10 Things You Learn As A Wrestling Commentator

Note to self: "Mamma Mia" and "Slobberknocker" are already taken.

Dave Bradshaw James R Kennedy Defiant Wrestling
Oli Sandler/Defiant Wrestling

I've been blessed to be a pro wrestling colour commentator for close to two years now.

Before getting the gig, I worked as heel manager James R. Kennedy for approximately seven years in companies like ICW, WCPW and other assorted indy groups. It was a riot, but something deep down always felt like it was missing. Truthfully, I hated bumping, and believed I had more to give beyond cutting promos or tripping the ref's leg.

One day, at a 2017 WCPW show, I'd finished up my promos and was done for the night. Bored, I asked if I could maybe sit in on comms for a match starring my old tag team. Although the promoter wasn't sure at first, he eventually relented to my non-stop whines and put me in. As cliched as it sounds, I really haven't looked back.

I reckon I've found my calling in wrestling. This is something I've longed to do since giggling along with Bobby Heenan's quips or marvelling at the job Jerry Lawler did during the Attitude Era. I've also learned a ton since first sitting down to call a show. It's been a wonderful blend of humbling, exciting and personally fulfilling.

Here's what you learn, both about wrestling and yourself, as a fledgling colour man...

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Mauro Ranallo
 
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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.