** UPDATED ARTICLE **
WWE issued a press release to formally announce their hiring of Joe Tessitore:
STAMFORD, Conn., July 9, 2024 – WWE 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.
** ORIGINAL ARTICLE **
Joe Tessitore is headed to WWE, per report.
According to a write-up from the New York Post, ESPN play-by-play broadcaster Joe Tessitore will be joining the WWE this summer. The site notes that a formal announcement is imminent.
The 53-year-old Tessitore will continue working with ESPN and ABC. He calls the action for college football and Top Rank boxing. Per the report, Tessitore is going to be leading a three-man booth with Corey Graves and Wade Barrett. Graves and Barrett are the commentators for the SmackDown brand.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee call the action on Monday Night Raw.
Tessitore is the first media client of current WWE President Nick Khan. Beginning this fall, SmackDown will be moving from FOX to USA Network.
