Vince McMahon Asked For Major Stars’ Introductions To Be Toned Down

WWE

Justin Roberts is known for his memorable introductions for stars as they enter the ring, but apparently Vince McMahon was not always keen on his deliveries.

The current AEW name and former WWE announcer recently appeared on the Talk is Jericho podcast and recalled being asked by Vince McMahon to tone down some of his introductions, including those for major draws, John Cena and The Undertaker.

Roberts said:

“You go back to how Vince thinks vs. how I think. I got called literally out of the ring before we did the biggest Royal Rumble in history in Boston. I think he had just seen UFC, this is what I was told, that he had just seen UFC and he did not like Bruce Buffer and thought he was too over the top.

“So he talked to me about toning everything down. Which, once in a while I would have that conversation with him, ‘Tone it down, don’t give Sabu that big introduction, don’t give John Cena that big introduction, don’t give The Undertaker the big– And it’s like, I didn’t do it for everybody, but I did it where I needed to make something feel special.

“And it was always something that was built organically. The John Cena didn’t happen overnight, it was from doing it at house shows, doing it at TVs. And over time it’s just something that built up. It was a big introduction, right? It was special to John, and John was the top guy.

“And he called me into his office right before this Royal Rumble. And I go, ‘So you want me to introduce John, Undertaker and everyone the same way that I introduce everyone else?’ And he said, ‘Yeah.’ I said, ‘Okay.’ And you know, his company, it’s what he wanted.”

Not one to be discouraged easily, Justin Roberts tried to go against Vince McMahon’s direction, explaining how he used to sneak in his style for the big events.

He continued:

“So I would try to bring it out like a little bit as we got closer to a WrestleMania. Because like, The Undertaker’s introduction was special, you know?

I got chewed out for introducing The Rock when it was Rock and Punk at Royal Rumble in Phoenix. You know, he’s The Rock! He’s the biggest name in entertainment and in wrestling! And I was so proud of that introduction too… I wanted to give him an introduction, and Vince didn’t like that.

So yeah, I personally think for bigger events, yeah you wanna go big on those.”

Justin Roberts got his first start as a ring announcer at the age of 16 for a local wrestling promotion.

He worked on the independent circuit before being signed by WWE in 2002 for SmackDown and eventually Raw, where he remained until 2014.

Justin Roberts has been with AEW since April 2019. I challenge you to read names such as  ‘Jon Moxley without hearing Roberts’ elongated vowels.

It seems that Roberts’ recognisable vocal style shows no sign of being toned down.

Transcription via 411mania.com

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• justin roberts
• John Cena
• The Undertaker
• Vince McMahon
• wwe

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