WWE is boosting up it’s commentary bullpen in a big way with famed ESPN announcer Joe Tessitore. In a press release sent in to SEScoops, the company touted him as, “one of the most versatile and veteran voices in sports television.
He join the company as a play-by-play broadcaster beginning this summer working alongside analysts Wade Barrett and Corey Graves. Michael Cole and Pat McAfee will remain teamed up.
Tessitore has been a lifelong wrestling fan. He’s been gearing up for this opportunity and expresses the utmost respect for the WWE Superstars and broadcasters he’ll be working alongside.
“It’s an honor to be a part of WWE. The recent success and trajectory are undeniable,” said Tessitore. “Being there at WrestleMania XL, one could feel it – from Cody, Seth, Roman and The Rock, to creative and production, these are some of the very best storytellers in TV. Corey and Wade are absolute stars and it is my privilege to join their team. Pat and Cole are just magical together and Cole is the greatest to ever sit in that chair. As a lifelong viewer, I’m humbled to join this team and to serve our fans.”
Triple H on Joe Tessitore Joining WWE
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque had this to say in the press release:
“Whether it’s a world title fight that’s got the globe buzzing or a college football rivalry that’s grabbed the nation’s attention, Joe’s voice provides that big event feel each time he is behind the microphone.
We’re excited for Joe to join legendary WWE broadcaster Michael Cole and our esteemed announce team, bringing his signature energy and meticulous preparation to our WWE telecasts each week.”
Over the past few months, Graves has steered the SmackDown ship as the lead play-by-play man with Barrett being on color commentary. Graves didn’t miss a beat in the new role as his usual broadcast partner Michael Cole joined up with Pat McAfee on WWE RAW.
Tessitore has a notorious commentary past in the fight game. He’s been the go-to voice for boxing on ESPN, led their Monday Night Football coverage and called College Football Playoff games.
If you peel back the relationship layers, Tessitore signing with WWE makes plenty of sense has he has a long history with WWE CEO Nick Khan. Khan actually used to be the super agent for Tessitore and now the two will be under the WWE banner together.
Experienced sports commentary names outside of WWE haven’t always been successful when they sit behind the pro wrestling commentary table. Mike Adamle and Adnan Virk both assumed play-by-play roles on WWE RAW and unfortunately, both didn’t last long.
