it. He was decent though.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

He didn't even say holy shit. He said holy and then holy.....wow.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I love Striker. This is definitely sad.

I especially liked when he would quote Atmosphere and Brother Ali. Of course, ninety five percent of the audience (possibly even more in those cases) didn't get it, but I'm in the fiver or less percent that did and appreciated it.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Some of you really talk like you work for WWE. Don't get mad at Matt Striker for catering to marks. Every single one of us IS a mark. He was OUR voice.

[James Steele]

He wasn't my fucking voice. He didn't do shit to accentuate the Sheamus/HHH match at WrestleMania XXVI.

[James Steele]

He is still better than Michael Cole, but I have a softspot for Cole from watching "Livewire" back in the day.

[James Steele]

Josh Mathews is my favorite announcer in WWE.

[Anybody Thrilla]

He wasn't my fucking voice. He didn't do shit to accentuate the Sheamus/HHH match at WrestleMania XXVI.

Did he ruin the match for you?

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

He is still better than Michael Cole, but I have a softspot for Cole from watching "Livewire" back in the day.

The only good episode of Livewire was when Vince Russo came in and yelled at them for the show sucking balls.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Whether any of us liked the "MARKING OUT BRO" bit, we all knew exactly what he was talking about. Anybody who didn't probably didn't hate the Rumble because of it. It really wasn't offensive to anyone.

[James Steele]

It was offensive to Vincent Kennedy McMahon, ergo, it was offensive to me.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Oh, so you're not serious. Thanks.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Sneezing is offensive to Vincent Kennedy McMahon.

[James Steele]

"Offensive" isn't the right word to use. It just took me out of the moment where I was feeling like a mark.

[Big Vic]

I liked Cole/Mathews Announce team on NXT where they would just shit on the product. Striker was a good host there.

[Anybody Thrilla]

"Offensive" isn't the right word to use. It just took me out of the moment where I was feeling like a mark.

OK, I can see that. We mark because we mark from the proposed parameters that have been put forth by the business over the years, and we don't need to be reminded that it's fake by the announcer.

I saw it as Striker losing himself in the moment and letting his fandom get the best of his professionalism, which is fun in a different sort of way.

[James Steele]

Striker was good in the backstage interviewer role. I still don't understand what WWE was trying to accomplish by having Cole/Mathews shit all over the product.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Punk sort of does the same sort of thing on the mic as Striker did on commentary, but his 'outside the box' remarks are based in frustration, not fun.

[Nicky Fives]

terrible call....could have been a great commentator if given enough time.... could have been an excellent "Paul Heyman-type" mouthpiece for upcoming talent.....could have been a decent midcard wrestler if given the chance.... lots of could haves......

[James Steele]

Punk usually ties his smarky remarks in a bow that all the fans can understand. Like his original "pipebomb", while some things the casuals didn't know what he was talking about (ROH, NJPW, Colt Cabana), he still made it about a) winning the title, b) wanting respect, c) frustration that he has been better than all for a long time and still not getting the money opportunities (cups, shirts, etc.). An announcer screaming "I'm marking out, bro!" and not really tying it into anything is completely jarring. Either for casual fans who don't know what the fuck he is talking about or for a guy like me who rolled his eyes and was taken out of the moment.

[James Steele]

terrible call....could have been a great commentator if given enough time.... could have been an excellent "Paul Heyman-type" mouthpiece for upcoming talent.....could have been a decent midcard wrestler if given the chance.... lots of could haves......

Shit in one hand and put Matt Striker's potential in the other. See which one fills up faster.

[James Steele]

JR gets lost in moments and screams like a fucking madman, but he adds to the moment by doing that. Striker took away from moments when he got excited because he forgot he still had a job to do.

[Big Vic]

I still don't understand what WWE was trying to accomplish by having Cole/Mathews shit all over the product.I don't think anyone cared at that point.

[James Steele]

Still crazy to think that AJ and Kaitlyn have been in WWE for almost 4 years.

[Ultra Mantis]

His memory will live on forever as the guy Johnny Curtis chloroformed on NXT.

[mike adamle]

He was a mark at the announce table. And I'm sure most of the audience knew exactly what he meant when he said he was marking out. It's not the 90's anymore, people do say that. I really don't get the big deal in him saying he was marking out. Why did that take away from Diesel coming out? What if others were marking out when he came out and he spoke from their point of view? Just because Matt Striker isn't Triple H and won't cut a promo or talk like him doesn't mean he was shitty by any means. And I didn't even like him that much, your reasoning just sucks though.

[GD]

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[James Steele]

What other announcer in the history of wrestling has said the term "marking out" on one of the biggest pay-per-views of the year?

[Anybody Thrilla]

So you're saying he stands out.

[James Steele]

So did El Gigante.

[Anybody Thrilla]

A part of the Undertaker's streak.

[Anybody Thrilla]

A part that doesn't ruin or detract from it, for that matter.

[James Steele]

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To me, that isn't being a great announcer. That is just a blowhard who is trying way too fucking hard.

[James Steele]

A part that doesn't ruin or detract from it, for that matter.

It is like if you order a giant Sundae with no nuts, but they end up putting a few nuts on it anyway. You can forgive said nuts because the bulk of the Sundae is delicious.

[Malfeitor]

What's the big deal? The majority of the audience doesn't even know what "marking out" is so it shouldn't matter.

[mike adamle]

Come on. If we're really gonna bag on things that some announcers say then what about J.R. or Jerry Lawler? Think about the phrase "Getting whipped like a government mule." Is that really better than Striker saying he's marking out? Everyone says stupid things sometimes, but they're being them, the government mule line fits J.R. and his Oklahoma background. Matt Striker saying he's marking out goes right with him being a nerdy over excited wrestling fan. I don't see the problem.

[James Steele]

What's the big deal? The majority of the audience doesn't even know what "marking out" is so it shouldn't matter.

You don't see a problem with play-by-play guy regularly saying things majority of the audience has no idea what the fuck he is talking about? That is the issue. Announcers help viewers understand what the fuck is going on, not confuse them or distract them from the main product.

[James Steele]

"Getting whipped like a government mule." is a phrase that has existed for decades.

[James Steele]

He did his best as the 3rd man/Mike Tenay style expert who chimes in occasionally, but he let Cole/JBL/whoever shit all over him. Then, when he gets to be a big boy announcer he acts like a fucking spastic wrestling fan. I am listening to spastic wrestling fans next to me while watching the PPV. I don't want to hear it on the TV too.

[GD]

Matt Striker was a breath of fresh air at first but eventually got stale and ridonculously annoying. I didn't mind when he got demoted and eventually let go of.

[Juan]

What other announcer in the history of wrestling has said the term "marking out" on one of the biggest pay-per-views of the year?

and yet, still no fucks were given

[Ultra Mantis]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_bw1ubwfcw0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Striker would have made a pretty good manager for some of the low card guys.

[James Steele]

Here is Jim Ross marking the fuck out, but he doesn't act like a spastic fan. He still does his job and adds so much to this match:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cdUbVOwE53I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Anybody Thrilla]

Nobody ever said he was Jim Ross, and it's silly to make that comparison. You can't just compare every basketball player ever to Michael Jordan. Even the all stars.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Tyson Kidd is a solid hand. I'm not going to hate him because he's not Shawn Michaels, though.

[James Steele]

Nobody ever said he was Jim Ross, and it's silly to make that comparison. You can't just compare every basketball player ever to Michael Jordan. Even the all stars.

You should try and model yourself after the best in your field.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Sure. But how long was Jim Ross in the business? And how long was he "Good Ol' J.R."?

Compare that to Striker's time in the business. Who's to say he wouldn't have gotten better? You seem to be coming down on Striker for no real reason. From what I understand, it wasn't even his idea to be an announcer. It was WWE's. Wrestling was his passion. That's what made him quit teaching. Considering that they just kinda tried it out on him, I thought he did QUITE well.

[Anybody Thrilla]

If J.R.'s original plan was to become a wrestler, but they stuck him in an announcer role instead, then perhaps we could make some valid comparisons. I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that that definitely was not the case.

[James Steele]

Jim Ross started out as a referee/ring crew/lackey for the booker.

[Next Big Thing]

JR had the body of a Greek God Thrilla. He could have been world champ.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Most did. Ross had to have known he wouldn't be a wrestler, though.

[Next Big Thing]

I feel like Cole and King left him out to dry a lot of times too. There were countless times where he'd ask King about a move or hold to try to sell it to the audience and King would just sandbag or sound really annoyed.

[James Steele]

Either way, Striker was in WWE for 8 years. He was average at best. The WWE is the #1 company in the world and needs guys to either develop or get the fuck out of the way for those who are ready. They have a shitload of former wrestlers and some newer young guys who are better announcers than Striker ever was. Will you really be all that sad if Regal replaces Striker in the booth?

[James Steele]

I feel like Cole and King left him out to dry a lot of times too. There were countless times where he'd ask King about a move or hold to try to sell it to the audience and King would just sandbag or sound really annoyed.

So? Quit being a bitch expecting everybody to take care of you. Fuck Lawler and explain the move yourself. You are a former wrestler. Of course, the better decision was to act like a pompous smark talking over the audiences' head.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Either way, Striker was in WWE for 8 years. He was average at best. The WWE is the #1 company in the world and needs guys to either develop or get the fuck out of the way for those who are ready. They have a shitload of former wrestlers and some newer young guys who are better announcers than Striker ever was. Will you really be all that sad if Regal replaces Striker in the booth?

Had Striker even been announcing? Is that what he was doing before he was released? Serious question, because I don't watch NXT.

[James Steele]

He announced on Superstars, NXT, and did backstage interviews.

[James Steele]

I'm not saying he was horrible, but WWE doesn't need to keep an average announcer around especially when he has been prone to gaffes and stupid remarks.

[James Steele]

...oh, and dick pics.

[stultiloquy]

Sucks he lost his job, but I've never liked him in any capacity - always found him annoying as hell.

At least this means they'll stop interrupting the On Demand classic RAW episodes every 10 minutes with his inane banter.

[#1-norm-fan]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_bw1ubwfcw0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Striker would have made a pretty good manager for some of the low card guys.

Jesus Christ, how fucking good was that! The man's a natural on the mic.

[CSL]

it wasn't bad. He's clearly intelligent/well educated/strings a sentence together better than your average wrestler (not surprising for a teacher with a masters degree) and it was very nicely worded. That just doesn't really matter when you don't have much of a personality. And that really stands out in that video. Sure given the chance to run with it he could have found his niche/developed a persona. But that was hardly Bobby Heenan right there.

[#1-norm-fan]

It's believable though. He does come off like he knows what he's talking about as opposed to spouting out words he's just heard other guys say to make up a wrestling promo. He speaks with such conviction. Just like that video I posted on the first page when he was feuding with Hawkins and Reks. Granted, there wouldn't be much use full time for him in that role. It was just a cool face promo. As a heel "businessman" manager ala Heyman though he could be fucking amazing.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Remember when Matty Strikes called Christian's return an instant classic? Ooooooh I bet the marks were so steamed about that insider reference. Ooooooôöòòœøōõh

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Actually Striker and Grisham totally bombed on that whole return segment but WHATEVER I just like him alright

[GD]

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[GD]

Also, nobody is going to remember him in a matter of years.

[#1-norm-fan]

That's what they said about Todd Pettingil.

I still remember.

:'(

[James Steele]

Also, nobody is going to remember him in a matter of years.

Nobody will remember his name by WrestleMania XXX...unless they watch TNA.

[GD]

In ABT's world, Matt Striker will join the TNA commentary team and revolutionize the business. The WWE will be begging to get him back.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Jesus Christ, how fucking good was that! The man's a natural on the mic.

And the only person Striker ever really managed was....

This guy...



<img style="-webkit-user-select: none" src="http://media.screened.com/uploads/0/5125/478554-big_daddy_v.jpg">

What a disgrace. :(

[Anybody Thrilla]

In ABT's world, Matt Striker will join the TNA commentary team and revolutionize the business. The WWE will be begging to get him back.

How on earth did you come to this conclusion? Seriously. Walk me through it. I'm going to assume you just didn't read most of my posts in this thread.

[Skippord]

That's what they said about Todd Pettingil.

I still remember.

:'(
If Matt Striker gave sweet video game cheats he'd be more memorable

[GD]

How on earth did you come to this conclusion? Seriously. Walk me through it. I'm going to assume you just didn't read most of my posts in this thread.

Hyperbole. To be honest, I had not read any of your posts. But I did take out some time and went through them. You come across as someone who appreciates his talent. You also tend to get bias and defensive in your posts.

Here is my gripe with the whole "Matt Striker is a good commentator" deal. People are easily impressed by his extensive knowledge, vocabulary and articulation skills. Personally, all the skills are overshadowed by his smug approach. He doesn't come across as a person that I would cheer for. He is just damn annoying. I don't think I will be able to enjoy him as a heel either. The three qualities that I mentioned in the first sentence are also found in Chris Jericho. But he doesn't carry himself in a repulsive manner that Striker does. His commentary charm wore off in a matter of months.

[whiteyford]

I'm still wearing my black armband from Joey Styles getting taken off commentary...

[GD]

I thoroughly enjoyed Joey Styles.

[whiteyford]

I will alienate myself completely and say he was better than J.R.

[Juan]

lol "repulsive"

Come on, Dave

[GD]

That's my opinion. He became unbearable for me well before it was popular to dislike Matt Striker. I vividly remember making a thread about it.

[#1-norm-fan]

I don't think I will be able to enjoy him as a heel either. The three qualities that I mentioned in the first sentence are also found in Chris Jericho. But he doesn't carry himself in a repulsive manner that Striker does.

Sure he does. When he's a heel. Which is why Striker would be a great heel manager. He comes off completely natural and comfortable and his vocabulary and the articulate way he talks not only makes him believable as a great "mind behind the wrestler" but it can make him come off as arrogant as fuck about it.

[GD]

I wasn't a fan of his teacher gimmick, ECW - New Breed role or his managerial work for Big Daddy V. I can be persuaded with a fine video of his work. I didn't get "excited" by the Tyson Kidd video posted in this thread.

[Anybody Thrilla]

What sort of bias do I have towards Matt Striker? I just enjoyed his work. I haven't been "defensive" until possibly just now, since you went through the trouble of mentioning me specifically. The conversation was going just fine. Thanks for making assumptions without reading, though. :roll:

[mike adamle]

So? Quit being a bitch expecting everybody to take care of you. Fuck Lawler and explain the move yourself. You are a former wrestler. Of course, the better decision was to act like a pompous smark talking over the audiences' head.

He explained cattle mutilation pretty perfectly in that video in the beginning of the thread. And they still sandbagged him.

Stop trying to be like Team Gorm with your "controversial" statements that are just stupid.

[whiteyford]

Stop trying to be like Team Gorm with your "controversial" statements that are just stupid.

Dunno why but this sentence right here tickles me.

[Malfeitor]

He explained cattle mutilation pretty perfectly in that video in the beginning of the thread. And they still sandbagged him.

Stop trying to be like Team Gorm with your "controversial" statements that are just stupid.

:y:

[GD]

What sort of bias do I have towards Matt Striker? I just enjoyed his work. I haven't been "defensive" until possibly just now, since you went through the trouble of mentioning me specifically. The conversation was going just fine. Thanks for making assumptions without reading, though. :roll:

You were arguing that if Striker had enough time as Jim Ross, he could've possibly achieved greatness.

[Anybody Thrilla]

My original argument was that he shouldn't be compared to Jim Ross at all.

[GD]

But you did advance the argument.

[GD]

It's not worth discussing. Nobody is going to remember him.

[Anybody Thrilla]

There's no way to say what could have been.

Also, I'll remember him. The same way I remember Max Moon and Just Joe. Striker at least had a better tenure than those guys. I'm willing to bet that almost everybody that posts on this site will remember him, really.

[mike adamle]

Why do you have to knock him just because he thinks Striker is better than Ross?

[GD]

I did not intend to "knock him". I was just pulling his leg and exaggerating his love and admiration for Matt Striker.

[Vastardikai]

This thread went 4 pages?

I'M MARKING OUT!!! :shifty:

[Mr. Nerfect]

I enjoyed Matt Striker. I do understand some of the criticisms. But it's just a matter of taste. Some people love Jerry Lawler as an announcer still, while I think he adds very little. When King does say something great from the booth, it actually surprises me and I take notice. Striker would go over the top and try so hard, but the dude clearly loved his work and wanted to be the best at it and that was a journey.

The dude wasn't fired. They've just decided that they're not renewing his contract. If Striker can go and prove to capture some spark as a manager or commentator or even a wrestler on the independent scene, I'm sure that the company would not be opposed to bringing him back.

Jim Ross and Matt Striker is a personal commentary dream team for me, by the way. JR seems like a good sport and the sort that would help guide Striker into being an amazing antagonistic color analyst. Striker as a heel jerk commentator would have been a lot of fun with JR being all happy and loveable beside him. Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and JBL could stay on RAW, but you could give Cole and JBL Tuesdays off and have Josh Mathews & Matt Striker do the commentary for Main Event and then have JR replace Mathews for SmackDown.

Mathews & Striker could also do the commentary for Superstars, or you could have the potentially hilarious Scott Stanford & Matt Striker duo do it. Mathews can do backstage interviewing on RAW and SmackDown with Renee Young. NXT works fine with whoever they want to be the developing play-by-play guy and either William Regal or Brad Maddox on commentary, until it's a title match, which is where they can bring him Jim Ross to sit in with Regal to make it feel "special."

Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler & JBL would probably keep doing PPV, but you could also have Jim Ross & Matt Striker call their own fair share of matches. For example, I don't think that Cole, King & JBL really add too much to Divas matches, whereas I think Striker would do his absolute best to make people care about their storylines and such. Main events could be called by Jim Ross and JBL, which would feel like a very special team. I actually think a Royal Rumble Match, for example, would benefit by being called by Jim Ross, Matt Striker & Michael Cole -- who does manage to really shine with interesting little statistics in Rumble Matches. A Money in the Bank Ladder Match would really work with Jim Ross, JBL and Matt Striker calling it. JR can emote really well as a play-by-play guy, JBL can build moments well and put guys over, Striker is really good at explaining why someone is doing something.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I still kind of miss Heyman in the commentary booth. I would not be opposed to Heyman doing Main Event with Josh Mathews, since I think that would be amazing.

[James Steele]

They need to put Josh Mathews in the booth for every show.

http://whatistheexcel.com/wooobooru/_images/3a4aa9aa32e703a5c6432a52ae7adb16/2716%20-%20josh_mathews%20michael_cole%20nxt%20suit%20wwe.png

[Mr. Nerfect]

I do enjoy Josh Mathews. One of the best thing about Michael Cole's heel turn was that it gave Mathews more work since Cole was essentially a color guy. For a while I was calling for Cole to become a manager and Mathews to take over as the main commentary guy. I can understand that position is eternally Cole's for as long as he wants it, but does he really need to be on all the shows? Just have him do RAW and let Mathews do the SmackDown tapings.

[voncouch]

If it's one thing I can't stand, it's people who actually are fans of the product, know what they're talking about and are excited to be involved. Glad he got shit-canned

[James Steele]

If it's one thing I can't stand, it's people who actually are fans of the product, know what they're talking about and are excited to be involved. Glad he got shit-canned

Don't forget the "not very good at his job" part.

[road doggy dogg]

I love how when someone is released all of a sudden he's some sort of messiah. Striker was terrible. Sucks to see anybody lose their job in any situation, but c'mon it's not like the guy was the Vin Scully of wrestling or anything.

[voncouch]

Don't forget the "not very good at his job" part.

I disagree, I think he did a decent job. He certainly wasn't on a level of JR or Cole, but he was a good second-tier announcer. And with WWE trying to create a network and adding a bunch of new programing, it seems silly to me to fire someone with experience who has a love for the product.

[Poit]

"Getting whipped like a government mule." is a phrase that has existed for decades.

I don't feel like that makes a difference.

I've never heard anyone other than JR use phrases like "whipped like a government mule" or "stomping a mudhole". But, I was able to guess what they mean. Similarly, someone who doesn't know what "marking out" means should be able to guess approximately what it meant when Striker said it on commentary.

[James Steele]

Even if casual fans understand what it means, you don't say shit like that. It is bush league.

[CSL]

more Vin Scully references in the wrestling forum plz

[CSL]

more Vin Scully references in every forum plz

[CSL]

a Vin Scully Forum plz

[Juan]

Here's an excerpt from a recent Matt Striker interview:

His chemistry with Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler on commentary: "Well at first I think the direction was for me to spike the drink. Get out there and do your thing. Take over damn it. And then slowly but surely it's almost like the teenager that talks back to his parents after a while and then when he's 30 he comes back home and says Mom, Dad; you were right. I tried too hard to be what I thought was good and cool. And I keep going back to this. Again. NO ONE CARES ABOUT KEN PATERA. And it has no bearing on what's going on here. And guys like Jerry Lawler, who have been doing this for 20 years, would try to sit me down and teach me. Listen. Speak in shorter sentences. Speak in sound bytes. Tell me stories. Make these Superstars on television. Make them three-dimensional. Make people care about them. But always remember who our viewers are. I was talking to guys like you. And people that listen to your show (Busted Open). But they are talking to the little kid wearing the John Cena shirt. And that was my fault and my disconnect for not being able to reach that fan base. In my opinion."

[Theo Dious]

Yeah, there's this and more on the main page news; he seems to have decided to be a real class act about it and admit that he had his flaws. I think he might still have a place in the company at some point. And if he doesn't, fuck he commentated two Royal Rumbles for fuck's sake. He basically main evented commentary. I'm pretty sure he'll be able to smile about that for years to come.

[Theo Dious]

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God dammit they need to unleash THIS Christian again.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Matt Striker seems deeply upset about his release, to the point of almost breaking down when asked about it. The dude clearly has a great passion for what he did and understands his flaws and has otherwise been professional about his dismissal. Since they seemingly knew how talented he was (he did get to call WrestleMania and such), and that they used him to occasionally advance angles and such, I can see them bringing him back. Sometimes you need that "wake up call" to truly evolve. Striker should go do commentary for ROH, show what he can do, and eventually I can see the company bringing him back. I mean, JBL is fantastic, but he may not want to be "the voice" forever. Jerry Lawler won't be doing it forever. There are other guys that can slip into the role, but a lot of them have other company responsibilities as well.

On Christian: I find the problem with Christian's character is that it's very polar. As a face, he is plucky, resilient and virtuous. He's this hard-working veteran who wants to earn (fairly) everything he has. As a heel, he's slimy, he's wormy, he'll do anything to get ahead. I love Christian, but how can a casual fan truly connect on any sort of level when he's these two opposites? I think there needs to be some sort of melding between the two personas, and that a babyface Christian should take that resilience and charm, but combine it with that desire to succeed under any means necessary.

Everyone drools over Eddie Guerrero, and for good reason, and I actually think he is a pretty good template for what Christian can be. It's not like Christian is missing charisma, mic skills or ring ability. In some ways, Christian is very similar to an Eddie Guerrero type. He even started using the Frog Splash for a while. As a babyface, I would like to see Christian start exploiting the rules like he did as a heel, and winking at the audience the whole time. It could also be used to kayfabe explain how this smaller, but talented, individual can defeat larger opponents with a much more imposing frame.

[Curd]

I guess Striker is keeping out of TNA to stay in good graces with WWE. So long as he doesn't go back to his "Ultimate Striker" gimmick, because then peeps would want him to wrestle Warrior on Impact! or something, not that Warrior would dignify TNA that way.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Striker has the best impression skills of any superstar in history. His Piper is probably better than his Warrior.

[ChrisHarvard01]

Due to all the "hype" Matt Striker is getting-- what's he's saying about who, what he's doing after WWE, how he feels about this or that, ect. ect. I thought it would be good to let you all in on the real Matt Striker.

It was about 16 months ago, I was working at a hotel. The WWE was in town staying at the property.

Striker comes down to the front desk because he needs a new key. There's two people working the desk, I'm over in the lobby area and see the whole thing go down. Striker approaches the desk, this young kid working the desk says "Matt Striker! Your my favorite wrestler!". At this time Striker becomes irate.

He starts verbally abusing this kid, cursing at him, scolding him for speaking to him. He's completely flipping out at this point. He turns to the other clerk, who is a nice old lady and starts screaming and cursing at her. He says something along the lines of "I've worked my ass off to get here and I don't deserve to be called by my f*cking stage name!".

The kid behind the desk was crushed.

So there you go, folks. Matt Striker screams at kids, scolds his fans, and curses at old ladies.




It should be noted on this same trip, John Cena was in the restaurant by himself eating steak. Three fans approached his table, disturbing him right in the middle of his meal. Cena waived off the restaurant staff and proceeded to stand up from his table, take photos and sign autographs with the fans.


John Cena, a headliner, with 10x the work load as Striker was a true class act.


Striker got canned from WWE- but he deserves worse. What a piece of shit! Good riddance!

[Kris P Lettus]

Celebs are just like everyone else, some are cool, some are assholes..

Pretty easy to see what catagory you fall into..

[Kane Knight]

If this story is true, it will probably increase his popularity around here. Hell, even if it's not true, the very suggestion will probably increase his popularity.

[loopydate]

This story is credible.

[ron the dial]

i believe you ChrisHarvard01

[Ultra Mantis]

Matt Striker was probably just mad that he was this kid's favourite wrestler instead of a real talent such as the cardiac kid, Tokyo thunder, the boy with the dragon insignia tights... Yoshi Tatsu. Or similar. He had a legit gripe.

[ChrisHarvard01]

KK I assure you it's true. At the time, I didn't even know Striker had any fans.

Due to this shocking out-pour of support for him I felt this story needed to be brought to light.

[Anybody Thrilla]

Two things:

1) Shut up, bro. This is fake.

2) I'm merging it with the other Matt Striker thread.

[DaveBrawl]

That kid deserved belittling for choosing Matt Striker as his favorite wrestler.

[GD]

Due to all the "hype" Matt Striker is getting-- what's he's saying about who, what he's doing after WWE, how he feels about this or that, ect. ect. I thought it would be good to let you all in on the real Matt Striker.

It was about 16 months ago, I was working at a hotel. The WWE was in town staying at the property.

Striker comes down to the front desk because he needs a new key. There's two people working the desk, I'm over in the lobby area and see the whole thing go down. Striker approaches the desk, this young kid working the desk says "Matt Striker! Your my favorite wrestler!". At this time Striker becomes irate.

He starts verbally abusing this kid, cursing at him, scolding him for speaking to him. He's completely flipping out at this point. He turns to the other clerk, who is a nice old lady and starts screaming and cursing at her. He says something along the lines of "I've worked my ass off to get here and I don't deserve to be called by my f*cking stage name!".

The kid behind the desk was crushed.

So there you go, folks. Matt Striker screams at kids, scolds his fans, and curses at old ladies.




It should be noted on this same trip, John Cena was in the restaurant by himself eating steak. Three fans approached his table, disturbing him right in the middle of his meal. Cena waived off the restaurant staff and proceeded to stand up from his table, take photos and sign autographs with the fans.


John Cena, a headliner, with 10x the work load as Striker was a true class act.


Striker got canned from WWE- but he deserves worse. What a piece of shit! Good riddance!

Matt Striker was angry at the kid because he said "your" instead of "you're".

[Anybody Thrilla]

Live the gimmick

[ChrisHarvard01]

Two things:

1) Shut up, bro. This is fake.

2) I'm merging it with the other Matt Striker thread.


My thread was not related to Striker's WWE contract.

This isn't such a high volume forum where new topics are posted every 5 seconds. You should not have merged it.

Furthermore, if you were going to call me out like an asshole you should have at least left my thread up and done so. Show some common courtesy.

You should not be a moderator if you're so subjective.

[Kris P Lettus]

And black..

Don't forget about him being black..

[Kane Knight]

I too seek to depose Thrilla as mod. Because reasons. Or something.

[#1-norm-fan]

I hear one time, while the crew was setting up the arena for a show, Matt Striker climbed up to the rafters and started dropping lights on people's heads.

[#1-norm-fan]

A story like that's gotta be true.

[Shadrick]

ABT is black?

My nigga!

[Mr. Nerfect]

A deleted Taz Twitter post has led many to believe that he may be on his way back to the WWE. That would be interesting. Tazz could just do the shows that JBL doesn't want to do.

[ChrisHarvard01]

I hear one time, while the crew was setting up the arena for a show, Matt Striker climbed up to the rafters and started dropping lights on people's heads.

Wow. You are really cool.

[#1-norm-fan]

No. I only heard about it from a friend. You experienced your Matt Striker story first hand. You are the one who is cool.

[Malfeitor]

No. I only heard about it from a friend. You experienced your Matt Striker story first hand. You are the one who is cool.

PrettyCool.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Despite him having no past connection to Paul Heyman, Matt Striker as a nerdy "Paul Heyman Guy" announcer would be PrettyCool. He could bring up all these facts, call the moves what they are, get really excited about nothing as Cole, King and JBL just hate the guy.

[James Steele]

Despite him having no past connection to Paul Heyman, Matt Striker as a nerdy "Paul Heyman Guy" announcer would be PrettyCool. He could bring up all these facts, call the moves what they are, get really excited about nothing as Cole, King and JBL just hate the guy.

...so be exactly the same?

[Mr. Nerfect]

...so be exactly the same?

Yes, but it would be his character. Annoying would be his thing.

Actually, I remember reading an article around early 2011 that suggested that the heel character Michael Cole was portraying actually should have been Matt Striker's. Cole was perfectly enjoyable in the role (he was meant to be absolutely despised), but Striker is a guy with a wrestling background that could have been slightly more believable as a heel announcer getting in the ring with an older Jerry Lawler and somehow giving him a run for his money.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Matt Striker and Jack Swagger going on a tear through the WWE post-WrestleMania XXVII would have been more entertaining than Cole and Swagger, also, given that Striker had some experience as a manager in the WWE.

[Anybody Thrilla]

I'm a really good mod, just so you guys know.

[ChrisHarvard01]

I'm a really good mod, just so you guys know.

I am convinced you have a great career ahead of you.

[Kane Knight]

He's gonna be future endeavoured in a month for violating the Wellness Policy.

[Dark One]

I'm a really good mod, just so you guys know.

Just don't yell at any kids in a hotel. It'll ruin your reputation.

[DAMN iNATOR]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AREeszjA7K4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Matt Striker introduces Vis in his newest gimmick as Big Daddy V (or, as I liked to call him Big Titty V :lol:)

[Tom Guycott]

This story is credible.

http://www.obsessedwithwrestling.com/pictures/j/justincredible/02.jpg
Is it really?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Always liked Justin Credible for some reason. I never saw him in ECW either.