10 Things You Learn As A Wrestling Commentator

9. Improvisation Is Important

Bobby Heenan
WWE

Things don't always go to plan behind the desk. The sooner you learn that, the better-equipped you'll be to deal with it.

Endless research of the late, great Bobby Heenan prepared me to improvise when the need arises. For example, there might be a production snafu, or someone could get hurt during a match. Those points rely on the commentary team keeping a cool head, remaining professional and doing everything they can to keep momentum going.

Improvisation comes into that. It's actually essential, and it's also important to remember one thing: no matter what happens, always have something to say. It could be a regurgitation of an earlier point or your co-host's words, or it could be a light-hearted joke (obviously depending on the situation). Just say something!

I pride myself on never being lost for words. It's a skill I've honed, and one learned when peers had literally sod all to say during duelling promos as a manager.

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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.