7 Amazing Backstage Stories From Wrestling Announcers

Find out which legendary commentator once announced an entire show without proper vision...

The art of the pro wrestling announcer has changed incredibly over the years. Previously, commentators were there solely to call the action, much like those announcing on real-life sports do. As things progressed, the people behind the microphone had a responsibility to sell stories to the viewing public, enabling them to to emotionally invest in the matches and characters they were supposed to. Now, wrestling announcers often have to multi-task like crazy. It's not uncommon for a pro wrestling commentary team to go from shilling a sponsor's product, then quickly follow that up with some social media updates, all before finally focusing on the match people are about to see presented. It's a job which requires supreme sharpness, and an uncanny ability to think on one's feet. Throughout history, there have been many excellent announcers. From the more obvious choices, such as Gorilla Monsoon, Jim Ross and Joey Styles, to lesser-heralded ones such as Mike Tenay and Tony Schiavone. All these voices are memorable, which helped make them so good at their jobs. It makes sense that some of these men have funny - and often downright crazy - stories to tell. That's what this article aims to focus on, those amazing stories told by the people who narrate the action. Even ring announcers aren't exempt from the fun, and these tales really show how much talent is necessary in order to be successful in the field.

Contributor

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.