ESPN's Joe Tessitore Joins WWE As Lead Commentator

ESPN's Joe Tessitore is going to be adding some bodyslams and suplexes to his broadcast language, as the longtime college football announcer is set to become lead host for the WWE.

It's unclear if Tessitore will be in the lead role for WWE's Monday Night Raw program on the USA Network or FOX's Friday Night SmackDown, however what we do know is that he will lead a broadcast booth of himself and former wrestlers-turned-commentators Corey Graves and Wade Barrett. Pat McAfeee will remain as color commentator alongside Michael Cole. The two currently call RAW every Monday Night. 

JOE TESSITORE WILL TAKE OVER BROADCAST DUTIES LATER THIS YEAR

"It's an honor to be a part of WWE," Tessitore said in a statement. "The recent success and trajectory are undeniable. 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."

Based on the 53-year-old's vast broadcast experience and big game moments, having a veteran like Tessitore will only enhance the broadcast and, by all accounts, looks like a great win for the network.

TESSITORE WILL EITHER HOST RAW OR SMACKDOWN

With Tessitore last doing play-by-play for Monday Night Football in 2019, his Monday nights would be available to host RAW. Logistically, this may make more sense rather than Friday Night Smackdown being that he would then have to travel after the live wrestling event to whatever city he's scheduled to call college football in, especially when dealing with bad winter weather.

Regardless, the 53-year-old Tessitore will begin his new WWE role later this year either on the USA Network for RAW or FOX for SmackDown. Beginning next year, however, he will be calling WWE matches on Netflix as the streaming platform acquired the wrestling promotions media rights for an astounding $5 billion over ten years.