Jonathan Coachman Blames AEW Fan Base After Booker T Named Worst Announcer

Booker T being voted 2025 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Worst Television Announcer already had wrestling fans arguing nonstop — but now Jonathan Coachman has stepped in and pointed the finger squarely at AEW supporters.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter released its 2025 Year-End Awards on February 13, and Booker T topped the Worst Television Announcer category with 516 votes. He finished well ahead of Pat McAfee (123), Michael Cole (102), Vic Joseph (45), and Tony Schiavone (40).

The result immediately sparked backlash from fans defending Booker T’s energetic work on WWE NXT. But in an update to the controversy, former WWE personality Jonathan Coachman weighed in and didn’t hold back. Coachman responded directly to the voting outcome and questioned who was behind it.

“Good lord. McAfee is a unicorn and will never be matched. Cole for 30 years have called the biggest events. Vic Joseph is the most underrated announcer on tv today. Feels like an AEW fan base voted in this one. Those who voted have no clue how hard that job is.”

Instead of criticizing Booker T personally, Coachman defended the entire commentary field and suggested the Wrestling Observer audience — which he implied leans heavily toward AEW — may have influenced the final tally.

The WWE Hall of Famer has been a major voice on NXT, known for his spontaneous reactions, catchphrases, and chemistry with Vic Joseph. While the Wrestling Observer awards are fan-voted, categories like Worst Television Announcer often stir debate across the industry.