Wednesday Afternoon Diversion: Mike Adamle Gets Tongue-Tied

By Chuck Sudo in Miscellaneous on Aug 20, 2008 7:30PM

NBC 5 sportscaster Mike Adamle has led a charmed life in front of the camera. His good looks and Northwestern pedigree have granted him the opportunity to work at ABC 7, CBS 2 and NBC 5 as lead sportscaster. For a generation, he's also known as the host of the original "American Gladiators." Give Adamle a script and time to prepare, he's a solid broadcaster.

Give Adamle a microphone and a script on short notice and ask him to ad-lib? He makes Mayor Daley sound like James Lipton. Time Out Chicago's recent interview with local wrestler (and WWE World Heavyweight Champion) CM Punk reminded us that Adamle's been moonlighting for World Wrestling Entertainment in recent months, first as play-by-play announcer for WWE's "ECW" brand. No, we aren't ashamed of being fans of pro rasslin'.

The WWE announcers often work with Vince McMahon screaming ad-libs into their earpieces. Here are some gems from Adamle's shell-shocked ECW debut.

Since then, Adamle has been shifted over to RAW, WWE's flagship show, in the on-air role of General Manager. More script, less improvisation.