Broadcaster Tom Phillips (Tom Hannifan) has issued a statement thanking WWE employees and fans for supporting him during his time with the company.
He wrote on Twitter:
“Earlier today I had the chance to address my future on the Sports Media Podcast. Thank you to Richard Deitsch for the platform and the opportunity. However, I’d like to address more precisely what is now my past.
I am so grateful for the nearly 9 years I spent in WWE. I was hired at 23 years old. A kid out of college who’d had one job professionally, and knew very little about what he was getting into. I can’t even begin to describe how lucky I was to get that big of a break so early on; a position that so many would have done anything for.
I have more people to thank than I’ll be able to compile here, so I’ll be brief. First off, thank you Vince, Hunter, KD, and Cole. You gave me so many opportunities to succeed, fail, learn, and grow. My family is better off because of the job you afforded me.”
The WWE Crew is second to none. They make the impossible possible on a regular basis. Without them, the spectacle never gets off the ground. The production staff is also world class. From those grinding in Stamford, to the tireless road team, the company has outstanding talent that make the product come to life for the fans. A special thanks to my “Dream Team” at ringside and in the truck. You know who you are, and thank you for lifting me up on every single broadcast.
Thank you for the legions of people in Connecticut who influenced my career as a broadcaster, and also made our lives as easy as possible around the world. Lastly, thank you to the fans. Your support on social media in the last week has been overwhelming for me to process. Thank you for holding us all to extraordinary standards. I hope I entertained you.
I loved a dream. Pro wrestling became my life, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. And as the cliche goes, never say never. I have nothing but grattitude for my experience in WWE. Sincerely, thank you all!
My name is Tom Hannifan.
It’s time for the next chapter.”