WWE is including an elite sports activities character to its ranks. School soccer and boxing broadcaster Joe Tessitore, 53, has signed a deal to supply play-by-play for the WWE starting this summer time.
What isn’t but clear is what present Tessitore will likely be calling, although WWE did affirm that he’ll work alongside Corey Graves and Wade Barrett. Graves is presently the lead voice alongside Barrett on “SmackDown,” which airs Friday nights, whereas Michael Cole and Pat McAfee commentate “Uncooked” on Monday nights. Cole and McAfee will stay paired collectively.
“It is an honor to be part of WWE,” Tessitore mentioned in a press release supplied to CBS Sports activities. “The current success and trajectory are plain. Being there at WrestleMania XL, one may really feel it — from Cody [Rhodes], Seth [Rollins], Roman [Reigns] and The Rock, to inventive and manufacturing, these are a few of the easiest storytellers in TV.
“Corey and Wade are absolute stars and it’s my privilege to hitch their group. Pat and Cole are simply magical collectively and Cole is the best to ever sit in that chair. As a lifelong viewer, I am humbled to hitch this group and to serve our followers.”
A one-time NFL “Monday Evening Soccer” play-by-play man, Tessitore at present calls faculty soccer and High Rank Boxing for ESPN whereas additionally serving because the lead voice for sports activities actuality competitors comedy collection “Holey Moley” on ABC.
Given Tessitore’s faculty soccer and boxing duties usually require him to work Saturdays, and WWE didn’t specify which present he’ll name, it’s potential that Tessitore, Graves and Barrett wind up transferring to “Uncooked,” which strikes to Netflix on Jan. 1, 2025, with Cole and McAfee shifting again to “SmackDown,” which strikes to USA Community on Sept. 13.
“Whether or not it is a world title battle that is bought the globe buzzing or a faculty soccer rivalry that is grabbed the nation’s consideration, Joe’s voice offers that huge occasion really feel every time he’s behind the microphone,” mentioned WWE chief content material officer Paul Levesque, higher identified to followers as former wrestler Triple H.
