But turn the clock back say 5-6 years ago. Michael Cole was one of the most effective and exciting announcers during the 03-05 years. He wasn't saying vintage every 5 minutes, he wasn't ignoring the matches to have meaningless banter with his color commentator, and he wasn't apart of some goofy skit or storyline. He was the announcer that actually called the moves in the ring, and when he spouted facts, he was accurate. His voice showed enthusiasm and you could tell he had a passion. When JR, as good as he is, began slipping, Cole was the guy you heard over some of the biggest matches of those years. Proof? I'll use Wrestlemania 19 as an example. Listen to his commentary during the Lesnar v Angle main event, the Hogan v McMahon match, and even the triple threat tag match. At that time, no one was better.
So does he belong in the Hall of Fame? Today, no, but Cole is nowhere near the end of his career. He is still a relatively young guy when comparing to other announcers who have a 10+ year career. Add another 10 years and hopefully an end to the PG era so they can loosen the grip off of their announcers, and we may see Michael Cole return to form.
On a side note, if you give him nothing else, give the guy credit for the ass whopping he took from Steve Austin back in 2001. I remember when Austin grabbed him from behind the announce table and started throwing him around like a rag doll. VINTAGE MICHAEL COLE! (boooo me)
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