So did Matt Striker get taken off Smackdown because he said holy shit at the Rumble? [Archive]

Supreme Olajuwon

04-07-2011, 10:33 PM

THE MOMENTS IN QUESTION

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BollywoodSingh

04-07-2011, 10:36 PM

Booker and Nash were such cool moments cause you could tell Striker had no idea they were coming out and he literally was having the time of his life out there.

He must have known. Don't all the commentators know everything that is going to happen?

It's fine for him to get excited but it was so lame of him to actually say he was marking out.

Supreme Olajuwon

04-07-2011, 10:36 PM

I thought he stopped himself from saying shit the first time I heard it, but if you listen to the clip it definitely squeaks out.

Juan

04-07-2011, 10:37 PM

I think there was enough people who didn't like him that when the Rumble incident happened, they had an excuse to can him.

Supreme Olajuwon

04-07-2011, 10:37 PM

He must have known. Don't all the commentators know everything that is going to happen?

It's fine for him to get excited but it was so lame of him to actually say he was marking out.

No I don't think they told him. Something about trying to get "real" reactions from the commentators.

Xero

04-07-2011, 10:38 PM

He must have known. Don't all the commentators know everything that is going to happen?

It's fine for him to get excited but it was so lame of him to actually say he was marking out.

Jerry Lawler doesn't. But that's because he doesn't want to be in meetings all day.

Aguakate

04-07-2011, 10:43 PM

Speaking of shit, Austin shit his pants in South Africa while wrestling Yokozuna...

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Domino

04-07-2011, 10:52 PM

It could be because he's worthless.

Aguakate

04-07-2011, 10:54 PM

...Now, THAT'S a bit harsh...

Supreme Olajuwon

04-07-2011, 11:08 PM

He's so worthless that they let him do the 2nd biggest show of the year and then took him off Smackdown.

Gertner

04-07-2011, 11:22 PM

From what I heard Cole and Lawler were constantly telling him to shut up because Striker just talks and talks and talks.

Supreme Olajuwon

04-07-2011, 11:24 PM

Nah I get that, but that's what's weird. If they planned on yanking him from Smackdown before the Rumble, why have him call the Rumble?

Emperor Smeat

04-07-2011, 11:45 PM

From what I heard Cole and Lawler were constantly telling him to shut up because Striker just talks and talks and talks.

They also didn't like how he wanted to set up pre-show meetings or plans to figure out what to say on commentary or create a good flow on tv. It also didn't help that Cole got a bit smug ever since becoming part of the main team while both of them also view Striker as a B-level or lower tier announcer.

Lock Jaw

04-08-2011, 12:37 AM

I kinda miss Striker on commentary, though. With his know-it-all, I-love-the-internet-I-hope-they-love-me attitude.

Aguakate

04-08-2011, 12:38 AM

I kinda miss Striker on commentary, though. With his know-it-all, I-love-the-internet-I-hope-they-love-me attitude.

Striker would've been awesome playing the character Michael Cole now plays...and, he can actually wrestle.

Snowden

04-08-2011, 12:56 AM

I actually really loved Striker as a color guy. Sure, he was a little over the top at times, but he brought a unique flair to the booth.

Isn't he (wasn't he) still calling Superstars?

Damian Rey

04-08-2011, 01:16 AM

Loved Striker. At least he'd go out of his way to try and put guys over, unlike Lawler, who just sits there while Cole tears guys to shreads. Who'da thunk that by, being good at what you and doing your job, you'd get demoted.

Booker T is attrocious. I gave him some time to improve, but he sucks.

Lock Jaw

04-08-2011, 01:56 AM

Zack Ryder has made me a Scott Stamford fan. Never watched Superstars, so I don't know how he actually is on commentary, though.

Rammsteinmad

04-08-2011, 05:24 AM

Sucks if he got punished for being legitimately excited about the product.

Pretty much seems to be the case. :(

Rock Bottom

04-08-2011, 07:11 AM

Matt Striker oversold way too much. And he was way over the top. And not in a JR kind of way. That being said, I don't think he deserved to be canned for it, they have let far worse announcers in.

Rammsteinmad

04-08-2011, 07:30 AM

Oversold meaning he was incredibly excited by the returns of two legendary performers. The crowd were going nuts, even Michael Cole went a bit nuts during Booker T's entrance, but Matt Striker gets excited and it's deemed 'over the top'.

I've always liked Striker pretty much for the reasons nobody in the WWE does. He's a fan. He has a passion for wrestling and enjoys what he does. Sadly, if this means 'one-uping' Lawler and Cole in the knowledge and excitement department, then he's doomed.

Rammsteinmad

04-08-2011, 07:31 AM

For the record though, has it been confirmed that this is what's been going on? Besides a few internet dirtsheets and probably some Ryan Clark updates, for all we know there could be a legit reason. It seems doubtful but I'm just saying...

whiteyford

04-08-2011, 07:43 AM

I usually enjoyed him, he seemed to enjoy going to work and knew the names of moves and talent on every brand not just his.

Rock Bottom

04-08-2011, 07:51 AM

No, oversold meaning he repeatedly said ridiculous shit that was over the top outside of the Rumble. If you're going to portray other peoples' opinions for them at least do it with some degree of accuracy.

Rammsteinmad

04-08-2011, 07:58 AM

Nah, I still consider it overexcitement. :p

Rock Bottom

04-08-2011, 08:01 AM

FINE, GOSH. HERE'S MY FACEBOOK INFO, WHY DON'T YOU TELL EVERYONE HOW THE FUCK IF EEL.

Rammsteinmad

04-08-2011, 08:40 AM

Gosh.

Rock Bottom

04-08-2011, 09:04 AM

Tazz is better!

MoFo

04-08-2011, 09:18 AM

Shit announcer, he went on these long winded speeches all the time comparing wrestling stuff to unrelated shit.

"Well you know Todd, this feud has the makings of a classic like the 1948 Summer Olympic 400m sprint between Delfo Cabrera & Thomas Richards"

Shut the fuck up guy, really.

James Steele

04-08-2011, 11:47 AM

I assumed he was demoted because of the "I'm markin' out, bro!" comments, and rightfully so.

Ultra Mantis

04-08-2011, 01:40 PM

I kind of miss him on commentary but I'm glad he still posts here as DLVH84

Rammsteinmad

04-08-2011, 01:44 PM

:rofl:

Volare

04-08-2011, 02:35 PM

I kind of miss him on commentary but I'm glad he still posts here as DLVH84

:y:

Mr. Nerfect

04-09-2011, 01:45 AM

I miss Matt Striker on commentary. Easily the best commentator the WWE has. He would get enjoyable commentary even out of sandbags like Jerry Lawler.

I think some of the heat on Striker is exaggerated. I'm sure that he could be a bit tricky to work with, and that some of his removal could be a bit of a "cool-down" thing for him, so he realises that he does need to stick to the script and play ball, because they can take him off -- but I also think there is a bigger reason: Booker T is back, and he's just a bigger star than Striker. A far shittier commentator, but a far bigger star.

If/when there is another change in the commentary team, whether that's Michael Cole becoming his own entity, King retiring or Booker T taking another role on -- Matt Striker will end up filling the color spot.

Rock Bottom

04-09-2011, 06:34 AM

Striker the best commentator and Lawler a sandbag?

I think Lawler needs to be paired with the right guy, and that he was better as a heel announcer, but sandbag, it's hard to take that seriously when Matt Striker is "easily the best commentator WWE has."

I know the opinion isn't yours alone, so I'm not trying to single anyone out for thinking what they do, I just do not get the hysteria about Matt Striker.

He says the dumbest shit. He needs to relax. He reaches for gems and gets boogers.

But again, I don't think the guy needs to be canned, just get shit together. If so many people think he's the best announcer or like him that much it would be really stupid to fire him because of Cole and Lawler. But work is work, I guess, and this isn't the only time where people have had problems and been unable to work together, and usually in those situations, something's got to give.

Rock Bottom

04-09-2011, 06:36 AM

ANOTHER DROP TOE HOLD, CLEARLY HIS STRATEGY IS TO FOCUS ON THE TOES OF HIS OPPONENT, PERHAPS CAUSING HIM TO HURT HIMSELF IN THE PROCESS OF KICKING OUT OF A PINNING PREDICAMENT, WHICH WILL TAKE ITS TOLL ON YOUR ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE BLUE SEAS OF THE CANVAS.

Rock Bottom

04-09-2011, 06:41 AM

Mjdiesel

04-09-2011, 11:03 AM

Striker: Notice that every punch he throws is aimed directly at his opponent's face! The face is a nexus of your physical senses. If he injures his eye, he won't be able to be seen, and will clearly have an advantage. If you injure his mouth, he will not be able to talk trash, which will give you the psychological edge, nor will he be able to taste his blood, sweat and tears as a reminder of how hard you have to work in this business. But after this side headlock it is now clear to me that his plan is to cover the ears of his opponent, so that he can not hear the reaction of the crowd and harness that metaphysical energy to turn the tables on his opponent. King, how do you counter a strategy like that?

King: Well, uh... Whoa, neckbreaker. You talk about counters! (Covers the mic) What the fuck is the inside of your mind. Jesus Christ.

EXACTLY!!!!

Striker overanalyzes every fucking move and goes above and beyond what is necessary (and I don't mean that in a complementary, does his job fashion).

And there really is no hysteria on Striker's announcing, it's Vinny Mac who gets hot and bothered over it.....He's the one that's the Striker fan in that capacity. So it just trickles down to become known sentiment to his behind the scenes staff in the lockerroom.

Aguakate

04-09-2011, 06:35 PM

FourFifty

04-09-2011, 07:14 PM

It sounded like Striker legit marked out.

Now who cares if it was scripted or not. The phrase "I'm marking out" is what every fan who grew up on Diesel and Booker T was thinking and doing. In my eyes it made for excellent tv.

D Mac

04-09-2011, 07:17 PM

Striker was great. Felt more close to him as a casual fan then the others.

Cool King

04-09-2011, 07:27 PM

"Booker T is doing a terrible job at announcing. Get him off my TV!"

"Matt Striker is doing too good a job at announcing. Get him off my TV!"

Mr. Nerfect

04-09-2011, 10:00 PM

Striker: Notice that every punch he throws is aimed directly at his opponent's face! The face is a nexus of your physical senses. If he injures his eye, he won't be able to be seen, and will clearly have an advantage. If you injure his mouth, he will not be able to talk trash, which will give you the psychological edge, nor will he be able to taste his blood, sweat and tears as a reminder of how hard you have to work in this business. But after this side headlock it is now clear to me that his plan is to cover the ears of his opponent, so that he can not hear the reaction of the crowd and harness that metaphysical energy to turn the tables on his opponent. King, how do you counter a strategy like that?

King: Well, uh... Whoa, neckbreaker. You talk about counters! (Covers the mic) What the fuck is the inside of your mind. Jesus Christ.

Yeah, a color analyst analysing is just horrible.

Striker legitimately cares, and will work his ass off to put over every match he is calling. He'll talk up the existing angles of development, and he'll point out new ones. God forbid a commentator says anything but "He's punching him really hard right now." We might as well get rid of them.

Damian Rey

04-09-2011, 10:41 PM

Agree with Noid, DMac and FourFifty.

Striker goes well out of his way to put guys over. Anyone remember when Cody got drafted to SmackDown! before the "dashing" gimmick? Strike rbusted his ass for weeks during Cody's matches to put him over in commentary.

I also feel like Striker "gets it" He understans his job, and does his best to come through in that position. He doesn't cheerlead or offer one line comments like Lawler's sorry ass, and he doesn't ramble about how so and so's "gonna do it" like Booker T.

I also love how he gets what seems to be legit excited for his job. That's what I loved about JR when he used to call matches. He would sound like he was legit emotionally invested and excited about what was going on.

Striker is still calling Superstars, so he hasn't vanished. I'd love to see him get a crack on one of the main programs again. Really enjoy his style.

Mr. Nerfect

04-09-2011, 10:55 PM

A Jim Ross/Matt Striker tandem would possibly be my favourite ever. It could become even greater with the inclusion of John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

Damian Rey

04-09-2011, 11:01 PM

I thought JBL was great as a color commentator, and like Striker, he put guys over through his commentary. Also liked his work for Mania 23. Shame he didn't last long.

I think he would work very well with JR. JR is amazing when he has someone who pushes his buttons to play off of. I think JR and Striker would be a good mix as well, but I'd prefer JBL.

Asmo

04-10-2011, 12:43 AM

I thought Striker was really good with what he brought to the table - the history, the facts the over-analysis - it all appealed to the nerd in me. He needed a colour guy who would rib on him for these facts it self. That would certainly be enjoyable.

Mjdiesel

04-10-2011, 01:11 AM

Yeah, a color analyst analysing is just horrible.

Striker legitimately cares, and will work his ass off to put over every match he is calling. He'll talk up the existing angles of development, and he'll point out new ones. God forbid a commentator says anything but "He's punching him really hard right now." We might as well get rid of them.

It's a little more complicated than that.

There's other announcers who bring alot more to the table in terms of verbiage than "He's punching him really hard right now."

And his name is Jim Ross.

Someone going (impersonating--Stryker NEVER said this but this isn't far off on what he'd say:

"Michael, Rey Mysterio is---if I may an aerial dancer. That's not a knock on Mr. 6-1-9, it's a positive attribute to this brilliant performer. The grace of Rey in his match against Rhodes just two weeks ago underscores the superheroics of the costumes he dons of those of actual superheroes. Interestingly enough too, "Captain America" tried to overtake Cody's "Red Skull" in the battle of World War Wrestlemania"

I like how if we don't like hearing pretentious shit like that we're either "trolls" or just "don't get it".

That's not necessarily the case. But the way Matt Stryker talks, I liken it to the guy who writes fancy shit then gets called on for it by someone saying "You know you come off really clever, but you may want to write more on how the average person really talks".

Well speaking it during a WWE match--something that's supposed to be entertainment remember? and dissecting the living shit out it with a soft voice and non sequituirs doesn't make you the greatest color guy since John Madden. It's different. Different is and can be refreshing. I get it.

But we're not fucking idiots if we don't all fawn over it.

Damian Rey

04-10-2011, 01:22 AM

It's a little more complicated than that.

There's other announcers who bring alot more to the table in terms of verbiage than "He's punching him really hard right now."

And his name is Jim Ross.

JR is the play by play guy. He's there to call the action, so Striker in no way should be compared to him. Striker is the color analyst. He's there to ANALYZE what's happening, since he's been in the ring and has experience and knowledge of what people are trying to do to each other, which is his job.

Onyx

04-10-2011, 01:31 AM

I could take him or leave him, but the appeal of Striker, as many have said, is that he legitimately loves his job and it shows. He strikes me (no pun intended) as a guy who lives and breathes for the business and wants to literally give 110% for every broadcast, even if it means he comes off at sounding overexcited. Compare this to Cole who acts like (and is rumored to actually think that) it's just another job, and therefore gives the same passion doing play by play that he would taking your order at Burger King. Granted, his passion has improved now that he gets to play the asshole, but now he's too busy pushing his own character and his commentating has suffered for it. He hasn't yet learned to balance at playing a heel AND being a good commentator (he could learn a thing or three from Heenan). Lawler, meanwhile, doesn't work as well as a face as he did as a heel. And he has been doing this for so long he is getting stale. It feels a lot like he is just getting bored with the job, but is doing it because aside from the occasional indy show, what else would he do without the WWE. Booker T has very little talent as an commentator. I never thought he had mic skills, personally, so hearing him call matches is exceptionally annoying. He strikes me as someone who is just trying to emulate what he has heard others do, but that he has no idea of what to say when he is out there. Is it just me, or is he pretty repetitive? Sadly, without Striker, that seems to leave Matthews as the most competent guy out there. But you figure, JR got the ax, Striker is probably next. At this rate, it wont be long before they fire Matthews. It seems they don't keep good commentators long anymore.

Mjdiesel

04-10-2011, 01:47 AM

JR is the play by play guy. He's there to call the action, so Striker in no way should be compared to him. Striker is the color analyst. He's there to ANALYZE what's happening, since he's been in the ring and has experience and knowledge of what people are trying to do to each other, which is his job.

You're right, comparing him to JR, the play-by-play/straight man is apples and oranges. Not the best example for my argument.

Oh Striker analyzes alright. :naughty:

In all seriousness though, I don't condone Vince losing 3 years off his life because Matt Striker said "marking out". The man is human and most humans at some point, if not all, say what they feel---or even blurt it out if they're emotionally invested in something or just excited about what they're seeing. Looks like Vince lost site of that years ago.

There has to be more to it with his demotion. And I don't blame Matt Striker for it, I blame Vince Qadaffi and his intimidated minions.

Mr. Nerfect

04-10-2011, 01:48 AM

Booker T is getting better, in my opinion. He could really put some guys over. I liked the way he put over The Miz recently. He has a lot to draw upon. If he talked about how he's faced Edge at WrestleMania, even before Edge won a World Title, and Edge beat him fair and square -- then he could really make Edge look amazing. The same with how he was once in a WrestleMania main event, and how he just didn't get the job done in association with Del Rio. Right now, though, Booker is getting his feet wet and isn't really adding any color -- he's essentially doing play-by-play. "Whoa, he's got him here!" Why does he have him there, Book?

It's hard for Booker, too, because he's not as eloquent as Matt Striker, so if he tries too much analysis, it's a question of "Why not just get Striker to do it?" Booker's gotta find something that sets him apart, and I think his big match experience is probably it. He's been in the ring with John Cena, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Edge, The Undertaker, etc. He could really just put The Undertaker over by saying "I've never been punched by someone harder than The Undertaker punched me," or Stone Cold Steve Austin by saying "I've been in this business a long time, dawg, but when you fight Stone Cold, man, you're going into something else. He's not just tough, but he's always a few steps ahead. There's no one like Stone Cold." Assuming Austin wrestles another match, of course.

Striker is just a smart, eloquent guy. Yeah, sometimes he tries too hard and it gets a little off track, but he's really trying to connect. The Cody Rhodes/Rey Mysterio analogy you used, Mj, is actually something I could see Striker saying, but it would honestly get me more into the match. Maybe not in the way you said it, but if Striker said "It's Captain America vs. Red Skull here," then it's super nerdy, but it fits, and it positions people against Cody Rhodes and behind Rey Mysterio without even doing much.

To be honest, Striker would make a brilliant third man. I like the idea of him and another color analyst clashing. That's why the JR/JBL/Striker trio I suggested appeals to me so much -- JR has got the passion, JBL has the big match experience and is great at putting people over, and Striker would be a pest to him but bring up valid points. JR would be JR, JBL would be the jock and Matt Striker would be the nerd with the knowledge.

Another trio that is probably more realistic, would be a team of Josh Mathews, Booker T & Matt Striker -- probably on SmackDown!. Booker and Striker would just clash as far as their styles go, and could argue about certain points, with neither really being overly face or heel. Josh Mathews has got the knowledge of a Matt Striker, but dials it down to play mediator and be the play-by-play guy.

Gertner

04-10-2011, 03:56 AM

You're right, comparing him to JR, the play-by-play/straight man is apples and oranges. Not the best example for my argument.

Oh Striker analyzes alright. :naughty:

Nobody cares queerbait.

Mjdiesel

04-10-2011, 04:04 AM

Nobody cares queerbait.

go to Hell you fucking mistake.

Gertner

04-10-2011, 04:12 AM

Dude, do u kiss your dad with that mouth? haha fag.

Aguakate

04-10-2011, 04:30 AM

LOL "go to hell" is SO 1996.

Mjdiesel

04-10-2011, 06:11 AM

LOL "go to hell" is SO 1996.

No one asked you boy

Aguakate

04-10-2011, 11:57 AM

No one asked you boy

...that too.

mhirn3

04-10-2011, 12:24 PM

He must have known. Don't all the commentators know everything that is going to happen?

Not always. I know with the shows that I call here as a pbp guy I don't always know or want to know what's going to happen so that as some other people stated you get a more genuine reaction on record.

XCaliber

04-10-2011, 12:32 PM

I assumed he was demoted because of the "I'm markin' out, bro!" comments, and rightfully so.

Kurt Angle said he was a mark for Ric Flair on RAW way back and JoMo has used the term jobber before and it didn't hurt either of them.

James Steele

04-10-2011, 01:02 PM

Kurt Angle said he was a mark for Ric Flair on RAW way back and JoMo has used the term jobber before and it didn't hurt either of them.

Wrestlers =/= Announcers

Different set of rules. That is why Snuka got away with killing a hooker and Sean Mooney was fired for slapping a stripper in Las Vegas during WrestleMania IX weekend.

Mr. Nerfect

04-10-2011, 03:00 PM

So why is it okay for a wrestler to use the word "mark," while it's not okay for a wrestler turned announcer, who often gives us the "insider terminology" (worked or not) to do it?

James Steele

04-11-2011, 12:20 AM

So why is it okay for a wrestler to use the word "mark," while it's not okay for a wrestler turned announcer, who often gives us the "insider terminology" (worked or not) to do it?

Same reason a cop can speed or run a red light and you can't. Announcers aren't in a position to do as they please, especially a glorified jobber turned announcer in Matt Striker.

Mr. Nerfect

04-11-2011, 02:16 AM

I'm not sure I agree with that.

Rock Bottom

04-12-2011, 01:20 AM

Yeah, a color analyst analysing is just horrible.

It is when you're doing it with shitty colors.

Matt Striker has said the most retarded things ever imaginable from an announcer. That's the only argument that I've even tried to make. All you're doing is tossing him off. I don't get it.

Kane Knight

04-12-2011, 03:34 AM

Same reason a cop can speed or run a red light and you can't. Announcers aren't in a position to do as they please, especially a glorified jobber turned announcer in Matt Striker.

I would think the "damage" was worse when a wrestler used it. Commentary talks for two hours a show, and are part of the background. You might remember specific things an announcer says, but a wrestler generally talks for a more specific reason.

I don't know, I just think it's less a cop running a red light than it is a cop advocating pot use. It carries more weight than, say, my hippie-ass neighbour and his dime bag, and the cop would probably face disciplinary actions were it to get back to the PD that he did.

That being said, I think "marking out" is probably the least of Striker's problems, given he's sometimes as coherent as my drugged out neighbour, too. I don't think he's bad, per se, but when he tries to go the extra mile and fails, it shows.