ESPN's Joe Tessitore joining WWE as play-by-play commentator

ESPN play-by-play announcer Joe Tessitore has signed a deal with WWE to begin calling matches later this summer, according to Ryan Glasspiegel of the New York Post.

Tessitore, 53, will remain at ESPN and ABC, where he serves as a broadcaster for college football and Top Rank boxing. WWE officially announced the news Tuesday.

“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 Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE chief content officer. “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.”

While it’s uncertain if Tessitore will start out on “Monday Night Raw” or “SmackDown,” he will lead a three-headed team at the announce table alongside Corey Graves and Wade Barrett. Graves and Barrett currently serve as the broadcast team for “SmackDown.” They have done so since Kevin Patrick’s departure from the company back in January. Longtime WWE announcer Michael Cole and ESPN‘s Pat McAfee, the current announce team for “Raw,” will stay together.

Joe Tessitore makes the jump to WWE

Other traditional sports announcers have made the jump to WWE in recent years, just as Tessitore will soon do. Former ESPN announcer Adnan Virk was hired in April 2021 to become the lead play-by-play man of “Raw.” He and the company mutually parted ways just six weeks into his tenure. He was replaced by Jimmy Smith, who had previously called MMA fights for UFC and Bellator. Smith left the company in October 2022 and was replaced by Patrick, who now hosts “MLS 360” on Apple TV+.

Tessitore comes in already familiar with WWE’s upper brass. He was notably the first media client for now WWE President Nick Khan. Tessitore is also known to have a great relationship with Levesque.

Tessitore is one of ESPN‘s longest-tenured broadcasters, having been with the company since 2002. Along with college football and boxing, Tessitore served as the play-by-play man for “Monday Night Football” from 2018-19.

“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.”