10 Wrestlers Who Proved Their Worth In A Crisis
5. Michael Cole
Michael Cole isn't to blame for WWE's creative downfall, obviously, but it doesn't help that with the exception of SmackDown's ace post-brand split run, he has voiced the very worst of WWE's output - even the awful Attitude Era aberration that was early-to-mid 1999's nonsensical gothic sh*t-show.
Cole's problem is that he's fantastic at a detestable job. He is uncannily slick, coating the product in an off-putting ooze. He's so polished at transitions and segues, a goateed metronome, that his input actually unravels suspension of disbelief. It's all so competent, (ironically) perfect, that his mere presence gives the game away: this is a produced show, not a captured event.
But Cole proved his worth - and he classifies as a wrestler because he's worked more singles matches at WrestleMania than 16-year main roster vet Dolph Ziggler - on the September 10, 2012 Monday Night RAW.
It was the night on which his broadcast colleague and dear friend Jerry Lawler suffered a heart attack on-air. Cole had to shift from panic professional mode, using every last resource of skill and mentality to proceed with the broadcast. It was the most impossible, unimaginable position, and he executed it profoundly well.
This one night throws into sharp relief every criticism levelled at the man. His job is impossible, and it was never more impossible on that night.