10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (4 Oct)

4. What Vince McMahon Told Tazz About WWE Commentary

When the WWF signed ECW hard man Taz in late-1999, debuted him at the 2000 Royal Rumble and added an extra 'z' to his name, nobody could've predicted that he'd be playing a laid back colour commentator within 18 months. That was the guy's fate, and he ended up forming quite the partnership with Michael Cole.

Nothing came easy though.

On the 'WINCLY' podcast, Tazz told how Vince McMahon personally pulled him aside and said he "needed" him to be great at announcing, and fast. McMahon was looking for his next Jerry Lawler, and he'd heard from Kevin Dunn that Tazz was smashing it on Sunday Night Heat. Right there and then, the former ECW Champ knew he'd have to raise his game.

In fairness, he did, and the chemistry he shared with Cole helped. Vince looked Tazz dead in the eye and repeated that he wanted him to become "really" good at commentary ASAP. Talk about a pressurised situation for someone learning a new skill.