WWE Announces New Announcer Lineups for Raw and SmackDown

WWE has unveiled changes to its announce team lineup effective from early September, as confirmed to Sports Business Journal. The shifts come as the organization continues to evolve its broadcasting approach, introducing fresh voices and rearranging existing talent across its flagship shows.

Starting September 2nd, Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett will be the new voices of WWE Raw. Tessitore, who joined WWE in July, brings a wealth of experience from his sports broadcasting career with ESPN, where he covered football and boxing. His transition to WWE marks a significant addition, pairing his sports commentary expertise with Barrett’s wrestling insight.

Meanwhile, the SmackDown announce team will see Michael Cole teaming up with Corey Graves starting September 13th, coinciding with the show’s move to the USA Network. This change marks a new chapter for SmackDown as it continues to deliver top-tier wrestling entertainment on a new channel.

Additionally, Pat McAfee, a dynamic presence in the announce booth, concluded his stint on WWE Raw on August 19 to shift his focus back to ESPN College GameDay and the college football season. WWE fans can expect McAfee’s return to the commentary team in January.

As WWE Raw continues on the USA Network until the end of this year, it is set for a significant shift with a planned move to Netflix starting in January 2025. This transition is anticipated to bring new dynamics to the viewing experience, catering to the growing demand for streaming access to live sports entertainment.

These strategic changes in WWE’s broadcasting teams align with its ongoing efforts to refresh its programming and engage viewers across different platforms. Fans can look forward to experiencing a mix of familiar and new voices as WWE continues to innovate its presentation of wrestling entertainment.

What are your thoughts on the latest changes to WWE’s announce team, and how do you think they will impact the viewer experience during the broadcasts?