WWE Adds Major Name To Announce Team

ESPN play-by-play man Joe Tessitore has been fired for the same role with WWE, the company announced on its website Tuesday (July 9).

Tessitore, who previously served as the lead play-by-play man for ESPN's Saturday Night College Football Primetime Game,College Football Playoff and Monday Night Football coverage, will work alongside current SmackDown analysts Wade Barrett and Corey Graves -- who recently filled the play-by-play role -- while longtime play-by-play man Michael Cole and analyst Pat McAfee, the current Monday Night Raw announce team, will remain together.

“It’s an honor to be a part of WWE. The recent success and trajectory are undeniable,” Tessitore said via WWE.com. “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.”

“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,” said WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque. “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.”