Veterans sportscaster Joe Tessitore is joining WWE‘s broadcast team as a play-by-play announcer.
Tessitore is expected to begin in his new role with the sports entertainment giant this summer. He will work alongside the current team of Wade Barrett and Corey Graves, who currently call the action on WWE’s “SmackDown.” Michael Cole and Pat McAfee will remain in their current positions announcing on “Monday Night Raw.”
“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.”
Related Stories
“It’s an honor to be a part of WWE,” Tessitore added. “The recent success and trajectory are undeniable. 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.”
Popular on Variety
Tessitore currently works for ABC and ESPN as part of the networks’ college football coverage, including ESPN and ABC Saturday Night primetime games as well as the College Football Playoff and more. He will remain in that role in addition to working for WWE.
Tessitore is also known for his work in the world of boxing, having called major fights as ESPN’s blow-by-blow announcer. He has previously called fights for stars such as Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Terence Crawford, and others. He also previously worked on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” as well as the NFL Pro Bowl and Wildcard Playoff games. On ABC, he was part of the broadcast team for the mini golf competition series “Holey Moley.”