should JR be replaced?

[Marc the Smark]

Jim Ross’s contract with WWE will be expiring this fall. There is still talk of replacing Jim Ross with Michael Cole on the RAW announce team despite his recent induction into the Hall of Fame.

From prowrestling.com.

[Xero]

BAHGAWD BIBBILDY BOBBILDY BOO!

[Juan]

As much as he makes my ears hurt sometimes and as much as I hate how he messes up wrestlers' names and moves.... no.

[The One]

Michael Cole is the best Play by Play man in the business today. Fallowed by Mike Tenay, then Joey Styles, then JR. Yes, he should retire.

Good god, the world is a messed up place where I have to type such horrific opinions of the world of wrestling...even in the commentary department. :'(

[Xero]

They should sign Don West to replace him.

[BigDaddyCool]

JR has been needing to retire for a long time.

[The One]

They should sign Don West to replace him.

Don West is easily the worst announcer in history. He makes Mark Madden sound like a god of the booth.

[The One]

*knows you were joking*

[Xero]

But then Lawler won't sound as bad.

[El Fangel]

Don West is easily the worst announcer in history. He makes Mark Madden sound like a god of the booth.

[BigDaddyCool]

Get rid of Lawler too, just bring in Nash to annouce. Sure it won't be the most techincal play by play, but it will be damn good tv.

[The One]

JBL is far and away the best man at the booth in the entire world right now.

[The One]

I dream of the day when somehow, someway, JBL and Nash are both sitting at the commentary booth. No matter what match was going on, it would instantly become classic.

[BigDaddyCool]

JBL is far and away the best man at the booth in the entire world right now.

Only because Nash isn't there.

[The One]

If TNA was smart at all, they'd just hire Hall and Waltman set them behind the booth with Nash and let them go unscripted for the full hour. Think of the hilarity that would insue. :lol:

[redoneja]

If they replace JR with Cole then JBL has to come with him.

[BigDaddyCool]

If TNA was smart at all, they'd just hire Hall and Waltman set them behind the booth with Nash and let them go unscripted for the full hour. Think of the hilarity that would insue. :lol:

Can they drink too?

[Skippord]

They should replace both of them with Fabian Kaelin

[The One]

Can they drink too?

Pssh, like even if they wern't allowed Hall could have an entire hour of sobriaty. :roll:

:D

[redoneja]

Has anyone else ever noticed that Mike Goldberg(UFC play by play) and Don West have eerily similar mannerisms? Watch a clip of Goldberg when he's standing next to Joe Rogan and then watch a clip of West standing next to Tenay. They seem to move in the exact same manner.

[The One]

Mike Goldberg is an incredible announcer. Please don't compare him to West.

[Jaded-Dragon]

Yeah, he needed to retire like 3 or 4 years ago. But I don't know about a replacement for him. Cole and JBL go good together, and bringing Styles back up would be silly.

Then again, the WWE seems to think that most of our memory's can only hold up to six months worth of WWE programming, then we magically forget that happened previously.

[FourFifty]

I'm all for JR hanging up his cowboy hat only if they can get Don Callis to replace him, or Don Callis to replace The King and give The King the color spot.

[Mr. JL]

Don't the WWE try getting rid of Jim Ross at least once a year?

[Dorkchop]

Personally I don't enjoy both Lawler and JR as commentators. King was great as a heel. I find him bland now. Plus he makes a lot of outrageous false comments like "Remember when Hogan slammer Andre? He's the only man to ever do that". Shit like that bugs me. I'm all for putting over the talent in the ring, but at least don't make up shit.

I don't know what happened to JR. He's still good, but for some reason I don't really enjoy him at times.

I didn't JBL the wrestler/character, but I like him as an announcer. He pretty much will call it like it is. He'll talk about loving London and Kendrick, and how they're two of his most favorite guys to watch in the ring. He'll talk about how Vito is talented in the ring, a genuine tough guy, but a loser for wearing the dress.

Cole's a huge dork, but I find I'm enjoying him more. I find JBL is a great guy to compliment Cole.

[hitman23]

no

[Mr. Nerfect]

Sometimes Michael Cole is a bit annoying because of the shit they make him say. I think he would make a great cynical babyface guy. Remember when he and Tazz used to be wise-asses about things? Let that Michael Cole run wild on RAW. Bring over JBL to do commentary with him. Josh Mathews can step in with Lawler on SmackDown!. I can actually see Mathews and Lawler having good chemistry.

With the Hogan/Lawler fiasco, and Lawler probably upset because his pick to induct him at the Hall of Fame, I can see him getting demoted, to be honest.

But yeah, I wouldn't be opposed to seeing Joey Styles get the call-up to RAW, again. The WWE has this problem with him, but I find he has a great broadcasting voice. I like it when emphasis is placed on calling the spots in the match. It makes it feel more real. Talking about what else is going to be happening tonight really takes away from the moment. Styles is in the moment, and even when he's being a "storyteller" announcer, he seems smart. A lot of babyface announcers sound stupid when they blindly follow the good guys. Styles is kind of "Well, I don't want to be biased, and I'm admitting that I kind of am by saying this, but I think the good guy is slightly more moralistic in this issue." Personally I think that's a great approach.

I'd love to see a shift in announcing teams, and have Michael Cole and Tazz put back together, while Joey Styles and JBL become a unit. I think Styles and Layfield would have amazing chemistry. Maybe it's just me, but they seem to have a "Blue State/Red State" thing going on. Michael Cole and Tazz can be the cult commentary team on ECW, and Lawler can team with Mathews. Why the WWE doesn't use Josh Mathews is beyond me.

[Blitz]

Skippord is right.

Incidentally, Michael Cole is the worst play by play man I can think of off the top of my head.

[Theo Dious]

The whole WWE commentary situation is going to be messed up pretty soon. JR and Lawler will be gone before long, IMO, and Cole will replace JR on Raw. At the same time, JBL is probably going to get back into the ring, leaving SD with no obvious replacement team.

I fear very greatly that Vince is going to take one of the Diva Search rejects and try to have her call matches. *shudders*

[lort]

He's not on form anymore he is much slower than he used to be and misses beats all the time. But Michael Cole is still not a good replacement.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I really hope JBL realises his career is at the broadcasting table. Seriously, as a wrestler, he was simply an occasionally entertaining heel act. As a commentator he's Hall of Fame material, and his in-ring career will be reflected on in a better light.

This isn't so much what I want to see happen, as what I think the WWE will do:

Todd Grisham gets moved up to RAW as its full-time play-by-play commentator. Michael Cole could be moved over, and Grisham could go to RAW. Either way, Grisham moves up.

When JBL goes back to wrestling, I can see them making the call to a former colour commentator that proved successful (Paul Heyman, Bill DeMott, etc.) which will get us hard for a few weeks, before the WWE decides they are too awesome, and tells them to suck more. Or I can see them giving it to a Dusty Rhodes (Ew), Simon Dean (Interesting) or Brad Armstrong (Meh). Apparently Dean Malenko once tried out for an announcing position and did alright, so they might have him step into the position JBL is currently in.

One thing I've always thought, but never actually understand why: I think Ricky Steamboat would make a great commentator. Don't ask me why. William Regal or Val Venis could be asked to step down as wrestlers and take the position, too. Regal, because he's a proven talker, and wouldn't be too far removed from JBL's role; Venis because he's substituted for "broadcasting colleagues" before at house shows and what-not. I don't propose Venis for the position out of markdom, but rather the WWE desperately trying to fill shoes.

But yeah, look for Todd Grisham to get a "push" soon.

[RP]

They should just dub over his voice with Larry Zybiskos porno.

[Mr. Nerfect]

They should just dub over <s>his voice</s> RAW with Larry Zybiskos porno.

[Theo Dious]

I really hope JBL realises his career is at the broadcasting table. Seriously, as a wrestler, he was simply an occasionally entertaining heel act. As a commentator he's Hall of Fame material, and his in-ring career will be reflected on in a better light.

As much as I'd love to see JBL back in the ring as a heel champion, I'd rather see him behind the mic. As a wrestler, he can give us good segments, but as a commentator, he can give us entire shows of gold. Plus, people who dislike him seem dislike him less as a commentator.

Or I can see them giving it to a Dusty Rhodes (Ew)

Rhodes: Oh smiglee gah rigresma agiggly othee!
Cole: Another stunning insight from the American Dream!

Yeah, I can see that too, and it makes me want to cry.

[AdrianM]

I dream of the day when somehow, someway, JBL and Nash are both sitting at the commentary booth. No matter what match was going on, it would instantly become classic.

I remember hearing someone say that they don't think Nash would be a good commentator because he'd try to put himself over ahead of the talent...
Whats your opinion on this the one?

[lort]

Call me crazy but I always thought Dustin Runnels/Rhodes/Goldust or Al Snow could do a great colour position.

However, there are a billion and one wrestlers who could do colour (personally I think if the King goes back to heel he would be fine) and still no viable play by play men.

[Theo Dious]

I remember hearing someone say that they don't think Nash would be a good commentator because he'd try to put himself over ahead of the talent...
Whats your opinion on this the one?

Have you ever heard Nash do commentary? He's gold.

Someone will have to refresh me on this one... I seem to remember a time when someone unexpected came running out in the middle of a WCW match, and Nash answered the question "What's he doing here?" with "He was the only one who showed up at the booking meeting!"

Someone clarify that one a bit?

[Mr. Nerfect]

As much as I'd love to see JBL back in the ring as a heel champion, I'd rather see him behind the mic. As a wrestler, he can give us good segments, but as a commentator, he can give us entire shows of gold. Plus, people who dislike him seem dislike him less as a commentator.



Rhodes: Oh smiglee gah rigresma agiggly othee!
Cole: Another stunning insight from the American Dream!

Yeah, I can see that too, and it makes me want to cry.

:y:

I think even The One will agree that JBL was best for his segments. Moments like where he declared himself a "Wrestling God" and stumbled around Tokyo pretending to be drunk. This JBL can not only survive at the commentary table, but can dominate an entire show. I think there's a reason JBL is still featured in SmackDown!'s opening, and why he's still a top-billed star of the show: He just injects so much of his personality in there.

And yes, Dusty Rhodes as commentator is something that will make me cry. As eerily sleep-inducing as his hypnotic voice is, I don't think its the desired result for a wrestling product.

On the bright side (and I say this simply from the WWE's accountant's perspective), if people fall asleep, they won't have a chance to flick during The Undertaker's entrance to avoid falling asleep during that.

[Theo Dious]

Call me crazy but I always thought Dustin Runnels/Rhodes/Goldust or Al Snow could do a great colour position.

Al was great when he was Coach's partner after JR and Lawler were fired. I think he also commentated Heat for a while.

[FourFifty]

Don Callis? Anyone?

[dude extreme]

Can they drink too?

:lol:

[Blitz]

Don Callis? Anyone?
:y: :y: :y: :y: :y:

Most underrated commentator ever.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I am ashamed to say I don't know anything about Don Callis to *ahem* commentate on his abilities. Blitz and FF seem to think he's OK. His name is familiar, but can anyone update me on him?

[The One]

Cyrus from ECW. Another guy who is good, and yes, probably better than the current status quo, but no where near worthy of the praise he reveices from people so ego to show their "smart" by rattling off the names of people not emplyed by the big boys.

[The One]

I think even The One will agree that JBL was best for his segments.
A ticket bought for JBL gets it's moneys worth before he ever steps in the ring. I've said it about JBL and Nash a dozen times.:y:

[Dorkchop]

I hated Cyrus as a commentator.

[Jordan]

No way! Jim Ross is the best, I think he makes a lot of mediocore matches into good matches, a lot of good matches into great matches... If it weren't for him selling hell out of thing I probably wouldn't care.

[FourFifty]

Jim Ross messes up quite often when he's calling a move, but when he's calling with passion and emotion he'll have you believe that Max Mini vs Hornswaggle is as good as Ric Flair vs Barry Windham.

[FourFifty]

A ticket bought for JBL gets it's moneys worth before he ever steps in the ring. I've said it about JBL and Nash a dozen times.:y:

And that's just before lunch.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Cyrus from ECW. Another guy who is good, and yes, probably better than the current status quo, but no where near worthy of the praise he reveices from people so ego to show their "smart" by rattling off the names of people not emplyed by the big boys.

Ah, yes! Thanks for connecting the two. :y:

I've only seen a few ECW shows, but I thought he wasn't that bad. Not the best ever or anything, but as you said, above the status quo.

I'd actualy like to see Callis brought in to do Heat. Jonathan Coachman isn't as awful as some people make out, he's great a talker, but I think his current role as Executive Assistant should negate his commentary duties. Give Callis the position, and who knows, you might strike gold.

[Skippord]

JBL = Worthless as a wrestler

decent as a commentator

[jindrak]

I must've typed this 59024375438 times before, but here it is again-

Josh Matthews is the future of professional wrestling commentary.

Matthews + anyone else would be a tremendous duo.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I must've typed this 59024375438 times before, but here it is again-

Josh Matthews is the future of professional wrestling commentary.

Matthews + anyone else would be a tremendous duo.

I agree with you. Mathews has heat on him for some reason. It's pretty shit, because the guy would be the best play-by-play guy they have behind Joey Styles. That he is also a trained wrestler, and can do colour commentary, is a bonus.

Seriously, in Styles and Mathews they have two of the best commentators out there. I actually think they are very similar in style. If they were to move Michael Cole over to RAW, I'd love to see Josh Mathews paired with JBL on SmackDown!.

They should really consider bringing back Paul Heyman as a colour commentator for RAW. I know, Heyman is a loose cannon, but he adds so much to the broadcasts. He pretty much got Rhyno over in the WWE. He can talk as a former owner, manager and General Manager.

I wouldn't like to see Heyman put with anybody, because if he is with someone he likes and agrees with, he won't clash and the dynamic won't be as entertaining. I think Paul Heyman would work best with a Michael Cole-type character. In fact, they should make that RAW's duo. Have Josh Mathews fill in for Michael Cole on SmackDown! as JBL's new partner, and you have yourself three serviceable teams.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Josh Mathews should be on Heat now. He recently filled in for Todd Grisham, and the broadcast just ran more smoothly. I think Mathews would make a great leading man for Heat.

I'd change Coach, as well. Have him replaced with someone less involved in RAW storylines.

[FourFifty]

I must've typed this 59024375438 times before, but here it is again-

Josh Matthews is the future of professional wrestling commentary.

Matthews + anyone else would be a tremendous duo.

Tim White :lol:

[jindrak]

A heel Coach on commentary was the goods too. As a regular commentator though, he was dreadful at best.

Dunno why the three person team of JR, Lawley, and a heel Coach was ever dropped. It was really entertaining, imo.

[taker707]

Michael Cole is one of the worst commentator of all time. He will probably get the lead annouce job on raw though.

[darkpower]

Michael Cole is one of the worst commentator of all time. He will probably get the lead annouce job on raw though.

No, that belongs to whoever called XPW matches. GOD, no one could ruin a...MATCH, like them calling it.

[darkpower]

I thought Vince had a hard on for Todd Grisham that night wen Styles pulled that worked-shoot and walked out of RAW. Something tells me that Grisham will get the nod because he wasn't that bad of a commentator, and was something different.

For some reason, I couldn't see SmackDown being called by anyone else right now. Cole and JBL bring something to that show that couldn't be emulated by anyone else. Cole gets hated on WAY too much when he actually calls the matches (more than JR can).

ECW I could see getting a shake up if Tazz were to go back to SmackDown if JBL decides to head back to wrestling. Then either have Joey call the shows by himself like he used to do, or get Heyman back to color for him. That would be VERY interesting (Styles and Heyman on the same booth).

One name that wasn't mentioned that HAS worked in the WWE before that I many be VERY crazy for mentioning here: Tony Schivoni. Something tells me that he might be willing to return to do commentary, and while I do think that he could've been one of the more mediocre commentators once WCW started getting fucked up, he really ended up holding his own, and with someone like Lawler (although I HATE the way Lawler does the heel bit. Lawler should never be a heel commentator AFAIN) acting somewhat like Heenan did when Tony and Heenan did commentary two man in WCW(that was pure gold), then I think they would play off each other VERY nicely. Plus, his way of trying to elevate things to the biggest nights in the history of our sport would actually emulate JR in a way, so that feeling might be kept, provided he doesn't do that EVERY SINGLE WEEK!

I do think Grisham will be thought of first, not Cole (since JBL and Cole are SD pure), but if not Grisham, I would implore the WWE to make Schivoni the "offer he cannot refuse" (will get me haters, I know, but still, a pretty viable choice).