Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel (don Miguel) Arbelaez
Hi Miguel (Don Miguel), please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story was written by Jesus Christ and it begins at a pro-wrestling school called WWA4. The girl I was dating at the time had shown me this place for a date, but I would later come back for a college assignment. I made a short documentary project about the head trainer of the WWA4, current AEW and Ring of Honor wrestler, AR Fox. After the interview, I asked if I could give commentary a shot since I have seen it on TV and believed I could do it. He told me to come to their next show and do what I do. What started as a thing for Miguel Arbelaez to try out for a day has now turned into Don Miguel working for almost two years in the Georgia indie scene. My goal is for the Don of Commentary to reach the top of this business and give all success, glory, and recognition to God along the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This road has had its mix of smooth times and bumpy rides. When I first started, I remember feeling my late grandpa’s hand on my shoulder. He showed me WWE when I was a kid and he had passed months prior to when I started doing commentary. When I felt his hand, I was shown in that moment that this is what I was meant to be doing. However, not everyone sees the end point like I do. When it comes to doubt, it’s easy to ignore when it comes from strangers but when it comes from people of importance then it becomes harder to block. This leads to doubting myself, I know the final destination but what I don’t know is the steps in-between, which is terrifying because you question if you made the right move or not. That’s when I start praying though, asking the Lord that if this life is not meant for me then take it as far away as possible. Yet every single time, there has been moments and people along the way that have encouraged, guided, and supported me. I know right now I got a lot more road to travel through and I know that the hardest of times hasn’t arrived yet, but I also know that when I reach that low point, Jesus will pull me out of it into the best of times.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a pro-wrestling commentator, this means that as the action is going on in the ring I am talking about what’s going on in the moment also known as play by play commentary. At the same time or if another person is doing play by play, I am talking about the wrestlers’ stories, background information, and/or adding some verbal enthusiasm to the action also known as color commentary. At the commentary table, I sometimes work with other commentators, wrestlers, or by myself depending on the show. I enjoy working with other people since it allows me some time to breathe and also brings in another person’s perspective. Having said that, when I’m by myself it allows me to show everyone watching that I can do it all if need be. Speaking of doing it all, I can also ring announce, do interviews, manage wrestlers, cut promos, even make highlight reels.
I am proud to say I am the voice of WWA4, DWA, and RIPW. Those three places will always hold a special place in my heart because they trusted me to be their lead commentator and I hope more promotions will do the same. I have been blessed to call the moment WWE and TNA Hall of Famer Sting arrived with Darby Allen at the WWA4 to confront AR Fox as well as the two matches I’ve called for TNA Hall of Famer Rhyno at DWA and Southern Honor. Recently I ring announced Nathan Mowery’s Blood and Honey 2 which was an amazing experience since it was my first time ring announcing outside of the WWA4 and it was my first ever deathmatch show.
One of the aspects that makes me unique is my age, I’m 22 which means if a big promotion wanted to invest in me they could have me for a long time. Like I mentioned earlier, I can do commentary, but also announcing, interviewing, managing, etc. so I am versatile. When it comes to commentary, I can efficiently and energetically break moves down to their fundamental components while using hyperbolic unique language, basically mixing play by play with color. With announcing, I can bring the energy needed not only for the wrestlers but the fans too. However, I do believe the most important aspect is my desire to learn and get better. I know the only way to reach where I want to be is by learning, whether it’s through advice or trial and error, I’m prepared to do what it takes. The day you stop learning is the day you stop living.
What does success mean to you?
I have two definitions for success. The first is a short-term definition which is doing what I love, getting better everyday, and giving it all to the Lord. My second definition is the long-term one, reach the top of this business, have future generations say that they grew up on Don Miguel, and inspire them to become commentators or get into the wrestling business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://miguelarbelaez.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/don_of_commentary/?next=%2F
- Twitter: https://x.com/DonOfCommentary
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@don_of_commentary?si=hloIjJ0HFtxHWxhk
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@donofcommentary?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
WWA4
Matt Watkins
Rodney Shelton
