Jimmy Korderas, former WWE referee of over 20 years and talent on Canadian TV, wrote a new blog on CSRWrestling.com where he addresses several hot topics this week. Here’s a sample:
Smackdown is moving to the USA network in the United States on January 7th. This is a big deal as USA is seen in more homes than SyFy. In a move that will only enhance the show’s presentation, the WWE has hired veteran combat sports announcer Mauro Ranallo to be the lead voice for Smackdown when they make the move in January. This is a major coup for the WWE. Mauro has called play-by-play for boxing, MMA and of course professional wrestling. He adds a credibility for the hardcore fans that are familiar with his work and will quickly win over the more casual fans who have not had the pleasure of hearing him call matches. The most difficult thing for any announcer to do is make the audience suspend disbelief and buy into what is being presented to them. Mauro has the rare ability to make every contest he calls feel genuine and authentic. Fans are drawn into the action and Mauro is a big part of it with his articulate and enthusiastic play-by-play. This may be his greatest asset among the many he brings to the table. I honestly can’t wait to hear his distinct delivery on Smackdown each week.
I had the pleasure of getting to work a little with Mauro here in Canada at the Score television network. Right from the first time I met him I sensed his passion for the wrestling business. I also felt there was a mutual respect between two “old school” guys. He was one of the original trio along with Renee Paquette (Young) and Arda Ocal (Kyle Edwards) on a little show called Aftermath; a post-game show that continues to air after WWE programming here in Canada. I like to refer to Aftermath as wrestling’s version of the Talking Dead. Before becoming a permanent fixture on the show, I filled in for him when Mauro was on other assignments. That was definitely a big voice to fill. I also got to work with Mauro on the show a few times. He is extremely easy to feed off of which will be a plus for whoever joins him on the Smackdown announce team in January.
Maybe an Aftermath reunion will be in order. How about at Wrestlemania 32? Canada takes over Dallas. I’m only a phone call and a flight away. (nudge, nudge, wink, wink)
Random Thoughts From This Week
– Stephanie McMahon has THE hardest slap in the business. Don’t believe me? Ask anyone who has been on the receiving end. Fortunately I haven’t been so lucky but I will take their word for it.
– With all due respect to R-Truth and Bo Dallas, thank you Vince! Shades of Nassau Coliseum?
– Are there any babyfaces in the Divas division? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
– Although I am not a fan of the Rosebush segments, Monday’s was better than the previous ones. I will give it a chance as it is a work in progress. I’m pulling for Adam Rose.
– TLC exceeded my expectations. Everyone should be proud of their performances. I didn’t think it was going to be easy but the tag team ladder match raised the bar higher. I’m sure there were a lot of icepacks distributed after that match. I wonder if Xavier had to ice his trombone?
– Thanks to the Dudley’s and the rest of the ECW originals, the Wyatt’s are making steps forward. Small steps but at least they are becoming a force. They are in it for the long haul so no urgent need to rush. They are a long term project.
– Alberto Del Rio needs a viable challenger to the US title or all the work that John Cena has done this year to elevate it will have all been for not. He is facing Brock in L.A.? Hope it is more than a onetime deal. This could be an interesting rivalry between two legit badasses.
CLICK HERE for Jimmy’s thoughts on Roman Reigns as Champion, NXT in London & more.
