It's been confirmed today that Joe Tessitore is joining the SmackDown announce team alongside Corey Graves and Wade Barrett later this summer.
While he's best known as the voice of ESPN's Monday Night Football, he's also no stranger to combat sports after calling the World Championship fights of Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Terence Crawford.
WWE has had mixed fortunes with its commentary teams when bringing in announcers from outside the pro wrestling world so it will be interesting to see how Tessitore fares. Not having Vince McMahon in his ear will no doubt make a huge difference.
Over on RAW, Michael Cole will continue to be joined by Pat McAfee and, as of now, there's no suggestion they'll be joined by a third commentator.
You can check out the full press release announcing Tessitore's hiring below.
STAMFORD, Conn., July 9, 2024 – WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), today announced that Joe Tessitore, one of the most versatile and veteran voices in sports television, will join the company as a play-by-play broadcaster beginning this summer.
In his role, Tessitore will work alongside analysts Wade Barrett and Corey Graves. Michael Cole and Pat McAfee will remain teamed up.
"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."
"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."
With nearly three decades of broadcasting experience, Tessitore is widely considered one of the industry’s foremost play-callers. Tessitore will remain in his role at ESPN and ABC where, since 2002, he has been a key fixture on the network’s coverage of college football. He’s called ESPN and ABC Saturday Night primetime games, the College Football Playoff and more.
Tessitore is well known as ESPN’s blow-by-blow commentator, having called memorable World Championship fights of Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, Terence Crawford, among many others. Additionally, he has led ESPN’s Monday Night Football, and has called the NFL Pro Bowl and Wildcard Playoff games on ABC. He has found success in entertainment as well, teaming with Rob Riggle and Stephen Curry on the comedy competition Holey Moley.