WWE SmackDown: 10 Things You Might Have Missed (Nov 16)
4. Tom Phillips Didn't Really Have A Place On Commentary
Analytical and smooth as silk, Mauro Ranallo has been praised heavily in this article already. Sitting alongside him, JBL is routinely a cheerleader for SmackDown's heel contingent. Meanwhile, as the 'baby' of the bunch, David Otunga is quite clearly learning on the job as a colour commentator for the blue brand.
Last week, management made the decision to add someone else to the commentary position on SmackDown Live. Accomplished in his own right, Tom Phillips now sits alongside Ranallo, JBL and Otunga on shows. As this week proved, there's no real reason to have the guy there at all, he gets lost in the shuffle.
Those watching may have wondered when Phillips was going to open his mouth. Of the quartet announcing SmackDown, he undeniably said the least. Acting as a host of sorts, Tom merely linked between segments occasionally.
Having 4 people sit behind a solitary announce desk feels like overkill. It would have been better to see Phillips behind the scenes, Ranallo and crew could have continually thrown things back to him for links. As things stand, he doesn't have a place.