
This weekโs episode of โThe 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 wrestlingโs top play-by-play commentators.
Hardy began by assessing Coleโs career:
โThis 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 heโs grown and heโs learned, and he has really embraced it, I would almost go with Michael Cole.โ
Hardy highlighted Coleโs evolution and dedication to his craft, especially given his non-wrestling background:
โHe 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. Heโs 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 Rossโs legendary status, he noted Coleโs prominence in todayโs wrestling landscape:
โYou 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, itโs not very often, but heโs 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 TNAโs Final Resolution pay-per-view, reflecting on Stylesโ roots in the company:
โWe saw AJ. He was backstage. Itโs great to catch up with him. Iโve loved AJ since I first met him, and heโs always been a great guy. Heโs one of the guys thatโs never changed. A good southern boy like me and Jeff. So itโs always great to see good old Alan Jones. I mean, TNA is such a huge part of his life, and Iโm sure that was great for him just to come there and see everyone, and visit with everyone, and catch up with people you havenโt seen in years.โ
Hardyโs 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)