Austin Aries Trades Ring Ropes for Commentary Table in MLW Return
Professional wrestling veteran Austin Aries, known for his impressive in-ring career spanning various promotions, made a surprising return to Major League Wrestling (MLW) last month, not as a competitor, but as a commentator. Aries, whose real name is Daniel Healy, swapped his wrestling boots for a headset, lending his voice and expertise to the Battle Riot VII event alongside seasoned announcer Joe Dombrowski.
The move marks a new chapter for Aries, who had previously graced the MLW ring from 2018 to 2019. His return to the promotion, albeit in a different capacity, has been met with anticipation and intrigue from fans and industry observers alike.
Aries’ career has been characterized by his relentless work ethic and dedication to the craft. He has carved a niche for himself in the world of professional wrestling, captivating audiences with his technical prowess, high-flying maneuvers, and undeniable charisma. His journey has taken him through some of the most prominent wrestling organizations, including WWE, TNA (now Impact Wrestling), and Ring of Honor, among others.
While battling an undisclosed illness, Aries eagerly embraced the opportunity to join the MLW commentary team. He expressed his excitement about returning to the promotion, noting the significant growth and momentum MLW has experienced in recent years. Aries also acknowledged the influx of talented wrestlers MLW has attracted, further fueling his enthusiasm for joining the company’s broadcast team.
"It feels good," Aries said of his return to MLW. "Just kind of readjusting. I hadn’t been at MLW for a number of years, worked with them a few times over my career, never anything sustained. It’s just been exciting to watch the growth of the company, the momentum they’ve been building and a lot of the names they’ve been bringing in. And so when the opportunity presented itself for me to get back into the fold and to do it behind the commentary desk, it was definitely something I wanted to take them up on."
Aries is no stranger to the announcer’s table, having previously showcased his commentary skills during his time with WWE. In December 2016, he joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves to call the WWE NXT Roadblock: End of the Line premium live event, and he also contributed to the commentary on weekly NXT programming. His experience in WWE provided him with a solid foundation and further ignited his passion for broadcasting.
When asked about his inspirations for his commentary style, Aries revealed that he draws inspiration from legendary commentators and managers Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and Jesse "The Body" Ventura. Both Heenan and Ventura were known for their sharp wit, colorful personalities, and ability to inject their unique perspectives into their commentary.
"I’m trying to be the version of myself, but those guys definitely influence my style as far as a heel commentator that’s going to add a little bit more of a slant," Aries explained. "I think the other thing I enjoyed about those guys, and I think as a color commentator, is when you can bring the perspective of actually being in the ring having competed. It’s a whole perspective that you can give the views that a commentator who hasn’t been in the ring can’t offer."
Aries brings a wealth of in-ring experience to the commentary table. Over the course of his career, he has amassed an impressive list of accolades, including three TNA world heavyweight championships, six TNA X-Division championships, and two Ring of Honor world championships. In 2013, Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him No. 12 on their Top 500 wrestlers list, solidifying his status as one of the top performers in the industry.
At 47 years old, Aries believes that transitioning to a commentary role is the right move for him at this stage of his career. While he acknowledges that he is not necessarily finished competing in the ring, he is open to exploring new opportunities and challenges.
"I had an opportunity to do commentary when I was with WWE. It was something that opened up after I got injured, and I really enjoyed it and I felt comfortable doing it. And so it was something that – at the back of my mind, I thought maybe down the road, as I started to slow down my in-ring career – would maybe be an opportunity I’d like to pursue," Aries said. "MLW approached me and asked me if it was something I was interested in doing. So I felt, you know, I’m 47, I do still wrestle. I just kind of pick my spots carefully. There’s nothing saying that down the road I might not step in the ring with MLW. But for now, it’s a great way to get myself back into the fold with the company."
Aries emphasizes that he is fully committed to his role as a color commentator and will strive to provide insightful and entertaining commentary for MLW fans.
"The opportunity was to be a color commentator, so I’m going to take that role and do my best with it, and we’ll see what happens from there," Aries said.
Fans can look forward to hearing Aries on the call for MLW’s next event, Azteca Lucha, which will take place on May 10 in Chicago. The event promises an action-packed night of wrestling, with Matt Riddle and Donovan Dijak battling for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. Additionally, Alex Hammerstone will make his return to face Satoshi Kojima, and other stars from MLW and Mexico’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre promotion will be on display.
Aries’ transition from in-ring competitor to commentator marks an exciting new chapter in his career. His experience, knowledge, and passion for professional wrestling will undoubtedly make him a valuable asset to the MLW broadcast team. As he continues to hone his skills behind the microphone, fans can expect to hear his unique perspective and insights on the world of professional wrestling. And while his in-ring future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Austin Aries is far from finished making his mark on the industry.
