The wrestling veteran discusses the initial challenges and eventual success of the iconic WWE commentary duo
In a recent episode of his popular podcast, “Something To Wrestle With Bruce Prichard,” the former WWE executive and on-screen personality, Bruce Prichard, delved into the early days of the commentary partnership between Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler. Prichard shared insights into the initial pushback and the eventual success of the duo, who went on to become one of the most recognized voices in WWE history.
Prichard revealed that it took some time for WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to adjust to having Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler on the RAW commentary team. He said, “I don’t recall specifically, but sure, he could have been easily.” He further added that people often need to understand the complexities of the job to criticize the play-by-play commentators. Prichard challenged critics to try doing live commentary in front of 20,000 people, while also hitting time cues, making segues to promotional materials, and dealing with producers speaking in their ear.
Prichard also acknowledged that the role of a commentator is one of the most thankless jobs in the company, yet it is also one of the most difficult. He noted that fans get used to certain voices, like Jim Ross and later Michael Cole, and they become the soundtrack of their fandom. When there is a change, fans initially resist it, but once the new becomes regular, they don’t want that to change either.
He concluded by saying, “I think when you have capable talent in the role, and Michael Cole and Lawler both being very capable, they found their groove and they became a great team. But in the beginning, yeah, it was tough, very tough.”
