John “Bradshaw” Layfield successfully transitioned into color commentary after a Hall of Fame professional wrestling career, using his in-ring experience to produce matches for WWE. Falling back on that experience, JBL made his case for his former roadie Michael Cole, speaking as the greatest commentator of all time “Something for wrestling.”
“He gets called more matches, he gets called more WrestleManias, he gets called more than anybody,” JBL said. “Michael, to me, is the GOAT, absolutely, 100% GOAT.”
Meanwhile, JBL recognized Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler, calling them legendary, but the best of their era instead of all-time. “No offense to JR. I think Michael and JR are neck and neck. I’d give Michael the edge. For one, I worked with Michael, and for two, Michael (has) longevity. I think Michael, to me, I think is the greatest of all time.”
JBL also pointed out how many other play-by-play commentators struggled under Vince McMahon and eventually left the company, while Cole was able to find long-term success.
His days as a backstage interviewer saw Cole more passive and reactionary towards wrestlers without a heel or backside identity, but once he started getting commentary, he eventually became a contender. “People have confused Michael so much with his character, which shows what a great heel he was,” JBL added of Cole’s portrayal of a heel on commentary. “Michael was a great heel.”
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “Something To Wrestle” and credit ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
