WWE Payback 2016: 10 Things We Learned

8. Much-Maligned Announcers Epitomise Professionalism When It Matters

Shane Stephanie Vince McMahon
WWE.com

Scan any social media platform, and there are likely to be posts condemning the work of Michael Cole, JBL and Byron Saxton behind the announce desk in WWE. The trio often have a thankless task, working under more scrutiny than any other announce team in history. As he has said so himself on his podcast, Jim Ross didn't have to deal with the pressures Cole and company do each week during his prime.

Following the unfortunate injury to Enzo Amore, the announcers maintained a professional guise. That's to be admired, less experience may have caused them to panic and become flustered, but that didn't happen. Calmly, Cole, JBL and Saxton discussed what had happened, before turning viewer attention to the next attraction.

WWE's production team must also be commended, they handled the situation very well. Fans were kept updated on Enzo's health throughout Payback, and great attempts were made to allay fears and move the pay-per-view on quickly.

Michael Cole, JBL and Byron Saxton may not be everyone's cup of tea, but they deserve credit for their professionalism at short notice.

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.