Commentary is such a key facet of professional wrestling, and it can most definitely make or break a match or show. Top-notch commentary can truly elevate a match or show, while poor commentary can render the product unwatchable -- à la Michael Cole in 2010-12 and likely beyond (fortunately Cole has recently been given new life alongside Pat McAfee). One man who always elevated wrestling shows with his excellent commentary -- and doesn't get nearly enough credit for his greatness -- is Mr. "OH MY GOD!" Joey Styles.
Whether in ECW or later in WWE, Styles' passion always shined through in his commentary, and he had a knack for reacting appropriately to everything going on in and around the ring. His famous screaming "OH MY GOD!" catchphrase is certainly what Styles is most remembered for, but he was so much more than that. Perhaps most importantly, he actually called the moves in the ring, and did so with such charisma, professionalism, and well-timed humor. Unfortunately, his calling of moves would be frowned upon in WWE and Styles would go on an entertaining crusade against sports entertainment (more on that later). Styles was such a legend he even knocked out JBL once, and he deserves his place as one of the best commentators in the history of professional wrestling.
Joey Styles Was Plucked By Paul Heyman While He Was Still In College
Joey Styles grew up a wrestling fan and attended Hofstra University, not only because of their great communications program fit with a television studio and station, but because the campus was close to the offices of Pro Wrestling Illustrated in Long Island, New York. He eventually got an internship with Pro Wrestling Illustrated, and also began his wrestling commentary career with the North American Wrestling Alliance while still in college. Styles met Paul Heyman backstage at a WCW show, and invited him to the Pro Wrestling Illustrated offices where Styles showed Heyman a tape of his work from the NAWA. Heyman then hired Styles to be his commentator for ECW once he finished college in 1993.
Styles debuted at ECW's Super Summer Sizzler Spectacular on June 19, 1993, and quickly endeared himself to the rabid ECW fanbase. He would become the sole host of ECW Hardcore TV, calling all the matches solo, but he was so dang good, evoking Vin Scully vibes and painting a beautiful picture for the viewer. Styles would make history at ECW's inaugural pay-per-vew, Barely Legal, on April 13, 1997, becoming the first and only wrestling commentator to announce a pay-per-view solo.
Years later, Styles would be joined on commentary by the likes of Rick Rude, Joel Gertner, and Cyrus, aka Don Callis. He would serenade ECW fans both at home and in the ECW arena with his wonderful commentary during its entire run from 1993 until Heyman filed for bankruptcy in 2001. He would take some time away from the wrestling business after ECW, but come back in 2002 to join Court Bauer's Major League Wrestling promotion for a brief period.
ECW One Night Stand & Joey Styles' Crusade Against Sports Entertainment
Styles would sign a one night deal with WWE to call the ECW One Night Stand event on June 12, 2005 from the Hammerstein Ballroom. Two days prior he would also call the ECW Hardcore Homecoming reunion show in Philadelphia, but One Night Stand would be a highlight of Styles' career. Styles was introduced at the beginning of the show, and came down the aisle slapping the hands of fans with a big grin on his face. He got emotional welcoming fans to the event, which proved to be an historic one. For one night, it felt like the ECW of old, and Styles was there to guide us through it all.
Styles would go on to sign a full-time contract with WWE to be the voice of Raw, which was a childhood dream come true for him. Another dream was to announce at WrestleMania, but despite being the lead announcer for Raw, Styles was replaced by Jim Ross at WrestleMania 22. It was said that Vince McMahon did not like his pure play-by-play style and wanted more of a storyteller. Styles would get to call the excellent hardcore match between Edge and Mick Foley at WrestleMania, but soon after, he would stick up for the purity of professional wrestling as opposed to Vince McMahon's sports entertainment.
On the May 1, 2006 Raw, Styles would deliver a worked shoot promo tearing down sports entertainment, and even discussing Vince McMahon's refusal to let him call all of WrestleMania and preferring a storyteller. He would also scold the fans for "buying into this crap" before quitting and dropping the mic. Styles was ultimately reinstated to call One Night Stand 2006, and then WWE's new ECW brand until 2008. He moved to more of an office role and was promoted to Vice President of Digital Media content, working mostly on WWE.com and the WWE app. He would remain in the role until he was released in August 2016.
While his commentary career would end in a bit of controversy, Joey Styles is a treasure to the wrestling business and one of the best to ever put on the headset.