Joel Gertner

Joel Gertner was born on September 20, 1975, in Brooklyn, New York. He began his professional wrestling career at the age of 17 in 1992, adopting the persona “Joey Jaguar” as a heel announcer in local independent circuits. He briefly attended Cornell University starting in 1993, but his burgeoning wrestling commitments led him to leave in the spring of 1996, one year short of completing a bachelor’s degree. During his early career, Gertner was known for his provocative announcing style.

In the summer of 1995, Gertner joined Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) as a ring announcer. Influenced by Shane Douglas, he transitioned into a heel role, often taunting wrestlers during introductions. His popular limerick-based ring introductions, frequently containing sexual innuendos, established his unique persona. He became a color commentator alongside Joey Styles and hosted the segment ‘Gertner Vision’ on ECW’s weekly television program. A significant period of his career involved managing The Dudley Boyz, where he was sometimes referred to as “Studley Dudley.” Under his management, The Dudley Boyz secured a record eight ECW Tag Team Title reigns. After their departure for the World Wrestling Federation, Gertner became a full-time broadcaster on *ECW on TNN*.

Gertner remained with ECW until its closure in April 2001. Following his tenure at ECW, he continued to be active in the independent circuit. He made appearances for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in 2002 and again in 2010 for their Hardcore Justice event, accompanying Team 3D. In 2005, Gertner was featured in WWE’s ECW One Night Stand reunion pay-per-view. He actively promotes wrestling through Connecticut’s MXW Pro Wrestling, which he founded. In recent years, Gertner has continued to perform as a commentator for Wildkat Sports and Entertainment and makes appearances as a ring announcer. He was inducted into the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2023.