Joe Tessitore to join WWE as play-by-play voice, team with Corey Graves, Wade Barrett
Another prominent college football voice is joining WWE.
ESPN's Joe Tessitore has signed a deal with the wrestling company, WWE announced Tuesday. The New York Post first reported the news.
Tessitore will begin his role this summer, though no official date was announced. He will join Corey Graves and Wade Barrett on commentary, likely putting him on Friday Night SmackDown. Michael Cole and Pat McAfee will remain a pair and likely continue their work 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,” WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque said in a statement. "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."
Tessitore has become one of college football's most recognizable voices for his thrilling and explosive calls, adding excitement to any game he's working. One of the play-by-play broadcaster's most famous calls came in 2016 when, after Texas defeated Notre Dame in overtime, he proclaimed "Texas is back, folks." He's also been a boxing broadcaster for most of his time at ESPN, serving as the top voice of Top Rank Boxing. From 2018-2019, he was the play-by-play voice of "Monday Night Football."
Tessitore's experience calling boxing should serve him well when he makes the jump to WWE. The 53-year-old broadcaster was part of ESPN's coverage of WrestleMania 40 in April, familiarizing himself with the product.
"It’s an honor to be a part of WWE. The recent success and trajectory are undeniable,” Tessitore said in a statement. "Being there at WrestleMania XL, one could feel it – from Cody (Rhodes), Seth (Rollins), Roman (Reigns) 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."
The addition of Tessitore means WWE will have two ESPN employees as part of its announcing crew, joining McAfee. The former NFL punter-turned sports media giant has had some matches in WWE, but he's primarily been an analyst for Monday Night Raw.
Tessitore will remain with ESPN during his time in WWE.
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