A great commentary duo can make all the difference in bringing a sense of drama and excitement to the in-ring action of professional sports-entertaining.

When a play-by-play announcer is perfectly paired with a colour commentator, their chemistry can become the secret sauce that turns a good match into a timeless memory for the ages.

But debate continues to rage among fans as to which commentary team can truly be called the greatest of all time: Corey Graves and Renee Young, or Bobby Heenan and Gorilla Monsoon?

Most pundits believe it is too close to call, but we’ve created a handy guide to help you make up your own mind.

Iconic Banter — Monsoon and Heenan:

Heenan: (while Hulk Hong’s “Real American” theme song is playing): That’s my second favorite song.

Monsoon: I’m almost afraid to ask…what’s your favorite?

Heenan: All the rest are tied.

and…

Heenan (after Shawn Michaels hurled Marty Jannetty through the Barber Shop window): Oh, I knew he was gonna do that. I just knew he was gonna do that. He don’t need Jannetty. I told you that off and on.

Monsoon: Are you kidding!? What a despicable act that was!

Monsoon: Right through the glass window of the Barbarshop!

Heenan: Jannetty tried to dive through the window to escape! You see that?

Monsoon: Are you blind!?

Heenan: What an act of cowardice!

 

Iconic Banter — Young and Graves:

Graves: Shut up, Renee.

Young: No you shut up, Graves!

 

Combined weight — Monsoon and Heenan: 601 pounds

Combined weight — Young and Graves: 215 pounds without hair product, 219 with.

 

Neck tattoos — Monsoon and Heenan: None.

Neck tattoos — Young and Graves: More than none.

 

Experience:

  • Monsoon and Heenan: Gorilla Monsoon was an international attraction during his in-ring days, battling with the likes of Andre the Giant and Muhammad Ali, was a former part-owner of WW(W)F, and became figurehead president of the company. Heenan competed in every major American territory, managed arguably the greatest stable of wrestlers in history, and could draw unparalleled “heat” from fans. Both were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, and both bravely fought illnesses before being reunited at the Great Commentary Desk in the Sky.
  • Young and Graves: Renee Young worked for a Canadian sports TV channel, then WWE. Corey Graves was known for a period on the indy scene as Sterling James Keenan. He lost to Val Venis on Heat once, which is kind of fun. Now he’s a commentator.

 

Trademark Individual Lines: 

Heenan: “Hulkamania is dead!” “I’m a legend in this sport. If you don’t believe me, ask me.” “It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and Mr. Perfect is a Milk Bone.” “I know all about cheating. I’ve had six successful marriages.” “A friend in need is a pest.”

Monsoon: “Right in the kisser/breadbasket/solarplexus/external occipital protuberance.” “They’re literally hanging from the rafters.” “That’s Excedrin headache number five.” “This place is going bananas.” “You can cut the electricity with a knife!”

Graves: “Holy shit.”

Young: “Oh!”

 

The verdict: Young and Graves are clearly the superior commentary duo in every regard. If you disagree, go back to the nursing home, grandpa!

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