Lance Russell

Later career (1989–1997) Russell made his debut in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) on the March 11, 1989 edition of NWA World Wide Wrestling alongside Jim Ross. It was his first national broadcast.

Legacy and style He has been called "one of the greatest wrestling announcers of all time" by SLAM Wrestling and "integral" to Memphis Wrestling. Mike Mooneyham, a professional wrestling journalist, has called him "the voice of Memphis wrestling". His style and delivery has been described as earnest and smooth.

Other media Russell's work in Memphis Wrestling is shown in the 1989 documentary, I'm from Hollywood. He is also interviewed in regards to the film's primary subject, Andy Kaufman. Russell appears in the 1999 Kaufman biographical film Man on the Moon as the Memphis ring announcer. Russell's original commentary of the Lawler/Kaufman match can be found on the WWE Home Video DVD release Greatest Wrestling Stars of the '80s, as part of the profile of Lawler.

Personal life Russell was married for 67 years to his wife Audrey until her death in 2014. just days after his daughter Valerie died from cancer on September 29.

Awards and accomplishments Cauliflower Alley Club Announcers Award (2016) Memphis Wrestling Hall of Fame Class of 1994 National Wrestling Alliance NWA Hall of Fame (2006) Wrestling Observer Newsletter Best Television Announcer (1984–1987) Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)