WWE continued it’s war of words with controversial talk show host Glenn Beck yesterday when they posted an online video where RAW commentator Michael Cole attempted to interview Beck about the pundit’s insults aimed at WWE and it’s fans at Beck’s broadcast studio. This all stems from Beck’s insults last week against WWE for a current TV storyline with Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter playing xenophobic “Real Americans” challenging World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio leading into Wrestlemania 29. You can watch the video on this page.
The 3 minute video shows Cole recalling Beck’s “stupid wrestling people” comment from last week, interacting with various members of the studio’s staff and a security guard. In the video, Cole is denied a request for an interview with Beck by multiple members of the studio staff and security. The video also sees one member of the studio staff state on camera that Beck was busy filming his TV show and could not take the interview, while another member of the studio staff states Beck was not even at the building. Cole then appears on his phone, relaying the story back to what is may or may not be another member of the WWE staff. The video ends with Cole and the WWE camera crew being escorted out the studio by a man who states he owns the studio and is demanding they leave immediately before the police are called.
Pro Wrestling Examiner’s Perspective:
This move was a bold one by WWE to bring the dispute to Beck’s footstep since he has already denied their public requests to appear on RAW’s live global TV broadcast to provide a rebuttal for their argument that the storyline is simply entertainment with characters portraying real life issues. It may just be WWE playing up the issue for mainstream publicity during their most critical time of year, the road to Wrestlemania. WWE Chairman VInce McMahon has almost never backed down from a fight with a force that publicly decries his company and it’s fans, so Beck’s inflammatory comments may have legitimately angered the head honchos at Titan Towers in Stamdford, Connecticut. McMahon is also a clever promoter, who understands how to manipulate situation for the benefit of his bottom line.
No matter what you think or where you stand on this issue, this video shows the pronounced talent of Michael Cole as a TV personality. Cole who has been with WWE since the late '90s, shows off his ability to 'break the glass' of the camera lense and into the lap of the viewer. Cole's keen sense of perform on camera and his passion for WWE were loud and proud in this short piece. It may be of the best non-commentary performances in his television career.
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