10 Things You Hate About Modern Wrestling (Thanks To The Attitude Era)
9. Modern Commentary
For wrestling fans of a certain age group, Jim Ross and Jerry 'The King' Lawler are considered the gold standard in wrestling announce teams. While the pairing had more flaws than most will admit, they made for an enjoyable duo when Lawler toned down his crassness, with JR's iconic, impassioned calls enhancing many of Attitude's key moments.
Today's commentary often feels flat and lifeless by comparison. The announcers have their plus points, but they're reading from somebody else's script, and it shows. The likes of Michael Cole and Tom Phillips often sound like pre-programmed robots as they reel off buzzlines and marketing slogans, with Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn screaming through their earpiece, directing their every word.
Cole in particular takes an absolute pounding from the critics. Much of the frustration comes from the simple fact that he's not peak JR, but the current environment makes it impossible to build another commentator like Ross.
It's a shame, because the UK Championship Tournament proved that Cole is a fine announcer when the shackles are off, but for as long as people are pining for the Attitude Era, he'll live in JR's shadow.