Jim Ross possibly leaving RAW announce team

[UseTheSledgehammerUh 0]

:::HHH Pedigrees Flair into oblivion:::

 

"That's his move! 1-2-3!"

[Guest Arnold_OldSchool]

Bill Watts and Jim Ross sounds dandy

[Guest deinly1]

The problem with WWE is, they have the money to use anyone they want, but will end up making a poor man's decision.

 

Styles, Heyman, Cornette, shit even Vince would be better than who they will end up using.

[Styles 0]

You know, it's been 2 years and change since PRIDE dropped Quadros and he still hasn't been heard or seen on WWE tv.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Not that I would want to see JR leave the booth, but Stephan Quadros would be a great replacement. Meltzer has said on WOL that they've brough him in for interviews before but he obviously hasn't been called back.

[Guest karlitoapple]

From Mike Johnson at pwinsider

 

"There has been talk over the last several days of a new outside announcer, possibly Mike Goldberg of The Ultimate Fighting Championship, being considered as a replacement to current lead Raw announcer Jim Ross. Under the discussed scenario, Ross would then be reassigned to a new position heading up announcing for WWE.com. "

[ChrisMWaters 0]

Question about that WWE.com stuff.

 

Does that mean, with Ross in charge there, he'd be doing the "Your video selection will begin" voice...or will he take over on Heat and Velocity for...one guy or the other?

[therealworldschampion 0]

Ross is just terrible, so if he goes, that's great.

 

As for an announcing team, they need Dusty, Juvi, and Stevie Ray. Hillarity ensues.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

If Dusty started referring to USA Network as "The Mothership", it'd be hilarious...

[EricMM 0]

Steve Corino, CM Punk, and Chris Jericho.

 

I dunno who would be color and who would be PBP.

 

I just wanna hear those three call a match

[Styles 0]

If the Mike Goldberg rumor is true that would be HUGE and the first "jump" of the new War. Goldberg has been the voice of the UFC for as long as I can remember, does he have any experience in pro wrestling? Will UFC hire Stephan Quadros to replace him? This might get very interesting.

[Vyce 0]

I freely admit that I'd love for them to hire Tony Schiavone. But it'll never happen.

 

What we'll get is someone new, who probably has zero experience calling wrestling.

[Guest MikeSC]

Which makes them as good as Tony.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

I heard Goldberg was offered a chance to do be an announcer for an NHL team but turned it down to commentate for the UFC, and this was when UFC wasn't nearly as successful as it is today. I doubt he'd jump to the WWE as he seems pretty loyal.

[Styles 0]

I heard Goldberg was offered a chance to do be an announcer for an NHL team but turned it down to commentate for the UFC, and this was when UFC wasn't nearly as successful as it is today.  I doubt he'd jump to the WWE as he seems pretty loyal.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I asked Wade Keller about it, he had this to say:

 

He was the voice of the Minnesota Wild NHL team for a few years and was excellent. I don't know if he knows anything about pro wrestling, but it would be sad if Ross is a casualty of the UFC-WWE war for the petty reason of wanting to steal someone from UFC. That said, Goldberg would probably have a chance to be excellent in the role. Of course, I'd rather see him end up on Smackdown.

 

You sure he wasn't doing the hockey and UFC at the same time, RRR?

[CanadianChick 0]

I'm actually digging the Jericho playing Mr. Perfect idea. He can come back when his big Europe tour is done, or whenever, and start easing back into it. He can still do his other interests, and when he eventually wants to come back, he easily can.

 

Of course, it's just a temporary solution, but it gives them more time to stall at least.

[cabbageboy 0]

Ladies and gentlemen....Steve Romero! Just kidding.

 

After watching some old Nitros on 24/7 I really don't think Bischoff is all that bad. I can easily stomach him more than Vince from back in the day.

 

Hell, don't they have Joey Styles under contract now, at least of some sort? Put him on Raw.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

The word I have heard for years was that Goldberg turned down the NHL to announce for the UFC. And this was during the lean years of the UFC.

[cameron chaos 0]

If according to Vince they don't consider the UFC to be competition, why exactly are they planning to take one of their announcers?

 

WWE logic is funny.

[Guest MikeSC]

Maybe they allegedly think he's good at what he does.

 

UFC not being competition for the WWE is pretty obvious.

[Black Lushus 0]

a good announcer is a good announcer, competition has nothing to do with it...

[cameron chaos 0]

Goldberg isn't a great MMA announcer though. They already have Styles under contract so why not just use him as he'd already be familiar with the moves? Otherwise Goldie will just end up being like Schiavone. If anything they should try get Mauro from PRIDE, he is already doing Jim Ross trademarks like calling moves wrong and screaming until his throat is hoarse when someone he likes wins.

[pochorenella 0]

Please, anybody but Schiavone. I absolutely loathe him.

[Black Lushus 0]

if they can get Styles to can that "Oh My God!" stuff, I could probably live with him and the Coach...

 

honestly, Lawler needs to go as well...

[Hektik 0]

If according to Vince they don't consider the UFC to be competition, why exactly are they planning to take one of their announcers?

 

WWE logic is funny.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In the latest Observers, Meltzer has mentioned that Vince is preparing for a war, even if the other guys know it or not (UFC/TNA). He did mention that Carter & company know about it, not sure if UFC knows about it.

[Guest rawmvp]

Meltzer just confirmed in his Thursday update that Ross is being replaced, and the change will happen as soon as next Monday:

 

 

"A few additions to our lead story in the next Observer regarding what is happening with the Raw announcing team. Mike Goldberg, the current UFC announcer, will not be doing the PPV tomorrow night after all. This has nothing to do with his negotiations with WWE, as he had a prior announcing conflict. Goldberg has friends who have appraised him of the situation he's walking into, as Goldberg has zero knowledge or past interest in pro wrestling, and had no idea what replacing Jim Ross entails, or working for Vince McMahon (he does now). Plus, as a legit sports announcer, it becomes difficult to get work in real sports as a top of the line guy when you are known as "the pro wrestling announcer." Craig Minervini did it and Tony Schiavone did, somewhat, so it's not impossible, but is difficult. However, he was offered a multi-year contract and according to those close to him, "insane" money. He told people in UFC that he would be taking the offer. He's leaving on great terms with UFC and he's very well respected there as he is very professional at announcing. As a broadcaster, he's ten stages better than the prior "know-nothing about wrestling" types like Todd Grisham, Steve Romero and Jonathan Coachman that the company has hired. Replacing Ross was based on when Goldberg signs. I don't know that he has signed the contract, and he could change his mind, and WWE could also change their minds, but from what I gather from both sides, that probably will not happen. As far as when the change would go into effect, it is imminent. If a contract is signed before Monday, it could be as soon as Monday or the following Monday. Ross will announce Raw on wwe.com once the change is made. Within wrestling, it's been virtually 100% that this move is crazy, and virtually none of them know Goldberg has never watched or followed wrestling. Those who know the real reasons only think it's even beyond that. Publicly, I'm sure WWE and likely Ross as a loyal company employee for public consumption will try and portray it as a move to boost people watching Raw on the internet, but that story has more holes than Swiss Cheese."

[Carnival 0]

Vince could steal Don West and deal the death blow to TNA!

 

Kill two birds with one stone.

[pochorenella 0]

I really have no idea who the hell this Goldberg guy is, but I find it truly idiotic to bring in someone with zero knowledge of pro-wrestling and work on your highest-profile TV show right out of the gate, even if he's a terrific announcer. Maybe they'll give him a steady diet of WWE 24/7 and have him eat, breathe and sleep wrestling to have him ready for next monday. Or maybe JR can coach him via headphones like he did Michael Cole back in 98-99. But if the guy can't tell between Bob Orton or Randy Orton then have him stowed away until he learns the names, the moves, and the history.

 

Josh Matthews IMO is a guy that could be brought up in the future to the main shows, but not at the moment 'cause he's too young and maybe too "smarky" for WWE at this moment. He knows the business and loves it, so he could be a good choice. But that's just my opinion.

[Guest fanofcoils]

I'm shocked Vince hasn't signed Don West, he's loud, obnoxious, and knows nothing about wrestling, he would make a perfect fit.

[Dangerous A 0]

WWE has got to be the only place where too much knowledge of their product will disqualify you from a job with them. They don't want their announcers to grow a brain and start thinking for themselves. What they want are either A) assurance that you won't crossover and not spew company line about whatever they want said. Lawler, JR, and Tazz could announce things differently, but they know who butters their bread and won't go there or B) someone who they can mold so that they become just like A. Cole and Coach come to mind.

[Guest Biggles]

If according to Vince they don't consider the UFC to be competition, why exactly are they planning to take one of their announcers?

 

WWE logic is funny.

 

The WWE taking a staff member from another Fed/Company does not mean they fear that company.

[Guest Edgehead]

Mike Goldberg does have a big time tone to his voice. But it will be so strange having someone else calling Raw without JR. I felt that shows that had Coach main play by play man automaticly sucked cos I heard no ''Good god almighty!'' or ''Sloberknocker!''