AEW commentator and wrestling veteran Taz recently shared his thoughts on fans comparing wrestlers from AEW and WWE. In a tweet, he acknowledged that fans enjoy making these comparisons but emphasized that it’s ultimately an unfair evaluation.
“I know fans like to compare wrestlers in AEW & WWE the past several years. I know as fans that’s fun to do! I get that, but PLEASE realize is it’s an unfair comparison. It’s too completely different organizations, with different goals creatively. With differing visions. Guys, u r comparing DOGS & CATS! And most of you don’t even realize that.” Taz wrote.
I know fans like to compare wrestlers in AEW & WWE the past several years. I know as fans that’s fun to do! I get that, but PLEASE realize is it’s an unfair comparison. It’s too completely different organizations, with different goals creatively. With differing visions. Guys,…
Taz’s perspective aligns with ongoing discussions in the wrestling community about the differences between AEW and WWE. While both companies feature elite talent and compelling storylines, their creative approaches, presentation styles, and business models vary significantly.
As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, comparisons between AEW and WWE are inevitable. However, Taz’s comments serve as a reminder that each company offers its own unique brand of entertainment.
Taz has returned to AEW TV after a couple months of absence.
The veteran wrestler and broadcast personality had been on hiatus from AEW programming after being attacked backstage during the Dynamite 5-year anniversary special in October.
Taz’s son HOOK continued the storyline in his absence, hunting the people who attacked his father. This led to him feuding with The Patriarchy when Christian Cage was revealed as the man responsible.
The wrestling veteran then returned to TV during the taped December 25 episode of AEW Dynamite from the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City:
In reality, the storyline attack was done to allow Taz to take time off for a total knee replacement surgery, a procedure he’d been putting off for some time.
Taz joined the AEW broadcast team full-time in January 2020, after previously having made multiple guest appearances for the company. He has been a regular on AEW TV ever since.
Apart from Taz’s return, the latest Dynamite episode featured a couple of big continental classic matches including a highly praised bout between Will Ospreay and Brody King.
The young prospect Toni Storm made her Hammerstein Ballroom debut in a match against Taya Valkyrie. Storm picked up the victory with a small package.
Wrestling icon Taz, famously known as “The Human Suplex Machine,” is making impressive strides in his recovery following total knee replacement surgery. The veteran took to social media on December 4 to update fans about his progress, highlighting his dedication to physical therapy and the rapid improvement in his knee.
Taz’s journey to recovery began after stepping away from his role as an announcer for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) earlier this year. His last AEW appearance coincided with his son, Hook, retiring the FTW Championship at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam. Shortly after, Taz announced his plans for surgery, which took place on October 8.
Reflecting on the procedure, Taz shared that the operation was successful but emphasized that the real work lay ahead. He also humorously noted his disappointment at not being assigned room 13, a number he considers significant.
The wrestling legend has faced significant physical challenges throughout his career, including the need to replace both knees and both shoulders. However, Taz clarified that his injuries stemmed from years of intense weight training rather than in-ring action. Despite these challenges, he previously attempted regenerative treatments and worked through the pain before opting for surgery.
As Taz continues his recovery, fans and colleagues are eager to see him return to action in some capacity. SEScoops extends its best wishes to Taz for a swift and successful recovery.
Pro wrestling veteran Taz recently refuted a belief as a fan claimed that the AEW star held resentment towards his former employer.
On social media, ‘The Human Suplex Machine’ shut down the belief and explained that it wasn’t true. He further said that WWE gave him a new career as a color commentator which he still enjoys.
ZERO resentment. Why would you even say something like that? It’s so inaccurate… You don’t know me. And the thing you need to realize is they offered me a whole new career opportunity which I’m still doing today as a color commentator. So you’re dead wrong. https://t.co/kDtJEprNOi
Taz made his impactful debut in WWE during the 2000 Royal Rumble. He faced Kurt Angle in his debut and emerged victorious. But his run with WWE was short-lived. Mounting injuries cut short his in-ring career and he went on to become a color commentator for WWE shows. He eventually decided to hang up his boots and embrace the new role. In 2019, he joined All Elite Wrestling as a commentator and he is enjoying his run with the promotion.
AEW commentator and wrestling legend Taz has made it clear: he’s still alive and kicking.
Christian Cage spoke about Taz during this week’s edition of AEW Dynamite. He addressed his son, HOOK in a promo segment. The former AEW TNT Champion hurled insults at HOOK’s father for crumbling under the pressure in WWE and taking up the role of an announcer. Cage also wished death on his father. Taz set the record straight on social media, letting Christian know that he’s keeping tabs on what he’s upto.
Earlier this year, he said that he required both of his knees and both of his shoulders replaced. The Human Suplex Machine had revealed that he was going to keep trying regenerative procedures and dealing with the pain. He also made it clear that the issues were not from bumps he took in the ring but it was caused due to heavy-weight training during his career.
Following his surgery, the former ECW star also provided an update on his health. He said that the surgery went well but “now the work begins.” The veteran wrestler had also expressed his disappointment that he wasn’t given room 13, which was his signature number.
Look on my face when I requested room 13 and they missed by 5! 😳 Surgery went well, now the work begins.
Before the Fifth Anniversary edition of AEW Dynamite, Taz announced he’d be stepping away from the commentary booth to undergo total knee replacement surgery, following an ambush in a parking lot. In actuality, this is a procedure Taz has been putting off for some time, but the Human Suplex Machine has at last gone under the knife.
On Twitter, Taz gave fans an update, sharing that the surgery went well but “now the work begins.” The veteran wrestling personality shared his dismay that he wasn’t given room 13, his signature number. Taz also promoted the ‘Title Tuesday’ edition of AEW Dynamite.
Look on my face when I requested room 13 and they missed by 5! 😳 Surgery went well, now the work begins.
With Taz still out of commission, Jeff Jarrett filled in during this week’s Dynamite, one week after Nigel McGuinness filled in for Taz on the Fifth Anniversary of Dynamite. Dynamite also saw HOOK backstage say he’s tired of chasing whoever attacked his father. Just then, Kip Sabian stumbled into HOOK, quickly denying any involvement before walking off.
Moments later, Christian Cage, accompanied by Nick Wayne and his mother, approached HOOK. Cage remarked that they’re both family men and that he recently lost Killswitch to a serious medical situation and offered HOOK condolences regarding Taz’s injury. As Cage and his entourage walked away, HOOK was left fuming.
A promo with Cage aired last week immediately after HOOK’s, and this, alongside Cage’s history of attacking father figures has left many to point the finger of suspicion at the Canadian. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on this mystery and to learn whether it was Cage who attacked Taz or if somebody else did the dirty deed.
Posted October 8th, 2024 in AEW. Tagged: Hook, Taz.
AEW commentator Taz is expected to miss TV time as he is set to undergo knee replacement surgery.
On this week’s AEW Dynamite, a storyline began in which Taz was assaulted by a mystery attacker in the parking lot ahead of the show. Nigel McGuinness replaced him on the commentary desk alongside Excalibur and Tony Schiavone. It was reported that the storyline was developed to write Taz off the programming as he’s set to get full knee replacement surgery. Taz then announced the same on social media.
“Unfortunately, I will be out for awhile. I’ll be having total knee replacement surgery very soon. Talk to you guys down the road.”
Unfortunately, I will be out for awhile. I’ll be having total knee replacement surgery very soon. Talk to you guys down the road. 👊
Earlier this year, Taz was informed that he required both of his knees and both of his shoulders replaced. The pro wrestling legend had stated that he was going to keep trying regenerative procedures and dealing with the pain. However, he will now go under the knife.
Taz said that the issues were not from bumps he took in the ring. However, it was caused due to heavy weight training during his career. Taz was last seen on AEW when Hook officially retired the FTW Championship at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam and presented it back to his father. On this week’s edition of AEW Dynamite, Taz’s son Hook delivered a promo and said that he will avenge the attack on his father.
AEW Dynamite celebrated its fifth anniversary this week but while many of the company’s biggest personalities were around, Taz wasn’t among them. Mere hours before the show went live, it was reported that Taz had been attacked in a parking lot, leaving fans uncertain when he might return to his role behind the commentary desk. With the ECW legend temporarily out of commission, Nigel McGuinness stepped in to join Tony Schiavone and Excalibur.
The Human Suplex Machine was written off of TV so that he can undergo full knee replacement surgery as his knees have been bad “for years,” Dave Meltzer reports. Taz has suggested in the past that he needed the surgery but kept pushing it off to focus on his commitments. On X, Taz vowed that whoever attacked him had payback coming their way.
In another tweet, Taz said “Those guys got me good,” implying that he may have been assaulted by multiple assailants.
Was at the hospital there, heading back to NY now, I need to see my doctors asap. These guys got me good at the arena, destroyed my leg. https://t.co/3gwKfVPS2r
It hasn’t taken long for fans to point the finger of suspicion at potential attackers. Suspects so far include Christian Cage, who’s segment aired immediately after HOOK, Nigel McGuinness, who was able to commentate in Taz’s absence, and even HOOK himself.
I think Christian Cage attacked Taz in the parking lot before the show tonight#AEWDynamite
The AEW fanbase has a new mystery on their hands as it remains to be seen which person or persons is revealed to have attacked Taz. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the Human Suplex Machine and the search for his assailant.
Posted October 4th, 2024 in AEW. Tagged: Hook, Taz.
At AEW Grand Slam: Dynamite, HOOK defended the FTW Championship against Roderick Strong, proving his skills against the veteran wrestler. Little did fans know going into this match that this would be the final FTW Championship match in the title’s illustrious history.
After the match, HOOK shared an embrace with Strong before joining Tony Schiavone at ringside to make a stunning announcement: he was retiring the FTW Championship. HOOK handed the title to his father Taz, declaring “This is yours” in a moment that brought tears to the eyes of the Human Suplex Machine/commentator.
While first introduced in ECW by Taz in 1998, it wouldn’t be until 2020 that the gold debuted in AEW. Five men held the title during its All-Elite run, with Ricky Starks boasting the longest reign at 378 days. HOOK holds the record for the most combined days, as his three reigns saw him hold the gold for a total of 627 days.
With the FTW Championship now officially retired, HOOK’s emotional tribute to his father marks the end of an era. It also raises the question as to what’s next for HOOK and whether he is ready to set his sights on AEW’s sanctioned titles. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on HOOK as he starts a new chapter in his career, one without the FTW Championship around his waist.
Wrestling returning to action after lengthy hiatus’ may have grown increasingly common as of late, but don’t expect Taz to step back in the ring.
In recent years, fans have seen the in-ring return of the likes of Bryan Danielson, Adam Copeland, and Saraya, all of whom were told at one point or another that their careers in the ring were over. Ric Flair also returned to the ring for his final match in 2022 though his tag-team match in Nashville was not well-received by fans.
With stars from the past returning to the ring, it’s hardly a surprise that fans are wondering whether Taz could have one final bout left in him. When the AEW commentator was asked though, the Human Suplex Machine made it clear he won’t be wrestling.
I’m 56 years old, I need both shoulders replaced and both knees replaced so there is no shot at all. lol Also, I had/have ZERO desire for “1 last match” for many years. No interest at all, once I left the ring years ago…I have been completely comfortable & happy about it.… https://t.co/Rp11VWDLcV
Though Taz won’t be donning his singlet for AEW, he has gotten physical in All Elite Wrestling in the past. During the April 17, 2024, edition of AEW Dynamite, Chris Jericho attacked his fellow ECW alum as part of Jericho’s feud with Taz’s son HOOK.
While Taz won’t wrestle for AEW, the veteran forged an impressive career in the ring. The two-time ECW World and Television Champion also held gold in WWE and competed at several major events. These days, Taz can be found commentating for AEW as his legacy in wrestling continues to grow, this time behind the commentary table.
Tony Schiavone and Taz have decades of experience in the wrestling business. Their chemistry is evident when they commentate for AEW, but a recent video offers a candid glimpse into their real-life relationship.
In the video recorded at Dynamite, Schiavone playfully mocks Taz by imitating the way he used to wear a towel back in his ECW days. The original FTW Champion was known for taking to the ring with a black towel over his head, and Schiavone couldn’t resist himself.
Tony Schiavone mimicking Taz with his ECW towel on the commentary booth during last week's Dynamite. 😭
This lighthearted moment also showed off the genuine camaraderie between the two, a dynamic that fans wouldn’t have imagined prior to AEW. When Taz caught a glimpse of his commentary partner, he had to chuckle.
Taz is a two-time ECW World champion. He competed for the promotion from 1993-1999. His son Hook currently wrestles for AEW.
Samoa Joe is quite intrigued for his upcoming title fight against HOOK. The AEW World Champion will put his newly acquired hardware on the line against the FTW Champion in what will be Joe’s first defense of the belt.
“This typifies what I want to see during my reign–I want these first-time matchups with something at stake. Hook is quite the dynamic little athlete, and he’s been doing his best to make his case. His record speaks for itself, and we’re going to find out if he’s the truth or not.
“It takes about 29 other athletes to equal something approximating me, so this will be a good little test,” said Joe. “We’ll find out where we’re at.”
The fight got a good deal of stir on social media as AEW President was heavy in defending the match-up against his critics and notoriously factored Jinder Mahal into the equation.
This match-up isn’t just intriguing to Samoa Joe, however. Rob Van Dam recently mentioned on his “1 Of A Kind” podcast that he’s thinks it’s going to be beneficial for both Joe and HOOK. He also stated that he believe HOOK has what it takes to be a top star in pro wrestling. RVD mentioned that the bout could end in the two exchanging handshakes and that could be a possibility, as Joe envisions his father Taz in some well-regard.
“That no-nonsense attitude, destroy-at-all-costs, that’s who he was. That’s who I am. Now it’s exemplified in an athlete like Hook, so let’s get in the ring and go.”
Taz has called out the UFC for taking one of his ideas, and that idea is the FTW Title, which he first introduced in ECW.
His son, HOOKis the current FTW Champion in AEW. Taz recently accused UFC of ripping off the FTW title. In a post on Twitter, Taz noted the FTW Title belt had had a buzz around it from the ECW years, negative or positive.
He thinks the most important thing is that the belt is still around while all the others that wrestlers created are long gone. Taz claimed that the UFC BMF concept is a complete ripoff of the FTW title.
Taz’s Claims
(via AEW)
“Correct. Some fans don’t like it or feel it should be around, but that’s ok to me! It has had buzz around it from the ECW years, negative or positive..don’t matter. FTW belt is STILL here, all the others that wrestlers created been long gone.”
Taz followed up with another tweet that read: “Yes, that BMF concept is a complete ripoff of the FTW title… I really don’t give a shit because fans who know the history know that’s the vibe I started with the FTW title in late 90’s….”
The UFC BMF (Baddest Motherf*cker in the Game) belt was commissioned for a UFC 244 fight between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz in November 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Rock awarded Masvidal the championship when he beat Diaz.
Correct. Some fans don’t like it or feel it should be around but that’s ok to me! It has had buzz around it from the ECW years, negative or positive..don’t matter. FTW belt is STILL here, all the others that wrestlers created been long gone. https://t.co/tCkex1FS4e
Yes, that BMF concept is a complete ripoff of the FTW title… I really don’t give a shit because fans who know the history know that’s the vibe I started with the FTW title in late 90’s…. https://t.co/vhbKpivt46
The Human Suplex Machine currently works for AEW as a broadcaster. He’s also the on-screen leader of Team Taz, the faction comprised of Powerhouse Hobbs, “Absolute” Ricky Starks and his son, Hook.
Prior to his transition to the announcer’s booth, Taz had a legendary in-ring career. An ECW original, the pitbull from Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY was known for his deep arsenal of suplexes and submission holds. He choked out a couple guys, and dumped a couple guys on their heads, back in his day.
Unfortunately, all those years in the ring took a toll on his body. The 54-year-old legend is now undergoing stem cell and PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) therapy to repair the bad knee.
Wrestlers using Stem Cell Therapy
Several pro wrestlers have resorted to stem cell therapy in recent years, including Rey Mysterio. Many years ago, Mysterio was in bad shape after his In this video from 2019, Mysterio explains how stem cell therapy has revolutionized how he treats his injuries. He credits the procedures for extending his career and “turning back the clock” on the wear and tear his his has body endured.
Posted April 27th, 2022 in AEW, News. Tagged: Taz.
AEW star Hook made his debut on this week’s episode of AEW Rampage, beating Fuego Del Sol in impressive fashion.
Fans were extremely excited to see how the son of ECW legend Taz would fare in the ring, with the young performer already having amassed a huge following of “hookers.”
Taz reacted on social media to the outpouring of support for Hook since his in-ring debut for All Elite, and the former ECW Champion also confirmed that the Tazmission finisher has now officially been changed.
“Folks, I really need to say THANK YOU to all of you for the tons of tweets toward me about the kind words about @730hook – it’s just too many to reply to lol!!” Taz tweeted.
“And yes, it was SO special for me to call his first worldwide TV match. Tazmission is now – ‘REDRUM'” the AEW commentator and head of Team Taz confirmed.
For those eagle-eyed fans out there, yes, REDRUM is MURDER spelt backwards. Also, did you know that Rellik is Killer spelt backwards?
Hook Changes the Tazmission Name
It’ll be interesting to see how Hook is used going forward, with the company reportedly ecstatic with his first-ever match in front of a crowd.
Fightful Select recently noted that Hook has been working on his in-ring game for some time: “We’re told it didn’t appear originally if Hook would get into wrestling, despite knowing plenty about it and respecting the business.
“Based on those we spoke with, it became evident during his first training session, he was going to get it. Hook has been training ‘non-stop’ with Create-A-Pro Wrestling, as well as QT Marshall, and had a lot of early help from MJF.”
AEW star Brian Cage has shared his thoughts on working with Team Taz and his time as the FTW champion. The Machine appeared on Dynamite Download this week and discussed his feud with his former faction.
Cage says he’s ready to move on from the rivalry and admits that he didn’t love working with Taz when he was a member of the group. When asked by host Sean Downey if he felt misused during his time with Team Taz, Cage gave his honest opinion.
“…I’ve said it to you, I was like look Taz you don’t really care about me. You don’t really care about how I’m being looked at or represented,” said Cage. He continued, “You just care about how it makes you look. You just trying to live vicariously through me and that’s why you gave me the FTW title.”
Brian Cage Rivalry with Team Taz
Cage made his AEW debut on May 23, 2020, at AEW Double or Nothing after winning the Casino Ladder match with Taz as his manager. On July 8, 2020, Taz gave Cage the FTW Championship, which Taz made famous. However, Cage felt he didn’t need it.
“…The FTW title too, which I never asked for Obviously. It was just gifted to me,” said Cage. While being appreciative, he also shared he was indifferent to being the FTW champion.
“…We never really did that much with it. It was cool, I was indifferent on the whole thing. And obviously how it all ended, how I lost it and, everything else it exactly doesn’t sit well with me,” said, Cage.
Cage lost the FTW championship to Ricky Starks this year on the July 14th episode of AEW Dynamite. Team Taz turned on Cage, which led to him feuding with the group. During their time together, Cage shared that his issues with Taz affected other members of the group.
He shared that he and Taz would critique each other, which led to disagreements. “…I don’t want to say we were butting heads, but it wasn’t working out and then it kind of fell through with everyone else,” said Cage.
While he didn’t have issues with Will Hobbs or Hook, he admitted that disagreements with Taz led to issues with Starks. “…I didn’t really butt that many heads with Will or Hook actually. It was more with Ricky trying to steal the spotlight and Taz kind of trying to live vicariously through me said,” Cage.
What’s Next for Cage
The feud with Team Taz seemed to have ended at AEW Rampage on October 8th. Starks defeated Cage in a rematch for the FTW Championship. While Cage is ready to move on from the feud, he doesn’t know what AEW has planned for him. He also made a case for him being the number one contender for the AEW World Championship, if Adam Page defeats Kenny Omega at Full Gear.
Regardless of AEW’s plans, Cage is looking forward to a fresh start after dealing with Team Taz.
Taz has a well-known catchphrase that he has filed a trademark for.
During his time as an active wrestler, Taz was known as the “Human Suplex Machine.” His MMA-type style in the ring gave him a unique look in ECW. He ended up becoming a two-time ECW World Champion. Taz was known for saying “beat me if you can, survive if I let you.”
USPTO reveals that he has filed a trademark for the catchphrase.
“Mark For: BEAT ME IF YOU CAN SURVIVE IF I LET YOU™ trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainment personality; Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality; Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Providing online interviews featuring a professional wrestling and sports entertainment personality in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes.”
We’ve seen the catchphrase used in the feud between Team Taz and CM Punk under the AEW banner. CM Punk used the catchphrase against Taz, which didn’t make him very happy.
This week’s episode of AEW Fyter Fest Night Two saw Taz bring back the FTW Championship. He awarded it to his new protege, Brian Cage.
Taz and All Elite Wrestling are able to use the championship on television because it never officially owned by ECW. Because of this, ownership of the ‘FTW’ rights never transferred over to WWE when they purchased ECW.
Additionally, Taz himself owns the copyright to the belt’s design. The belt Cage received this past Wednesday night was the actual FTW Championship belt Taz defended.
BEWARE: #FTWChampionship is BACK and DOUBLE BEWARE because @MrGMSI_BCage holds the Title.
Taz held the FTW Championship during his run in ECW back in the ‘90s. Prior to Cage, only two wrestlers have held the FTW Championship: Taz and Sabu. The title would eventually be unified with the ECW World Heavy Championship in March 1999.
Brian Cage was scheduled to face off against AEW World Champion Jon Moxley this past Wednesday. This was forced to reschedule, however, after Moxley’s real-life wife, WWE’s Renee Young, confirmed she had COVID-19.
Wanting Cage to head into their reschedule championship bout with some momentum, Taz presented him with the FTW Championship. This now makes their future bout a champion versus champion matchup.
Brian Cage and Jon Moxley will face off for the AEW Championship next week on AEW Fight for the Fallen on TNT.
Taz decided to bring back the FTW Championship and give it to a new generational star in Brian Cage.
It happened in a promo segment on Wednesday’s special edition of Dynamite on TNT during the Fyter Fest broadcast.
Taz cut a promo about how he wanted Cage to go into his next match with some momentum and as a champion. He added that the FTW Championship represents who is the “baddest S.O.B. in wrestling.”
Taz later wrote on Twitter, “Hopefully some of you guys learned a lesson tonight. Don’t “assume” everyone reads these silly ass spoilers because MOST fans don’t read them. And more importantly just because it’s not in the “spoilers” u read online doesn’t mean it didn’t happen! #FTW #AEWDynamite #FyterFest.”
BEWARE: #FTWChampionship is BACK and DOUBLE BEWARE because @MrGMSI_BCage holds the Title.
Taz used the FTW Championship in ECW in 1998 and 1999. Taz originally debuted the title and the only other wrestler to hold it was Sabu. Eventually, Taz unified the title with the ECW World Heavyweight Championship in March of 1999.
Jon Moxley was supposed to make his next title defense against Brian Cage as the AEW World Heavyweight Champion on this show. However, due to COVID-19 concerns, AEW moved it to next week at Fight for the Fallen.
Taz took exception to a fan making the comment that WWE saved his in-ring career.
The ECW Original got fans talking earlier this week when he knocked WWE while doing a promo during Wednesday’s Fyter Fest edition of AEW Dynamite to further hype the scheduled match between Brian Cage and AEW World Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley.
It’s been reported that people in WWE were upset with the line. Of course, Taz accused WWE of running a “sloppy shop” which was a reference to their COVID-19 testing and outbreak.
A fan wrote on Twitter, “I agree to a point. #TAZ might be correct but IMO it’s an unnecessary jab to a company that saved his career after wrestling & prepared him in a career of announcing. If Taz never had the opportunity to announce he may never of had his podcast & other gigs over the years.”
Taz saw the message from the fan and dismissed the idea. While he appreciates what WWE did for him, he’s under the belief that it helped both sides. He replied:
“Saved my career??? Lmao, NO! They gave me opportunity (which I appreciated & accepted) but you NEED to understand…that’s a 2 way street. I was supplying them with a need & providing my services. They did that to capitalize on $ invest in me & they NEEDED a new fresh voice.”
Moxley is slated to defend the title against Cage on the July 15th edition of Dynamite that’s being hyped as Fight For The Fallen.
The latest on former WWE/TNA color commentator Taz appearing on AEW programming again has surfaced.
Over the course of Friday, there were conflicting reports as to the reason why he was going to appear on Dynamite next week as well as the promotion introducing a new TV authority figure for the storylines.
It was also rumored that Taz was a name to watch for the new role. This got fans talking online despite the fact that it wasn’t confirmed by All Elite Wrestling that this is a direction they are going in.
Dave Meltzer reported on F4Wonline.com in the Daily Update that AEW currently has no plans for a TV authority figure.
As for the reason that Taz is even appearing on the show is to do commentary alongside Excalibur and Jim Ross due to Tony Schiavone announcing the Sugar Bowl college football game on the radio that day.
Part of the speculation about Taz and AEW is due to Taz leaving his radio gig with CBS Radio.
This appearance for Taz comes after he worked AEW Dark as a guest commentator in November. He also appeared as a special guest at the Full Gear pay-per-view from the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.
After doing part-time commentary work for WWE in 2000 for SmackDown, he joined the announce team in February 2001.
Following his departure from WWE in April 2009, he signed with TNT in August of that same year where he was part of the commentary team until 2015.
Taz Comments On Three-Person Announce Teams, Working With Vince McMahon
Posted December 27th, 2019 in AEW, News. Tagged: Taz.
The “Human Suplex Machine” Taz will be working the commentary booth this Wednesday in Philadelphia. Cody Rhodes announced on Twitter recently that Taz will be given a guest commentary spot on Wednesday for the matches taped for AEW Dark. Those matches will air on the October 22nd edition of the show.
Joining us as a guest broadcaster for #AEW DARK in Philadelphia…@OfficialTAZ
“I actually miss it (doing commentary in general) very much! Btw… they’re all other places to apply that craft besides WWE,” Taz wrote. He continued, “As far as commentary, truth be told…over the past several months I have had healthy in-depth conversations with a few Pro Wrestling companies.. just not the right fit for me (and my goals) with those individual organizations at the moment….”
Taz also recently shared his thoughts on 2 and 3-person commentary booths during an interview with the WINCLY podcast:
“I’ve worked in both but I’ve always preferred a two-person booth. Everyone needs to know their role when it’s a three-person booth. There has to be a lead and you can’t step on each other or it will be a horrible listen.”
Posted October 12th, 2019 in AEW, News. Tagged: Taz.
Former WWE commentator, Taz, has shared his thoughts on three-person announce teams. In an interview with Wrestling Inc., the former SmackDown announcer shared that he is a “firm believer in the two-man booth.”
“To me, it’s a better and easier listen. In some cases, a three-man booth is important, for example AEW because they’re a new brand and there’s a lot of stories that need to be told. I think that’s important as long as the announcers in AEW can get their cadence right,” Taz said.
“I’ve worked in both but I’ve always preferred a two-person booth. Everyone needs to know their role when it’s a three-person booth. There has to be a lead and you can’t step on each other or it will be a horrible listen.”
Reflecting on his time commentating in WWE, Taz brought up his working relationship with Vince McMahon. He explained that Vince was always “more helpful than hurtful.” Taz added that he thinks all announcers need to be produced as it helps the announce team to be prepared.
“I learned more from Vince in my headset. But he would often get upset in a segment cause of the guys in the ring or the ref, and he’d then get on the announcers,” he said. “He was always a little harder on the play-by-play guys than the color commentators because back then the commentators were former champions or former wrestlers. Now the business is different where many commentators weren’t champions or never wrestled much. But back then he did have a little bit of a different respect for guys who laced up boots.”
ECW Original Taz recently spoke to Wrestling INC’s WINCLY podcast to discuss his potential return to the commentary booth.
This comes after noted on his official Twitter account that he has had recent talks with a few pro wrestling promotions.
In this interview, he noted that it was just a quick interaction on Twitter as he tries his best to talk with his followers and was just answering a question.
“It’s been several years since I’ve done commentary in pro wrestling and over time it’s something I’ve missed. Anybody who listens to my podcast, they’re not super-shocked as I talked about this in one of my shows about a month ago that I missed commentary.”
Taz noted that it blew up but noted that his time as a commentator is something that he loved both in WWE and TNA. He noted that he had a lot of fun doing it.
He recalled making the transition from the ring to the commentary desk and how it was a hard thing for him to do as he didn’t want it but Vince McMahon felt it was the next chapter for him.
Taz stated that the No. 1 thing he’s looking for in a promotion that he could potentially work for is credibility in the ring with stars who can work and not look green.
The reason for this is due to him wanting to be honest with the audience as he doesn’t want to call out talent for lack of experience or lie to the audience about a mistake that happened.
Posted September 24th, 2019 in WWE, News. Tagged: Taz.
Taz noted on his official Twitter account that he has had recent talks with a few pro wrestling promotions.
The talks were regarding his interest in a potential return to commentary. He noted during Sunday’s WWE Clash of Champions pay-per-view that he missed doing commentary when asked by a fan.
This led to him responding about whether he would return to the announce table if they asked him.
He wrote, “I actually miss it (doing commentary in general) very much! Btw… they’re all other places to apply that craft besides WWE,” Taz wrote. He continued, “As far as commentary, truth be told…over the past several months I have had healthy in-depth conversations with a few Pro Wrestling companies.. just not the right fit for me (and my goals) with those individual organizations at the moment….”
As of this writing, there’s no word yet on which promotions that the former ECW Champion talked with. In the meantime, Taz is staying busy with his podcast, The Taz Show, that has won awards for covering the world of pro wrestling, sports, and entertainment.
Taz had a successful in-ring career while working for ECW and WWE among other promotions.
After doing part-time commentary work for WWE in 2000 for SmackDown, he joined the announce team in February 2001.
Following his departure from WWE in April 2009, he signed with TNT in August of that same year where he was part of the commentary team until 2015.
Posted September 16th, 2019 in WWE, News. Tagged: Taz.
