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The following is an excerpt from former WCW and TNA ring announcer David Penzer's new book - 'Sitting Ringside, Volume 1' and is reprinted with permission. The book is available for sale on Amazon and at DavidPenzerBook.com.
Mike Tenay was often referred to as ‘The Professor’ - and that’s how I got to know him as well. He seemingly knew every fact there was to know about every wrestler, including, most notably, the luchas coming in from Mexico, in addition to the performers we brought in from all over the world (he also gets major props for hatching the idea for Goldberg’s undefeated streak). By virtue of his professionalism, knowledge and insight, Mike added a lot of credibility to our program.
When you first meet Mike, he comes off as a really nice guy – and he is, truly – but he’s really a wise ass.
A big-time wise ass.
Mike liked to stir the shit - in a major way - but in a funny way at the same time. It was never meant to be mean or anything, and, in fact, Mike usually delivered his zingers with a smile on his face. That’s just how it was with Mike, but you’d never think that from the outside looking in. He didn’t grow up in the business - unlike some of the other guys in the announcer’s trailer - but he could hang with those guys (and the comedic timing of someone like Bobby) without any problem.
Mike basically came to WCW in his forties, and therefore, I always wondered if he picked up the wrestling-style of humor really fucking quick – or, alternatively, whether it had secretly always been there, lurking under the shadows. I know this for sure, though: once you saw the real Mike Tenay, it was a totally different person than what you would see on television.
None of what I just said should be construed as a negative, as for the record, there’s not one bad thing I could say about Mike. It’s just funny because sometimes you see someone on television, and you develop an idea of what they would be like in real life. Sometimes your idea of that person is accurate, and sometimes it isn’t – at all. Mike Tenay was in the latter category.
That man was devious.
You know what? Do yourself a favor and pull up Mike’s interview with Stacy Keibler. It aired on the September 20th, 2000 edition of WCW Thunder, and the clip tends to make the rounds every now and again on social media. In storyline, Stacy was pregnant at the time, and there was a mystery surrounding who the father was. From the outset of the interview, Mike went off on Stacy in ruthless fashion!
Now, don’t get it confused - Mike was never that malicious in reality! Nevertheless, when it comes to that tone…that delivery…
That was the real Mike Tenay.
Just with a smile on his face.
David Penzer's book, 'Sitting Ringside, Volume 1' Available on Amazon and DavidPenzerBook.com. Customers ordering directly from DavidPenzerBook.com can receive a variety of extras, including a signed copy of the last Monday Nitro format!
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