Excalibur (AEW)

Leaving Excalibur out of the top five will almost certainly create controversy among the AEW faithful but there is reason for it.

Despite winning the Wrestling Observer Award for Best Commentator in 2020, 2021, and 2023, he still struggles with conveying the story in front of him for the audience at home. Sure, some of that can be chalked up to the fact that the creative forces in the company have not done a good enough job of booking actual storylines over the last two or three years, but there is still some blame that falls directly at the feet of the masked broadcaster.

He is undeniably knowledgeable and able to call any move from any corner of the world or introduce any wrestler from any global promotion. While both are assets, what AEW desperately needs is someone to connect the audience to the product emotionally by telling the audience the story at play.

More of that, less of the breathless card lineups or next week's show and Excalibur makes this list.

Pat McAfee (WWE)

Some understandably do not like or understand Pat McAfee's commentary style. He is sometimes bombastic, at times over the top, but he brings unquestionable energy to his work. He has rejuvenated Michael Cole in a way some figured was at one time impossible.

That he is enthusiastic about the product and the stars involved in it has helped engage fans and get them to care again, something the doldrums of 2019 stole from them and the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to eliminate.

Could he stand to dial it back a bit, especially in the more somber moments? Sure, but for a mainstream personality whose greatest asset is his love for the business, McAfee has been a breath of fresh air on WWE television.

The more he learns along the way, the better he will be and the greater the likelihood that he will make the main list in the future.

Wade Barrett (WWE)

Barrett is a strong color commentator who brings personality to his match calls but does so in a serious manner. He does not scream for puppies and is not on the desk YEETing with Jey Uso, but he will sneak a one-liner or two in there while also calling back to his own in-ring experience to convey what a Superstar is thinking or feeling before a big match.

He is funny while also maintaining his professionalism, something that has proven problematic in the past.

A member of the commentary team since his 2020 stint with NXT, the former King of the Ring and intercontinental champion has been one of the pleasant surprises since assuming a role on the headsets.