PWInsider - WWE News, Wrestling News, WWE

MORNING THOUGHTS: MATT STRIKER SCORES WITH AN A+ ANNOUNCING DEBUT

AN A+ PERFORMANCE

As ECW went on the air last night, I had a discussion with someone where they wondered if Todd Grisham would end up exposed on last night's broadcast since he was going to be paired with Matt Striker, as opposed to Tazz.  The belief was that Striker, while a decent talker, wasn't going to be able to carry the ball and Grisham, in just his second week as ECW announcer, was going to end up exposed as yet another broadcaster made to look better by the former "Human Suplex Machine"

Well, with Tazz bounced over to the Smackdown announcing team, perhaps permanently, not only did Grisham come through with another good performance, but Matt Striker saw his chance and hit a home run.  The former Queens, New York school teacher, in the course of just one episode, leapt from being another undercard talent sitting in the back at catering waiting for something to do at TV tapings to finding his on-camera niche for World Wrestling Entertainment.

Striker, still technically a heel but not to the point where he prevented himself from praising the babyfaces simply because he was a heel, referred to himself as a "wrestling nerd" in the opening moments of last night's broadcast of ECW on Sci Fi.  It was a breath of fresh air for the announcing on WWE television, right down to Striker admitting that Evan Bourne had previously beaten him in the ring, gaining Striker's respect.  When was the last time WWE even acknowledged wins and losses, much less used them to build a character's credibility?

Striker's obvious knowledge for wrestling history also proved to be a huge asset to his announcing as he referenced no less than Brad Rheighans during the first bout and later went on to mention Bruno Sammartino and Larry Zbyszko during a later segment.  While JBL and Mick Foley have slipped in historic references during their runs in the announcing booth (and nothing cracks me up more than JBL praising Shaun and Steve Simpson), Striker did so in a way to frame what the viewers were seeing and provide them with not just background on characters but knowledge about the general wrestling world.

Plus, let's face it, how many of you knew Ricky Ortiz played for the XFL before last night?  That's what I thought.  It's not a major fact of importance but like Jim Ross throwing out the professional sports background of say, Ron Simmons in the NWA, it allows for the viewers to see the performers as someone with more than one dimension, not just guys in flashy costumes doing spots.

Overall, a tremendous debut.  Here's to hoping WWE finds a regular announcing spot for Matt Striker and if they do, you should make it a point to tune in.  If you pay attention, you might even learn something.

Let's just hope he doesn't call in sick!

Mike Johnson can be reached at Mike@PWInsider.com.

Tomorrow - The number one underutilized performer in World Wrestling Entertainment.  Mike invites you to visit www.pwipop.com, where the most recent edition of The Pop Blender, looking at the world of pop culture and Mike's review of Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanemo Bay, as now online, as well as a number of other excellent articles.

 

If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!

• Tweet