WWE: Can Michael Cole's Heel Play-by-Play Announcer Role Ever Really Work?

So, is it working for you?

Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about, you read the headline.  Keep up here, people.

Seriously though…is it working for you, this whole bit with Michael Cole running heel despite the fact that he’s a play-by-play announcer?

If recent discussion among fans online means anything, then about half of you said, “You better believe it bro, I love me some bad-boy Michael Cole!”

While the other half of you answered with a stone-faced, “Dude, are you kidding me?”

I have to say, as much as I dig it when grown men call each other bro, thank you Zack Ryder, I am inclined to agree with the second half of you.

At this point, Cole’s routine has become so tired, so repetitive, that you can almost predict what he’s going to say long before he says it.  The reason?  The novelty has worn off.

When WWE first decided to give Cole some spotlight, heeling him out week after week, I thought, OK, well, it’s different, so, why not?  Why not give it a chance?

The lead commentator at ringside has historically always been the guy to call the match right down the middle.  Much like the referee assigned to officiate a bout, the main announcer has no stake in who wins or loses.  His job is to merely call the action.

But, that does not mean that he can’t persuade.

A good play-by-play man can take you along for the ride.  The emotion in his voice as a heel cheats behind the ref’s back, the frustration he has when the hero cannot maintain momentum due to outside interference, instances like these allow him to pull you into the moment.

If he’s done his job properly, then you immediately become sympathetic toward the plight of the protagonist.  The face’s big smile, and the way he shakes hands with kids at ringside tells you he’s a good guy.

But, it’s the announcer’s work that makes you care about the face as a person and as a competitor.

So, yes, the commentator is neutral, but with a subtle wink on the side.

The announcer’s job is not just about making you cheer for the babyface, however.  He’s also there to deliver the excitement of the match in a very big way.

There’s nothing worse than an announcer who just sits there, mumbling, or stale, disconnected from the match, or just unable to keep up.  Meanwhile, the guys in the ring are killing themselves to put on a great match.

The fans in attendance are getting their money’s worth, but what about the fans watching at home?

The truth is, a play-by-play man’s delivery can directly affect how the match is received, and whether or not it is a success.

That’s a lot of influence to trust to someone who can’t get it done.   And, that’s where I’m a little confused as to the current positioning of Cole’s character.

OK, I’m very confused as to the current positioning of Cole’s character.

The guy can do the job.  It’s that simple for me.  He’s more than capable of doing everything it takes to be the voice of WWE.

But, instead, all we get is a heel with an agenda.  Why?

The most obvious reason, and the one that may indeed be the motivator for Cole’s turn to the dark side, is the fact that he has some big shoes to fill.

Jim Ross is the Hall of Fame voice of the company.  No one has ever called a WWE match quite the way he has, and there is no doubt that he has more than done his part in leading Vince McMahon’s company above everyone else who has dared stand against them.  

When you think of all time great WWE matches, you remember Ross’ announce work.  He’s that much of an integral part of the business in WWE.

Try following that.

So, rather than put Cole under the harsh lights of fan’s comparison, WWE decided to go another route.

They chose to turn him heel, allowing  him to openly dispute the notion that he doesn’t stand a chance replacing Ross.

Giving him attitude, an arrogant personality, an ego, was likely meant to take the focus off of who he is, because he can’t follow JR, separating himself in the process.

I get it.  You get it.  We all get it.  The question is, is it working?

Are you of the mind set that he’s doing a great job in this role, that it’s unique, and he’s flourishing, making the best of what he’s been given to do?

Or, is he just really irritating the crap out of you?

Is it working for you?