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KELLER'S TAKE
KELLER SHORT: If Brother Ray retires from the ring, there's another valuable role he could play Jan 8, 2009 - 3:08:53 PM
Earlier today, we ran highlights of an interview Brother Devon did with Alex Marvez regarding the future of Brother Ray in wrestling. Devon said Ray is physically banged up and might need extended time off. This is a story on a number of levels, and Ray's current health is the top priority. He was among the wrestlers whom you would guess just by looking at him probably ate the least healthy diet and workout routines, which combined with all of the bumps and hardcore style matches he's had over the years, it's no surprise his body is breaking down. Hopefully he can take whatever time off he needs and do whatever can be done to get himself into shape where he at least live day to day with minimal pain and get in better health overall.
The other aspect of this is Ray's connection to pro wrestling. One thing I've thought for a while that Ray would be excellent at is being an agitating heel commentator. His mic work, when he's now spewing vile, hateful, sexist comments to get a reaction, is really entertaining. He's quick-witted and articulate. I believe there is still a place for a strong heel commentator, but they have to be the type you'd want to spend an hour or two listening to each week. In TNA's case, even if a little of Brother Ray went a long way, well, there's so little wrestling on TNA Impact, there'd only be a little bit of him if he were on color.
Now, I've become a fan of Don West's commentary, so I'm not pitching for him to be replaced. But perhaps Ray would be a key ingredient in a good three-way set-up for Impact. Or, if TNA expanded to another program, Ray could be used on color there. Or, if TNA had no role for Ray, WWE might consider him for a spot on one of the three shows should a slot open. From his promos and guest commentary, he seems like the type who, if he adjusted his thinking to get others over instead of himself, would know how to do that well.
Anything to water down Mike Tenay in the Michael Cole
agitated-babyface-play-by-play role would do well. Bubba would give the
show an edge that could set it apart from the WWE shows. West's enthusiasm
is actually the strong point of the announcing team, as Tenay's strength as
an analyst has been misapplied in the announce team's current incarnation.
Hopefully, this can be an opportunity to iron out some wrinkles.
The internet
08 Jan 2009, 12:13
These annoncers suck.Tenay as a third man in moderation but west omg.Cole
west adamle can go away.Oh and eric before you ask Gorilla
monsoon,vince,jim ross,lance russell,styles in that
order.color:heenan,ventura,perfect,heyman,lawler
mr.swagga
08 Jan 2009, 12:16
jbl was better than lawler.Hey bubba learn to wrestle exercise.you cant
take the wear and tear and your just a tag wrestler?Sure sounds like
singles gold to me.Tna just bloody brilliant eh.I swaer theres a monkey
back there just throwing darts at post its and thats how they come up with
there stories.
Shock and awe
08 Jan 2009, 12:43
Bubba Ray Dudley? Putting people over? Did I read that right?
Yea its me.....
08 Jan 2009, 14:07
Id love to hear him be a commentator....in thier ECW days...to me he gave
THE best promo's ever (along with Shane Douglas)..So it would be easy for
him to transistion to that if tna or wwe would leave him be
dust
08 Jan 2009, 14:20
You people need some basic English skills.
nforcer
08 Jan 2009, 15:37
Ironic topic and ironic comment, dust, considering we're talking about a
guy whose gimmick used to be a speech impediment. :)
graves9
08 Jan 2009, 16:29
Hey the Internet I can't take anyone's list when they have Vince listed as
on of the best announcers ever. He was the worst play by play man this side
of Cole and Bischoff.
Suzanne
08 Jan 2009, 21:20
WWE doesn't like Bubba so him going back isn't going to happen.
Jake
09 Jan 2009, 05:43
He may as well be a commentator. He always looked like one more than a
wrestler, anyway. He's what people who hate on wrestling look at and laugh
when people call wrestlers "great athletes."
Don West
09 Jan 2009, 07:07
So you're the one!
Trojan Man
09 Jan 2009, 09:16
Are you serious, you actually like Don West? He's so annoying, but yes, I
do think that Brother Ray as commentator would be good, only problem is
that I can't see him staying out of the ring if he's at the announcer's
table.
dennis aleff
11 Jan 2009, 04:57
if not behind the mic. then agent etc. he tommy dream and quido ran
everything including putting posters on tel. poles while heyman was making
a movie and spending there salad days paychecks!!!!
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Earlier today, we ran highlights of an interview Brother Devon did with Alex Marvez regarding the future of Brother Ray in wrestling. Devon said Ray is physically banged up and might need extended time off. This is a story on a number of levels, and Ray's current health is the top priority. He was among the wrestlers whom you would guess just by looking at him probably ate the least healthy diet and workout routines, which combined with all of the bumps and hardcore style matches he's had over the years, it's no surprise his body is breaking down. Hopefully he can take whatever time off he needs and do whatever can be done to get himself into shape where he at least live day to day with minimal pain and get in better health overall.
