NASCAR commentator gives pro wrestling a spin

Hermie Sadler

Orlando, Fla. (December 5, 2007) – Former NASCAR driver Hermie Sadler makes his debut Thursday night, Dec. 6, as a professional wrestling broadcaster for iMPACT! (9 p.m. ET), airing on Spike TV.

Sadler retired from the NASCAR Nextel Cup series after the 2006 season and is now an analyst for NASCAR on SPEED and Direct TV Hot Pass. He also has been a wrestling promoter and in-ring performer for the past few years.

Sadler joins Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling iMPACT! alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Tenay and color commentator Don West for a match between “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels and Senshi, which was taped at Universal Studios Florida.

“I had a great time. It was a lot of fun, a great experience, something I hope to do again,” said Sadler, 38, the 1993 Busch Series Rookie of the Year. “Commentating for professional wrestling is, in a lot of ways, quite similar to commentating on NASCAR.”

In addition to NASCAR announcing, Sadler also is a weekly guest every Tuesday on the nationally-syndicated John Boy & Billy Big Show, a morning radio show which originates from Charlotte, N.C.

“Mike and I were really impressed with Hermie’s knowledge of the product and his knowledge of each individual wrestler,” said TNA commentator Don West. “It’s always a pleasure working with someone who is an actual fan of the sport. His enthusiasm shines through and his ability to relate what he sees in the (wrestling) ring to his NASCAR experiences are a great insight.”

In 2002, Sadler had a feud with TNA’s Ron Killings, leading to a number of appearances and matches as part of a cross promotion between TNA and NASCAR. TNA Wrestling later sponsored Sadler’s racing efforts.

“It’s always interesting to get the insight of a professional athlete from a sport other than wrestling and, in Hermie’s case, his appreciation of wrestling and the fact that he has been a lifelong wrestling fan shines through,” said TNA’s Mike Tenay.