Michael Lee
Photo: Shotweiler Photography
Before every single wrestling match, there is 1 person who plays a crucial role. That person being the ring announcer, who introduces the competitors & helps set the stage for what the audience is about to witness. Across the desert, in Western Australia, one man has gone from not even realising there was local wrestling to being one of the iconic voices of New Horizons Pro Wrestling (NHPW).
Speaking to Pario recently Michael Lee explained that like many people he first saw wrestling on TV but was totally unaware that there was wrestling in Australia, let alone in WA. That was until he was handed a flyer at a pop culture convention.
"I would often volunteer with Oz Comic-Con or SupaNova & they would always have TNT & the Australian Wrestling Federation (AWF) travelling around with the pop culture circuit," said Michael. "I always figured that was just an east coast thing & that there was no real wrestling in WA. Eventually, I got handed a flyer for local wrestling & slowly but surely I started getting a greater awareness & appreciation for the wrestling here."
Once Michael realised there was local wrestling near him the fandom grew. So much so that being the incredibly kind-hearted guy that he is he began volunteering to help out on shows. As a volunteer who simply wanted to help make the shows run smoothly, he had no intention of using that as a way into the scene. However, that all changed when he was approached with an opportunity to join the NHPW broadcast team.
"An opening came up when my now broadcast partner Jake Malone wasn't sure if he was going to be able to continue with NHPW," recalled Michael. "When the offer was made to me to come in as Jake's replacement I seized the opportunity & we have since become a dynamic duo providing the voices of NHPW."
Stepping into the role as the ring announcer Michael had favourites that he looked up to but was determined to bring his own style to the role.
"Obviously I had my own favourites growing up, people like Howard Finkle & Tony Chimel. You also have some amazing ring announcers working right now, people such as Justin Roberts in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) or Tim Barr in Major League Wrestling (MLW) but I didn't want to replicate anybody."
Bearing this in mind Michael views his role first & foremost as someone who "sets the stage & ensures that people understand the gravity of what is about to be presented." He believes this because often "aside from a video package the ring announcer is the immediate thing that is setting up the story for people who may have never seen these wrestlers compete."
Looking back at his time & role in NHPW there is one key element that holds special significance for Michael. That being the honour to do the Acknowledgement Of Countries for each & every NHPW show.
"My family are Noongar from a town called Katanning, so that is always a point of personal pride to do that."
Looking ahead Michael says that while there's a wide array of local & international talent he'd like to introduce 1, in particular, is at the top of the list.
"Killer Kross is the one that got away. He was originally booked for 2019 but then he got signed to NXT & couldn't make it."
Keep up with Michael on social media at: @PerthProWrestling
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