10 Reasons Classic Wrestling Is Superior To Sports Entertainment
5. The Commentary
The old formula was simple and effective; take two announcers, one covers play-by-play, the other provides color. One supports the babyfaces and the other supports heels. Lately, there are as many bodies at the commentary booth as there are in the stands.
It also helps when the commentators have years of wrestling experience. A degree in sports media and a sharp suit is no substitute for on-screen chemistry. Look up any list of wrestling's greatest commentators. You'll find names like Gorilla Monsoon, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, Gordon Solie and Jim Ross. What they all have in common is that they all were either former wrestlers, or had deep roots in the wrestling industry.
Commentators and announcers no longer have the status they once did. In classic wrestling, people like "Mean" Gene Okerlund and Howard Finkel were as popular with the fans as many of the wrestlers. At best, modern commentary is shallow. At worst, commentators and announcers are buried by the promotion. When was the last time you saw someone yank a mic out of Mene Gene's hand for an interview?