After Funaki departed his long time Tag Team partner Taka Funaki was granted the job as an announcer on SmackDown. Funaki quickly crowned himself as SmackDowns No.1 announcer.

As part of Funakis gimmick as the No.1 announcer Funaki will go to all strengths & measures to get a scoop. Including entering the womens locker room. Funaki also has a habit of asking difficult questions & putting the stars on the spot as a result. Besides being SmackDowns No.1 announcer Funaki can do something that no announcer can do & thats his ability to fly & bounce all over the ring. Funaki has always been a long time member of the Cruiserweight division & might even win the belt some day.