Jimmy Smith was stellar in his WWE Raw debut.
Jimmy Smith began his stint at the tumultuous WWE Raw lead announcer position tonight, amid Adnan Virk’s departure after just seven weeks on commentary. A respected color commentator in combat sports, Smith has been a broadcaster for UFC, Bellator and Premier Boxing Champions. Smith is also known for his work with American Ninja Warrior.
But as a color commentator thrown into the hot seat on Monday nights in a play-by-play role, Smith’s hiring appeared to be yet another situation where a novice Raw announcer was being set up to fail. Shortly after his hire was announced, Smith himself acknowledged his lack of experience in pro wrestling in a heartfelt tweet to fans.
“Hey guys, well it’s been a busy day. Apparently WWE liked my work so far. I know I’m stepping into a new world (I WAS a Mr. Perfect and Bruiser Brody fanatic however) but know I’ll do everything I can to honor the athletes and fans. Watch Monday and judge my work for yourself,” Smith wrote. in a May 27 tweet.
But in his debut, Smith was nothing short of stellar. Between his voice, cadence, energy and intelligent questions any outsider/analyst should be asking themselves, Smith overdelivered in his debut. Smith was a breath of fresh air, and even comes with an entertainment factor with one well-timed one-liner after another.
“You go to sleep with dogs, you wake up with fleas. Go to sleep with vipers, you wake up with fangs,” said Smith after a Randy Orton victory over Xavier Woods. Smith’s line was in reference to Riddle improving his stock since teaming with Riddle.
“Ring ropes are like sidewalks to these guys!” exclaimed smith as he was putting over the criminally underrated Lucha House Party.
“Is it just me, or are these guys less scary with masks on?” Smith remarked about menacing former RETRIBUTION members T-Bar and Mace.
Perhaps WWE’s recent release of Tom Phillips—or high marks Smith has reportedly received backstage from none other than Michael Cole—should have been a hint of WWE’s confidence in the rookie commentator. Even the impossible-to-please WWE Twitter showered Smith in praise throughout the night, including some NSFW praise from yours truly.
One night into yet another regime for Raw’s revolving door of announcers, WWE may have finally found some stability in its future.
