6 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Rampage: New Year's Smash
Ups...
6. The Commentary
Take a bow, Tony Schiavone.
The WCW legend has become AEW's Mr. Reliable behind the commentary desk, and it's clear that Tony enjoys the product a little more than some probably predicted he would. On Rampage, he showed off his excellent chemistry with Excalibur and seemed totally at ease with everything put in front of him.
In a classy touch, Schiavone also tried to bring out the best in Ricky Starks and nurture his character's need to be an as*hole. Starks deserves a special mention in general too, 'cause he has improved tenfold on comms since grabbing a headset and sitting in.
There's been a much better flow to commentary overall since Chris Jericho disappeared from the desk. Taz is a solid announcer too, but he's probs better off as a mouthpiece for wrestlers (he has a tendency to go too comedic). Having Schiavone there gave the table better balance.