WWE announcers have adopted the habit of using full names over pronouns, and former Superstar Maven explained the reason behind such practice.
WWE executive Bruce Prichard previously noted that Vince McMahon had instructed announcers to refer to talents by their names while calling matches.
Maven said, “No pronouns allowed. What they’re referring to is WWE is a brand and they want their talent to be branded. So rather than saying, ‘He shoots him off, and he gives them a clothesline,’ they want their announcers to use names, they want their names to mean something. So, rather than saying, ‘He enters the ring,’ they want, ‘John Cena enters the ring.’ Rather than, ‘he gave a good Superkick,’ they’d do, ‘Shawn Michaels with the Superkick.’ That’s all they mean by that.”
He continued, “Even during my time, it was the exact same. They wanted Batista to be bigger than life. They wanted Ric Flair to be the star. They wanted Kane, they wanted Trish Stratus, they wanted those names to come off of people’s tongues effortlessly. Why? Because if you say their names and you know their names, rather than using a pronoun, it’s going to help the show altogether.”
In the world of professional wrestling, the way announcers refer to the wrestlers during matches has become a topic of interest. WWE announcers have adopted the habit of using full names instead of pronouns when calling matches. This practice has raised questions among fans and viewers, wondering why this change has been implemented. Former WWE Superstar Maven shed some light on the subject, explaining the reasoning behind this approach.
According to Maven, WWE wants to establish its talent as a brand. By using full names instead of pronouns, the company aims to make their talent more recognizable and memorable. For example, instead of saying “He shoots him off, and he gives them a clothesline,” WWE announcers are instructed to say “John Cena shoots him off, and he gives them a clothesline.” This way, the name “John Cena” becomes associated with the move, making it more impactful and meaningful.
Maven further explained that this branding strategy has been in place for a long time. Even during his time as a WWE Superstar, the company emphasized the importance of building larger-than-life personas for their talent. They wanted names like Batista, Ric Flair, Kane, and Trish Stratus to roll off people’s tongues effortlessly. By using full names instead of pronouns, the announcers help create a stronger connection between the audience and the wrestlers, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The use of full names also helps to establish the wrestlers as stars in their own right. By consistently using their names, WWE aims to make these individuals stand out and become recognizable figures in the industry. This branding strategy not only benefits the wrestlers but also contributes to the success of the show as a whole.
While some fans may find this change in announcer style unusual or unnecessary, it is clear that WWE has a strategic reason behind it. By focusing on branding and creating memorable experiences for viewers, the company aims to elevate its talent and maintain a strong presence in the world of professional wrestling.
In conclusion, WWE announcers have adopted the practice of using full names instead of pronouns when referring to wrestlers during matches. This approach is part of a branding strategy aimed at making the talent more recognizable and memorable. By associating specific names with moves and emphasizing the larger-than-life personas of the wrestlers, WWE creates a stronger connection between the audience and the performers. While this change may seem unconventional to some, it serves a purpose in enhancing the overall viewing experience and establishing the wrestlers as stars in their own right.