JRK discusses ICW, life as a colour commentator, & why he wears sunglasses indoors (Exclusive)

By Gary Cassidy
Modified Dec 02, 2019 22:28 IST
JRK (left) is one of the integral voices of ICW! Photo: Mr. David J Wilson
JRK (left) is one of the integral voices of ICW! Photo: Mr. David J Wilson
JRK at F&L! PHOTO: Mr. David J Wilson
JRK at F&L! PHOTO: Mr. David J Wilson

Now, I think the role of color commentary might be one of the most underrated and understated in the business. It was only as I got older that I realized just how much a good color commentator can bring to the table, so to speak, and how much people like yourself can add to the product. Who are your influences, or even just your favorite commentators around just now?

I love Bobby Heenan's work. There's no doubt that I and many others have ripped that man off so many times it'd be impossible to count. He's a major influence, but so are others like Jerry Lawler, Joel Gertner, Paul Heyman, and Don Callis. It'd also be remiss not to mention Corey Graves; he's a stand out these days, and it'd be foolish not to take tips from someone who's currently smashing it.

Perhaps weirdly, I've always taken inspiration from sources outside of wrestling too. I'm a huge sports guy, so I cherry-pick little nuances from and take notes on folks like football's John Motson or the NFL's Joe Buck and Al Michaels. I think it's important never to restrict yourself to just wrestling, wrestling, wrestling if that makes sense.

Broadcasting is a fascinating business.

One thing I need to say as a writer. It's INCREDIBLY frustrating being an ICW fan, for no reason other than I struggle to put into words just how amazing the promotion is - everything from the in-ring work to the production. Can you do me a massive favor here? Please do my job for me and try to tell our readers why ICW is so special.

I'm obviously biased due to my long association with the company and because Mark Dallas gave me my first gig, but only a fool would overlook the atmosphere ICW creates. When I returned as a color man in late-2018, I was impressed by the way fans seemed so invested in the product. There were literally people crying in the crowd when Lionheart won that belt at Fear & Loathing XI.

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The same thing happened at Fear & Loathing XII when Stevie Boy returned, and that kind of emotion sums up ICW for me. The product is one people care for deeply. They've got such a connection to it, and that's incredible to see play out.

NEXT: "The sunglasses were a tactical choice."

COMING UP: "Wrestling is supposed to be fun, and that's occasionally easy to lose sight of."

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