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I've long held that professional wrestling/sports entertainment has a great deal in common with improv comedy. Whether in the ring, or on stage, or as a commentator/host you have to play along with whomever you're working.
One of the basic principles of improv comedy is what is known as the "yes, and..." theory. If you walk onto the stage and someone says you're an elephant... you're an elephant. You may be an elephant that talks, dances and sings - but an elephant nonetheless. You may morph into something else, but you start as an elephant. If not, you're shutting down whomever is on stage with you.
In a professional wrestling ring, the same holds true. If a flying forearm is the called move, you deliver or receive a flying forearm. If not, it ends in a botched spot and probably the requisite crowd chant. Maybe even an injury.
Friday night on "Smackdown", JBL seemed to be going out of his way to prove that he doesn't exercise "yes, and...", rather dealing from the theory of "no, but...".
During one segment, Michael Cole was trying to put over the anticipation toward "WrestleMania 23". In the course of this, he said something to the effect of "Earlier today, you and I were hanging out around catering talking to people about...". The next phrase out of JBL's mouth was "I don't hang out with you! And, I sure as Hell don't eat at catering!" The point that Cole was trying to make was lost as they had to move on to other subjects.
The issue here is this: When Michael Cole was working with Tazz, he was much better at his job. Primarily because Tazz would give him something to work with. Did it work every time? No. Nothing works all the time in that kind of environment.
When JBL first joined the announce position, he ignored everything else in favor of getting his own agenda over. He's settled in better recently, though his constant yelling and inane analogies are tiresome. Lately, while he's toned down his agenda, he hasn't been able to tone down the bully aspects of his personality. JBL has the more dominant persona, and thereby stands out more. His attitude is very simple, "Shut up and let me talk!" Because he seems unwilling to work with Cole, it makes Cole look worse than he actually is.
Yes, the heel announcer has to be contrary. That is their job. But there are ways to do it without completely shutting your partner down. Bobby Heenan and Jesse Ventura succeeded because they would focus their heel heat on the babyface in the ring rather than their partner. "You don't know what you're talking about Monsoon!" was usually followed by a chance for Monsoon to prove he did. JBL needs to learn to focus his venom spewing in the right direction. Then, and only then, will Michael Cole be able to get back to the level he was when sitting next to Tazz.
