WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross Extends a Significant Compliment to Successor Michael Cole

Jim Ross and Michael Cole began their working careers together in late 1997, collaborating during the first hour of WWE RAW. This partnership was relatively short-lived, as Cole was replaced by Jerry Lawler the following year. However, Cole eventually regained his role as the primary play-by-play announcer more permanently after Ross was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. Despite some past assumptions from Cole that their relationship was sometimes contentious upon Ross's return, Ross has consistently denied these claims and has always praised Cole. In an interview with Bryan Curtis of The Ringer, Ross notably complimented Cole, stating, "He does his job today better than I did my job then."

Jim Ross had a long and distinguished career with WWE, spanning 25 years both at the commentary desk and behind the scenes. During this time, he worked closely with Cole for nearly two decades before Ross transitioned to AEW. In recent years, Cole has gained significant fan support, especially since Paul "Triple H" Levesque took control. Cole is now regarded as one of the best commentators in the wrestling business. According to The Ringer's profile on Cole, he recently agreed to a new deal that ensures he will remain the voice of WWE for the foreseeable future.

Currently, Cole is the play-by-play announcer on WWE RAW, and he appears to be enjoying his role immensely. He works alongside ESPN talent Pat McAfee, who provides color commentary. The duo is set to continue their partnership as the show transitions to Netflix in January. Cole's enthusiasm and skill have cemented his reputation as a top-tier commentator, earning him respect and admiration within the wrestling community.

The WWE MITB Kickoff crowd erupted in chants of 'Michael Cole' after he replicated an iconic superstar's introduction

While Michael Cole has no immediate plans to transition from his commentary work to ring announcing, he did receive applause at a recent event for his recreation of Samantha Irving's famous entrance for former Women's Tag Team Champion Chelsea Green. IYO SKY, Lyra Valkyria, Tiffany Stratton, Naomi, Zoey Stark, and Green are the six women competing in the women's Money in the Bank ladder match. Cole moderated a panel with these women on WWE's Money in the Bank Kickoff show on Peacock. Green was not thrilled with Cole's drab introduction during the competitors' introduction.

"Mikey boy, I'm going to need you to announce me properly," Green told him.

"It's Michael, but, nonetheless, Chelsea Green," Cole began in his usual commentary voice, which prompted boos from both Green and the crowd.

"I can't do the Samantha thing!" Cole insisted before almost accurately imitating Irving, which won over the crowd, leading to cheers and chants of "Michael Cole."

At the exclusive live event on Saturday at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Green will battle against SKY, Valkyria, Stratton, Naomi, and Stark in the Money in the Bank ladder match with the goal of becoming 2024's Ms. Money in the Bank. Green, a native of Victoria, British Columbia, earned her berth in her first-ever Money in the Bank ladder match by defeating Bianca Belair on a recent edition of "WWE SmackDown."