Don West - Official Career Tribute

On 30 December 2022 we lost TNA legend Don West. He was a large part of how TNA found success in the early years, without him they may not have succeeded. He had a real talent for making something seem exciting even if it wasn't. Don's passing was acknowledged by WWE and AEW. Don was replaced on commentary by TAZ in 2009 when he hadn't really done anything wrong. He just wasn't a star like Taz. I wish we could have appreciated him more when we had him!
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[@WingsOfAgeOfConsent]

What an absolute great tribute. Don West, the most underrated commentator in wrestling history. R.I.P to this legend.

[@retrorambles517]

Not underrated Infact you could say he was a bit rubbish But he had passion and enthusiasm and full of energy, he was so bad he was good I liked him and so did most TNA fans

[@derek-64]

@@retrorambles517 that's what people liked about him. The passion, the energy, the enthusiasm, the excitement. That's why he's one of my favorites. He got you pumped up and excited. No one, and i mean NO ONE, compares to him when it comes to those things. Rest in peace, Don.

[@Jacksmusicshack]

​@@syler_nice_7red-guiltyssad we never got to see a Dream Team like Michael and Don West

[@bobbybrandon584]

He had so many cool moments but the way he absolutely lost his mind when Elix Skipper tightroped that cage is an all-timer, and you can tell he was genuinely loving it the same way the crowd was. RIP, Don.

[@seinenwax94jr9]

If there existed a sort of "half physical, half virtual" dictionary or museum exhibit for every wrestling promotion, the Cage Walk accompanied by Don West's commentary would be TNA 💯

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

Don and Mike were the best commentary team of the 2000s, Don's genuine excitement added so much to TNA

[@emperortrevornorton3119]

Don was the personality were Mike looks on like a stone faced man it was entertaining to hear them on commentary together like perfect personality opposites

[@christopherhamer9584]

Really? I mean no disrespectful How come every time somebody passes away everybody and their brother says they're the best ever or the best of their generation. You're literally coming on here saying that a second rate promotion had the best announce team. Come on man

[@quentinkaasa47]

They were no JR and King or JR and Heyman, but they were certainly TNA's best commentary team.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

@@christopherhamer9584 I'm allowed to have my own opinion

[@Mike-qz4by]

@@christopherhamer9584 cope

[@worlds-in-conflict]

Very classy tribute. Don West might be the single most underrated and underappreciated announcer in the history of the business. R.I.P. Mr West, truly one of a kind.

[@landismithCOJ]

Don West used to go CRAZY, and it was wonderful. RIP Don.

[@rearviewracing4789]

The tale of his TNA career is suprisingly heartwarming, with no big conflicts and qualms from either DW or TNA towards each other, however it does teach an important lesson of appreciation. RIP Don West

[@PraiseThaDon]

Shoutout to Michael Cole for paying tribute to Don West.

[@TheMC1102]

I watched some older TNA PPVs this year and I always loved it when Don West shouted "YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!". May he rest in peace.

[@empressink_]

Don West and Mike Tenay were my fave commentary team at one point. This is so sad 😭

[@trueSconox]

they played so well of one another.

[@NealCamerlengo]

Rest in peace Don West. I was on the verge of tears when I read Tenay's post. Also, I can see why some wrestling promoters don't listen to the fans since most of the time they don't know what they want or are very hypocritically toxic.

[@chains5555]

Big man with big heart. For me, he was The Voice of TNA. Along with Mike Tenay of course. Sometimes Don was little overreacting, but at the end of the day that made him so special. Rest In Peace, Don West.

[@Emporkommling]

Don's love of wrestling was contagious. There will be never be a commentator more energetic or enthusiastic.

[@mkdisciple]

I remember being on the message boards around 2008 and never got the Don West hate. He was really enthusiastic about the product and it made me care about TNA that time too. RIP big man.

[@Markyd123]

Fans just got greedy

[@ceejayjones2567]

As someone who started watching tna in 2008, I never got the hate either. He seemed funny and genuine with his excitement.

[@cardaderdention]

Don West was the fan that became the commentator, and it showed by how much he loved the product. R.I.P. Don West

[@cospinanyc]

Don West is up there to me with a lot of the great commentators in wrestling, super underrated that it's astounding, this was really sweet of you and a lovely tribute. Seriously, so sincere and genuine.

[@davidtodd3401]

The worst part about West being replaced on commentary was that a Tenay/West/Taz booth would have been amazing. Tenay the wrestling nerd, Taz the legitimate fight knowledge and West the hype man

[@dustinbasham393]

Michael Cole acknowledging Don on Smackdown really made me smile last night. Really classy move on their part. Don seemed to be one of the truly great guys in the wrestling business

[@Venemofthe888]

it does make me wonder if it would have happened under Vince. Wrestling world is one huge family and instead of hating on each other and being tribal we come together and just enjoy everything together

[@seinenwax94jr9]

Imo, WWE has always eyed TNA. It never surprised me that they picked up Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, Austin Creed, Low Ki, Robert Roode, and even Chris Harris at one point on their roster. I always thought the whole idea of "Vince doesn't look at them as competition or even mention them" was them keeping a little bit of kayfabe.

[@seinenwax94jr9]

​@@Venemofthe888I doubt Vince Mcmahon would because of both his "To do/Not do commentary" rules and that time he fired one of the Highlanders for showing up at a TNA crowd. Seems like a kayfabe thing to me. I wish the wrestling world(mainly in the Western world) could be like that soooo bad too tbh, but a history of promoter's egos as well as extremely misinformed, adamant, fickle, and mean spirited fans (the same ones Marky D mentioned referring to those forums that said Don West needs to not commentate) make it not so.

[@ShiningJudgment666]

@@seinenwax94jr9 The forbidden door between WWE and Impact/TNA was opened before Vince was ousted.

[@seinenwax94jr9]

@@ShiningJudgment666 I'm aware that Cena, Low Ki, and maybe 1 or 2 other people said "TNA" for a in-ring promo, but has WWE on their website, shoot interviews, or other places openly talked about TNA Impact? Or are you saying that because TNA wrestlers wrestled on the show?

[@johnnysizemore5797]

Sorry to hear about Don West's passing, he was my favorite announcer out of the whole lot (and that's a lot of people). He made you WANT to watch TNA...

[@geeshep4836]

Without a Doubt Mike Tenay and Don West are The best Commentary team in TNA/IMPACT WRESTLING. R.I.P. DW.

[@dyrr836]

This was lovely. Don was definitely an integral part of TNA's identity, I don't think it's coincidence that ditching him and the six sided ring (around the same time mind you) happened right before the unanimously agreed upon worst period of the company's history. Thanks for keeping the memories alive hawkman. Rest in paradise Don, hope you're up there screaming WHAT'S HE DOING IN THE IMPACT ZONE every time someone steps through the pearly gates.

[@philthatcher6111]

Underrated commentator. His used car salesman gimmick made him standout at the time, he brought alot of energy to the early years of tna. Rip

[@jeffreyknight4580]

I worked with dude, he was a hoot and 100%! What you see is what you got! Fly High, Don!

[@sbcj9]

Don West was one of the few reasons I watched TNA back in the day. His energy and voice always made me come back for more.

[@art_the_king02]

RIP DW🙏🙏🙏 I remember I would always say that he was like the Jerry Lawler of TNA

[@reginaldredd617]

My favorite line when he said " this is just wrong!!! " And I felt it on certain spots in a match. R.i.p buddy

[@FormerlyknownasCJTVStation8]

He spoke like a true fan. Thats what made him unique.

[@ShockerTopper]

I literally grew up watching Don West shilling baseball cards when I was a kid. I think I was 11-12? My dad and I used to watch him and laugh so hard. But it was pure comedy gold. When I found out he was on TNA in late 2000’s I was blown away to see him! Rest in peace man and just know you sold me on the Upper Deck 1995 set! And I did get a HIDEO-NOMO-ROOKIE-CARD!! lol I suggest checking out his baseball card sales on HSN lol and see what I loved growing up a kid hahah can’t believe they’re on KZbin.

[@nineteenct]

The reason why I like this channel is that there’s a heart to it - it’s not just openly mocking silly shit in wrestling, it’s going out of your way to cover obscure or silly things that people can enjoy. A video covering a death was as heartfelt as expected, rest well Don.

[@PapiGordo]

Tenay and West were the best commentary duo for a good while. It seemed so organic and real. RIP Don. You were one of my absolute favorites behind the desk and a big part of my teens. Rest easy.

[@obredaanps3]

I loved DW back during the prime TNA years. Sad news to hear of his passing as he was a legit good person which is rare in this business. I always loved hearing DW marking out for Amazing Red back in the day.

[@sickbump]

I had a huge smile on my face for the whole duration of this tribute. "It's just freaking insane" that he is gone. "You've got to be kidding me." "I mean just think about it." Rest in peace. 😞😞😞

[@eddievedderface]

Don West could make a Great Khali vs Bastion Booger match sound like it's the most exciting thing in the world.

[@superfish0012]

Don and Mike were the voice of my childhood. All the stuff people said about Don - he was too loud, he was breathing heavy, all of it - was true. And that's why I loved him! He felt like a real fan (because he was!), which I think is what makes a truly great color commentator. He was an audience insert that would scream with just as much enthusiasm when someone hit a Canad- sorry, CA-NA-DI-AN DESTROY-EERRRRRRRR!

[@AxelAction]

Such a wonderful tribute. I can't seem to stop crying as I write this. Don West on commentary was a big part of what pulled me in to TNA in the early days and was often my favorite part of the show. His passion and enthusiasm for wrestling, which you could hear in every word he uttered behind that desk, was something I hadn't seen in quite some time, at that point. I could tell he loved wrestling just as much as I do; that kind of excitement just cannot be imitated or faked. He was the man. Rest in peace, Don. Thank you for the memories.

[@genocidekhaos9775]

The very first live show in Florence, SC, I had the honor and privilege of meeting Mr. Don West outside the Florence Civic Center...Such a polite and enthusiastic personality...his energy was Unbelievable!!! May you rest peacefully, Sir.

[@danielkelley2784]

Always have and always will think that Don West was very underrated he brought a lot of passionate and energy to whatever position they had him at

[@stevenzack1497]

Wonderful tribute to Don West. Wrestling television has lost one of the most colorful men behind the mic . No one but Don could get you interested in sports memorabilia in the wee hours of the morning on QVC. R.I.P. Mr West

[@nickofthelivingdead88]

Most underrated color commentator ever. Hands down.

[@am2382]

A distinct voice on commentary, RIP.

[@kcjc]

I grew up watching TNA weekend reruns in the mid 2000s and always liked how electric Don made things feel. TNA used to come to my town regularly and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy at each show, he even signed my program.

[@MrMoviemashup]

Thanks man! If anyone had all the footage in TNA it would be you. Don West was a true icon legend never forgotten and had this remarkable voice for any promotion. This guy could sell anything with emotion. He died a true fighter

[@hunterjohnson3192]

The fact they acknowledged him on a wwe product without him ever being there got loads of respect from me. I loved wwe and tna I'd flip flop between shows or watch tna on Thursday. Rip Don West.

[@GreatestHeroDeku]

Don and Mike made me love Professional Wrestling again, I witnessed Don calling Kurt Angle’s debut, his iconic catchphrases like “You Got To Be Kidding” and man when he and Mike witness surprise appearances from wrestlers, man they both went ballistic. When Taz replaced him it sadly wasn’t the same, nothing against Taz but compared to Don West the atmosphere wasn’t the same, yes I’m talking about this in a retrospective. Rest in Peace to the legendary Don West.

[@SuperMutant2099]

He could sell ice to Eskimos. RIP one of the nicest and passionate people I even saw in life. Legend that will be missed

[@TheDistantman]

Michael Cole acknowledging Don West on Smackdown almost made me cry. He never worked in WWE but Cole - having respect for the game, gives praise for the work DW put in for Impact Wrestling. RIP Don West, you really were one of the greats

[@footballhipster]

You know you've truly made it in life when even people you've never worked with appreciate you. RIP Don West, Gone but not forgotten.

[@ShubhamMishrabro]

Also when snl parodied him.

[@RC99_Productions]

RIP Don West. Great, underrated colour commentator. He and Mike Tenay complemented each other so well. He was also good as Amazing Red's manager, as brief as that was.

[@saints96.]

When I think of TNA I still hear Don West and Mike Tenay's commentary, they were the icing on the cake. I always enjoyed Don's commentary, just wish commentators today were more like him, passionate, enthusiastic and fun. RIP Don West.

[@RockApe_]

RIP Don. I’m so happy people are appreciating him now

[@OneManCast]

You cannot replicate a truly genuine person. Don West is a rare breed. If there is anything we can learn from Don West, its to be yourself and only yourself in life. Be true to yourself, be honest with yourself and love yourself. Thank you Don West.

[@JoshHatfield]

Don West didn't try to make shit seem good, he loved it. He saw the best in everything TNA did, good or bad. He had the type of passion for the product that most of us don't have for anything. He will be missed, bucket of win. Thanks for the tribute, he deserves it.

[@danieldeplorable4960]

Don West was a great wrestling announcer. He could make the most mundane match seem exciting. He elevated every wrestling broadcast he was a part of. RIP, Mr. West.

[@wrestlingwombat3821]

I wasn’t the biggest fan of TNA, but I always loved Don’s commentary. His high octane energy worked so well with Tenay’s more quite and professional commentary. RIP Don, you will be truly missed

[@ChrisManley1994]

R.I.P Don, your passion for the pro wrestling business was infectious and helped make TNA destination TV each week. God speed legend 💔

[@BoRaiChoWins]

Don West was a legend, he is really gonna be missed. prayers for his family.

[@scashwildson8354]

A truely underrated commentator, i've always been a fan of him. Sad he's passed away. RIP

[@eddyalonso7661]

I got to know Don in 2019 and worked with him at the radio station he was at in Wenatchee, WA. He was doing a sports show and something he loved doing and did it very well. When the pandemic hit and there were no games being played and national shows were struggling, Don put on some of the most entertaining radio. A great guy who left us way too early. RIP D-Dub!

[@tmikeseeley]

Love Don West. I was around at the time and would always hear my friends run him down and I was always sticking up for him. He was so good at polishing a turd and making you stick around and try to care. RIP, Don West. You have been missed for a long time! Wish he would of gotten another shot!

[@jtmiller9358]

Great tribute! I was lucky to meet Mr. West at a TNA house show when I was 8 or 9 years old. Shook my hand and signed my TNA event book. Even bought his brown bag special lol. RIP, one of my favorite all time commentators.

[@GuruAuggie]

Rip Don West he was a big part of my childhood watching TNA

[@Mrran4life]

I love don west commentating. I know he wasn’t everybody cup of tea but that what made TNA different and felt like they had there own thing going… RIP Don west

[@anonluxor470]

I respect Michael Cole for that tribute for don west

[@ZeroSystem100]

I LOVED this man on commentary! RIP to a TNA legend

[@robc4736]

Great and very deserving tribute. As 12-13yr old in the late 90’s that collected sports cards, I was a a fan of Don West years before he showed up in wrestling (which I always loved). My friend and I called him “Folks” because he started half his sales pitches by yelling FOLKS and then going on about how we weren’t gonna wanna miss the next deal. You’re 100% right about him being the passion and heart and soul of early TNA. I ordered all the weekly shows and he really did make some awful stuff seem incredibly important. Looking back, I’m not sure that I would have watched as many without him on commentary. I hated the Taz replacement even tho I’ve always liked Taz too. Don was a special guy and I think it’s awesome of you to have made such a strong video to honor him. Good work man. RIP Don “FOLKS” West.

[@bandu2512]

Mike Tenay and Don west made tna standout for me. Don west going POUNCCCEEE always hyped me. RIP Don west.

[@Am0ment0fB]

When you're best friends announcers like Mike and Don and Gorilla and Bobby and King and JR, there's just nothing better. RIP

[@uttermanbo]

His high energy excitement made the product feel more exciting.

[@arcticfox04]

Don West was one of my favorite reasons I loved TNA. When Don left TNA it was reason I stopped watching. Guy had such a of a kind personality.

[@jordanfligor]

R.I.P Don wasn't the best announcer of all time, but dang did he bring the passion to his work, and his energy was infectious!

[@attaxwrongnes]

Incredible tribute . I feel bad to be one of those people down on Don West around 2008-9 and when i think back he added so much to the product with his passion and energy .

[@QuantumSplitter]

No modern day commentator could touch Don West, massively underrated, RIP Don.

[@joseylawlz6]

Don West was an integral part of my love for TNA when I was younger. His energy was unmatched to other commentators at the time and it always made TNA must watch. What a beautiful tribute hawk may he rest in peace 🙏

[@campbellsoup1981]

I liked him on commentary; he was pretty cool. Sending prayers to his family and friends R.I.E.H Don West. (1963-2022)

[@jeffkotuby]

Don was one of a kind, man. He made awful moments watchable, good moments great, and great moments iconic. It's his passion that added the zest to the X-Division's golden Era and made them so memorable. RIP and thanks for everything, Don.

[@guillermopacheco662]

Pure class Marky. RIP Don West, most underrated commentator.

[@darkorder7994]

Don west was an awesome commentator. The passion the fire he had when he called out moves and finishers was just outstanding. Gone but never forgotten. Legends never die. RIP DON WEST

[@songokussj3]

My brothers and I still quote his "What's he gonna do!?", absolutely loved his commentary. Such a shame he's gone, he'll be very much missed.

[@alexandru5369]

Great tribute. Respect for DW for staying classy and professional when TNA wasn't always too him

[@JasonSum1979]

Another outstanding Tribute video! I always loved Don had no idea the “Internet fans” disliked him but, it doesn’t surprise me (The internet fans suck and are clueless) Horrible news to go into a new year (always seen Don as the cool uncle everybody loves) His legacy will live on for a very long time 😢😢😢

[@Valdrex]

I used to look forward to watching TNA in the early days and West was definitely part of that. Thanks for the tribute.

[@anthonycummins9558]

Sad to hear that Don passed away - I liked his energy and enthusiasm on the broadcasting - R.I.P Don West.

[@trappestarrgaming3422]

Idk y this brought a tear to my eye.. Don was legit the reason I started watching tna seriously he made everything seem like a once in a life time event

[@XxGrohlxX]

thank you for this video. i don’t process death well at all, and his passing broke my heart, him and mike tenay were the voices of my childhood. this was well put together as always.

[@wilingly]

Don West and Mike Tenay are two of my favorite commentators of all time. I still have the Don West brown bag deal signed bags that they sold 10 years ago. ❤ Prayers to his family.

[@DMMDestroyer]

There was a House Show in Pennsylvania that I went to in 2010, and he pitched a behind the scenes VIP package that got me to meet Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, and Orlando Jordan. It was worth it.

[@MrDoodle257]

Such sad news. Don West was a huge part of my childhood. I adored TNA so much.

[@larrytod9790]

RIP Don west you were one of my favorite wrestling commentary

[@tadow2369]

Man condolences to his family. Don West added so much excitement to those TNA shows and I wish they would have kept him on commentary. He was one of the best to ever do the color commentary role

[@BPEJS24-7]

I'm gonna miss Don West. We shared the same Birthday. When I first started watching/following TNA, he did indeed make the product stand out. I remember receiving lots of those Brown Bag Specials, I was one of the "one or two people out there" that wanted his autograph on the bag lol (that was what he said during the sales pitch) Now, whenever I see anything that seems cool or impressive, I will think to myself "THAT WAS FREAKING INSANE!!!" RIP DW, you will certainly be missed and remembered. 😞

[@margaretseddon2230]

Gavin says : Don brought some level of sanity to the insane booking of one who will not be named!! R.I.P and may you have peace knowing you are a true legend!!

[@saxonjf]

Thanks hawk. I have happy memories of watching TNA with Don West and it never seemed the same without him. There's never been anyone like him because no one was hyped or brought the hype like Don did. RIP Don. You have been missed and you will be missed.

[@DragonDDT]

Bravo. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for the West/Tenay commentary team.

[@c-o-b-o-2010]

For me, the team of Don West and Mike Tenay were to TNA what Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler were to RAW R.I.P. Don West

[@chez4prez825]

When I think about the first time I found out about TNA Don West and Mike Tenay were the guys I heard going crazy about what they were seeing in the ring. Don's energy accompanied by Mike's play by play was perfect. You will be missed Don West.

[@MrBigTAnderson]

Okay. this hurts. I actually had the chance to talk with him when TNA did a house show in Salem. Dude was just built like that 100% I was remembering what I could get with what I had and dude asked me what dvds I liked. I named over christian cage and XXX and he told me, "hey get the dvd bag, you will like it." dude was dead on and gave me a discount on a t-shirt. Dude was a salesman, but not slimy and really had passion for it, a true rarity nowadays. the dvd bag? XXX and a Christian Cage match dvd were two of the five.

[@HM4Hill]

Don Wests intensity and Mike Tenays analysis made the perfect announcement team

[@ryano2883]

Don West never got the credit he deserved. That comment from Michael Cole made me smile.

[@andrewmarsjr9879]

Rip Don West you will be missed mr TNA

[@lonzogibson3497]

I will always remember the commentary from the lockdown match of Christian vs Abyss mainly because of Don West. We lost a good one. R.I.P. Mr West. Thanks for this one Markyd.

[@BostonBori92]

He honestly made watching wrestling and listening to wrestling fun Jerry Lawler and JR had what they did that made them a great duo but with Don his energy and enthusiasm made young me happy and excited to watch this new company called TNA they will forever be tied together for me R.I.P to Don West a legend