Getting to Know Gary Michael Cappetta: Ringside Reflections
Gary Michael Cappetta, playfully dubbed “The World’s Most Dangerous Announcer” by Jim Cornette, lent his iconic voice to 20 years of action.
From introducing Ric Flair to Vader to Sting and more, he helped shape the drama.
This Ring Post exclusive discovers his career highs, personal tales, and modern takes—straight from the man behind the mic.
You were dubbed “The World’s Most Dangerous Announcer” by Jim Cornette. What’s a moment in your 20-year career, from WWF to WCW, that made you feel you earned that title?
I didn’t do anything to “earn” that title. Being dangerous is incongruous with the role I played. That’s why it stuck. It was a Cornette joke. It was funny. And that’s why fans remember the (mis)characterization.
I was at WCW’s 1993 UK tour in Bournemouth, watching you announce matches like British Bulldog vs. Vader, Dustin Rhodes vs. Rick Rude, and Ric Flair, Steamboat, and Sting up against Maxx Payne, Steve Austin, and Brian Pillman. Do you have a favorite memory or behind-the-scenes story from that tour or other international WCW tours?
Favorite memories would be announcing at Royal Albert Hall and living the lifestyle as a performer enjoying the royal treatment associated with a professional touring show.
The first UK tour promoter was Barry Clayman, who promoted hundreds of shows including Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and Elvis. So we were treated as headliners with first class accommodations and a caterer, who traveled with us from city to city. There are other times of note, but those are the top two.
You saw Steve Austin as part of the Hollywood Blonds. Did you sense he’d become the massive star he later was, and what stood out about him back then?
Yes, Austin had star power even though he was used in WCW as a mid-card wrestler. What stood out was his wrestling ability and the confidence he displayed inside the ring.
What’s a forgotten match or wrestler you’d love fans to rediscover?
During the time frame you’re referencing, I introduced tens of thousands of wrestlers in thousands of matches. To pinpoint a match or a wrestler from that period is impossible.
You returned to the spotlight announcing the Jericho-Moxley weigh-in for AEW in 2020. How do today’s wrestling products like AEW or WWE compare to the era you helped define, and what do you enjoy most about the modern scene?
As do all art forms, pro wrestling has evolved to reflect the culture of the time. Since we are most impressionable during our formative years of life, we favor the era of pro wrestling we grow up watching. Most of the changes are not necessarily better or worse, just reflective of the times.
I would just remind today’s athletes not to lose sight that a wrestler’s only goal is to WIN by pin fall or submission. Every action and reaction should contribute to that result during a match. So if we can agree with that basic goal, the creativity of your offense and of your defense is how to reflect today’s sensibilities and ultimately distinguish yourself from all others.
What I marvel at most about today’s pro wrestling is the incredible athleticism of the wrestlers.
From your 2020 AEW appearance to Bodyslams! & Beyond, what’s next for you that fans should follow?
I remain available for signings and guest ring announce gigs. There’s not much left that would be “a first” for me since over the years I’ve written my “Bodyslams!” book, have a trading card, voiced a video game, featured in magazines and toured with my stage show “Beyond Bodyslams!”. However, there is one area I have not entered, but am in early discussions about with a UK company. It’s too early to disclose the nature of the project. Stay tuned.
Cappetta’s journey left a mark on wrestling. His take on the “dangerous” label—a Cornette jest that stuck due to its absurdity—defining his 1980s rise and WCW 1990s tenure. A keen eye spotted Steve Austin’s early star power, even as a mid-card Hollywood Blonde, his ring skills and confidence foreshadowing the “Stone Cold” era.
Gary’s career, introducing thousands of matches, forms a living tapestry of wrestling’s golden age.
Reflecting on today, Cappetta sees wrestling as a cultural mirror, differing from previous era’s storytelling to AEW and WWE’s athletic focus. He champions winning—pin or submission—as the core, urging modern creativity while marvelling at today’s athleticism. His future, teased with signings and a to be revealed UK project, builds on a versatile past of books, cards, and stage shows!
Where to Catch Gary Michael Cappetta
Follow Gary on X at @GaryCappetta for updates on signings, guest announce gigs and be sure to subscribe to his Facebook.
Dive into his story with his book Bodyslams and stay tuned for his upcoming UK project revelations!
Inspired by Cappetta’s ringside legacy and wisdom? Subscribe to The Ring Post for more wrestling icons’ stories!