10 Things You Learn As A Wrestling Commentator

8. Know Your History

Jim Ross Jerry Lawler
WWE.com

A popular UK wrestler once told me they think it's embarrassing when others publicly cite influences or nod to the past. To be blunt, they were talking absolute nonsense. Such respect for history shouldn't be treated as "marky" or lame.

In fact, it should be treated as a positive.

There are so many brilliant commentators from the past to glean knowledge from, so why would anyone dismiss such a valuable resource? Some in-built superiority complex, maybe, or perhaps they've lost touch with what it means to be a fan. I haven't, and I hopefully never will. The past is there to plunder.

It doesn't make sense to me that any aspiring announcer could knock back the chance to study Jim Ross, Jerry Lawler, Gorilla Monsoon, Vince McMahon, Bobby Heenan, Michael Cole or any other top pro. That seems arrogant to me, and it's hardly encouraging if someone feels they've got nothing to learn.

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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.