Matt Hardy Praises Michael Cole As The Top Play-By-Play Announcer In Wrestling Today

(Photo Credit: WWE)

This weekโ€™s episode of โ€œThe Extreme Life of Matt Hardyโ€ explored the future of TNA Wrestling, with Matt Hardy reflecting on the promotion’s trajectory and offering high praise for Michael Cole as one of wrestlingโ€™s top play-by-play commentators.

Hardy began by assessing Coleโ€™s career:

โ€œThis is almost judging him over his whole body of work. I mean, I would almost say the most consistent guy, which I really like a lot now, and I think heโ€™s grown and heโ€™s learned, and he has really embraced it, I would almost go with Michael Cole.โ€

Hardy highlighted Coleโ€™s evolution and dedication to his craft, especially given his non-wrestling background:

โ€œHe came from the news. I remember him being there, and he would always come to guys. He would ask them about things we were doing in the match. He would look for insight. Then once the more he got a grasp of pro wrestling, the better he became at it. Heโ€™s the head guy now that kind of runs things there when it comes to the announcers and whatnot. To me, he stands out.โ€

While Hardy acknowledged Jim Rossโ€™s legendary status, he noted Coleโ€™s prominence in todayโ€™s wrestling landscape:

โ€œYou know, JR is there, and JR is obviously a classic, especially when he was younger and whatnot. JR had so many lines that stuck out. JR, even though he still does commentary from time to time, itโ€™s not very often, but heโ€™s great. Obviously he is getting very much towards the end of sitting behind the desk. Right now, for someone who is in their heyday and still a full-time guy, I would say Michael Cole.โ€

Hardy also shared insights into AJ Stylesโ€™ backstage visit during TNAโ€™s Final Resolution pay-per-view, reflecting on Stylesโ€™ roots in the company:

โ€œWe saw AJ. He was backstage. Itโ€™s great to catch up with him. Iโ€™ve loved AJ since I first met him, and heโ€™s always been a great guy. Heโ€™s one of the guys thatโ€™s never changed. A good southern boy like me and Jeff. So itโ€™s always great to see good old Alan Jones. I mean, TNA is such a huge part of his life, and Iโ€™m sure that was great for him just to come there and see everyone, and visit with everyone, and catch up with people you havenโ€™t seen in years.โ€

Hardyโ€™s commentary not only shed light on Cole’s excellence but also reminded fans of the lasting impact of Stylesโ€™ TNA legacy.

You can check out the podcast below:


(h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription)