There is a rather interesting, yet completely unconfirmed, report circulating out there about a possible three way switch between Jim Ross, Mike Tenay, and David Penzer. Most wrestling websites have reported that David Penzer would like to retire from professional wrestling once his current TNA contract expires. Also, most websites have also reported that Jim Ross has had meetings with TNA’s parent company – Panda Energy – and TNA management for a possible role in the organization. And anyone who has been a long-time iMPACT! viewer knows that there is something just, well, missing from Mike Tenay’s otherwise excellent commentary in the announcer’s booth.
With all of those reports circulating the internet, it has been rumored that TNA wants to bring Jim Ross into the company to take over as the lead play-by-play announcer while keeping Taz as the lead color commentator. Also, it is rumored that if Jim Ross does replace Mike Tenay at the announcer’s booth, that Mike Tenay would become the lead ring announcer for the promotion when David Penzer retires.
Frankly, if I had to add some spin to this internet rumor, I’d say that Jeremy Borash is a shoe-in to be the lead ring announcer if David Penzer retires. Also, if Jim Ross is brought on to be the lead play-by-play man, I would suggest that Mike Tenay would be the perfect backstage interviewer, taking over for Jeremy Borash.
Anyway, keep an eye out for more news on this one as it comes.
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Tenay with his wrestling knowledge would be the better color choice than Taz, but personality wise I’m sure Taz will keep the position.
Tenay could also possibly host the new Reaction show.
TNA should pull out whatever stops they can to sign Ross, he is the best at selling the product and could help give the show a feel that may draw more WWE fans.
I completely agree about Ross. One of the reasons that the Attitude Era was so successful in WWE was because of the storytelling that Jim Ross did on the microphone. Plus, he’s got one of those voices where when he’s talking about a wrestling storyline, people inherently listen to what he’s saying. Almost like when you hear “Mean” Gene Okerlund say something, your eyes immediately divert to the television to see what’s up.
Whatever happens, Tenay absolutely needs to stay with TNA. He’s a piece of their short, yet powerful history and I think that while the fans would love to have Jim Ross on board, they’d hate to see Tenay sent out to pasture.
I remember when WCW brought Tenay in as an announcer, it gave the broadcast a feel much like a NFL or MLB broadcast when a real expert is in the booth. I would hope the keep him along with Jim Ross in the booth but am not optimistic.