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People have to remember Cole, unlike GOAT commentators like JR, Styles, etc., had zero pro wrestling experience before being hired as a WWE commentator
He was a real news journalist, which is why he always had that fake 'corporate' voice on commentary
Even worse, he came in just before WWE started micromanaging commentary, which guaranteed that he would never be a GOAT
This is why I always direct people to watch SD! between 2002-05 if they want to see Cole at his best on commentary. Cole with Tazz and his early period with JBL was peak Cole. That was when guys like JR and Heyman had more direction over him before Vince got in his ear
He actually had a personality, and wasn't afraid to curse and sound mad on commentary. Everyone likes to bring up Mick Foley and Eddie's first title wins as 'rare' good Cole commentary moments. But my personal favorite Cole moment was that night when Raw invaded SD!, the one where Batista was already injured and got chokeslammed through the table by Big Show and Kane. Cole did great on commentary there because he sounded genuinely invested in the story
It's unfortunate that he couldn't maintain that enthusiasm over the years
