WWE Signs ESPN Announcer Joe Tessitore
Tessitore Will Stay with ESPN While Joining Sports Entertainment Juggernaut

If it doesn’t work the first time, WWE will try again. WWE failed miserably when it signed former ESPN voice Adnan Kirk in 2021. That experiment on “Raw” lasted six weeks. On July 9, 2024, WWE welcomed Joe Tessitore, a current ESPN voice, to the sports entertainment power.

BREAKING NEWS: Welcome to WWE, @JoeTessESPN!https://t.co/NzDnwqDRpJ pic.twitter.com/LGZUlH0Qxb
— WWE (@WWE) July 9, 2024
“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,” WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque said. “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.”
Joe is an absolute pro with incredible energy behind the mic, and is the perfect addition to our already star-studded announce team. Thrilled to welcome @JoeTessESPN to @WWE this summer. https://t.co/7UbvAuPFRL
— Triple H (@TripleH) July 9, 2024
Tessitore has been a voice of boxing and college football at the WorldWide Leader. He is also remembered for an unsuccessful stint as the play-by-play voice on “Monday Night Football.”
Tessitore’s WWE debut will come later this summer, according to sports news from the New York Post. It is expected he will return to Monday night, um, by being the lead announcer on “RAW.” It has been reported there will be a three-man team with current RAW lead Corey Graves and former wrestler Wade Barrett filling out the squad.
Star ESPN announcer Joe Tessitore joining WWE https://t.co/SXv72EaAAI pic.twitter.com/jVodJxVunn
— New York Post (@nypost) July 9, 2024
WWE welcomed Joe Tessitore: What will happend with ESPN?
Tessitore will continue to work with ESPN. He has been a high-profile voice for the leading sports network. He also hosted a “Holey Moley” a show based on miniature golf. That show likely will play more to his talents than calling football.
“RAW” is headed to Netflix. “SmackDown” will return to USA Network from FOX. The days of the week the shows will be on could shift from the current Monday and Friday. That is to be determined.
Succeeding as the lead voice on a WWE show is not an easy task. Michael Cole has been the current lead voice for the shows and is brilliant, knowing when to use proper inflection and tone when moments arise.
He along with WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross set a high bar for Tessitore to attempt to reach. Cole and Ross are on the Mt. Rushmore of wrestling announcers. Many have tried and few have succeeded. It will be fascinating to listen when Tessitore attempts to transition his current abilities to WWE, which requires a deft touch and not simply screaming over the matches.
He also will have to become acutely aware of the characters of each performer and the names of every specific wrestling move. Say what you want about pro wrestling but WWE is an international powerhouse and its fans are highly critical of commentators.
The 53-year-old Tessitore has a connection to WWE President Nick Khan. Tessitore was Khan’s first client when the current exec was a sports agent.
“It’s an honor to be a part of WWE. The recent success and trajectory are undeniable,” Tessitore said. “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.”
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