"Wrestling fans are picky with their announcing" - AEW commentator gives honest opinion on WWE RAW's Joe Tessitore
WWE recently shook things up with the addition of Joe Tessitore as the lead commentator on Monday Night RAW. The move saw the longtime voice of World Wrestling Entertainment, Michael Cole, shift to Friday Night SmackDown. AEW's Jim Ross has now given his thoughts on Tessitore.
Joe Tessitore is well-regarded in the world of sports commentating. The 53-year-old has a long history with boxing and college football and has worked for several major networks. As of September 2, he's now the lead play-by-play commentator on RAW.
Michael Cole is expected back on the red brand when it moves to Netflix, but for now, RAW is Tessitore's show. WWE Hall of Famer, Jim Ross, recently opened up on the move and praised Joe Tessitore. Speaking on Grilling JR, the AEW commentator said:
"Tessitore is a solid hand. He’s a good announcer. My only question will be, how much product knowledge can he acquire in a short length of time? Wrestling fans are picky with their announcing. They know what they like and what they don’t like. When you mispronounce somebody’s name, or you say the wrong name, whatever, we act like it’s a federal crime. It isn’t. It’s human error, and this game is done by humans. Tessitore has got great experience. He’ll do a good job."
JR wondered how much product knowledge the latest recruit had gained since he had signed a deal with the Stamford-based company. He claimed that it would take a while for Tessitore to get comfortable in a new setting but was certain he would do a great job.
"Again, the one thing that I’m waiting on is to see how much product knowledge he has acquired since he made his deal with WWE, but he is a good addition. No doubt he’s a good addition to their team… I think it’s going to take him a year to get his feet on the ground and to get comfortable in his setting. That’s what I think," added Ross. [H/T: 411Mania]
Vince Russo believes Endeavor is responsible for Joe Tessitore's hiring
Joe Tessitore is a respected sports commentator but has never stepped into the world of professional wrestling before being hired by WWE. It's an unexpected move for many, but former WWE head writer Vince Russo believes the move was made by Endeavor.
Following WWE's merger with UFC to form TKO Group Holdings, there was speculation that many changes would be made to broaden the wrestling company's market beyond its traditional audience. Speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling's Legion of RAW, that is exactly what Vince Russo claimed was happening:
"This is the polish; this is exactly what I'm talking about. Now we got polished people out there that never did anything in wrestling before. I really believe we're starting to see more and more and more of an Endeavor product. That's what we're starting to see."
Joe Tessitore is certainly experienced enough to handle himself at RAW's commentary booth. Whether the WWE Universe will warm up to the 53-year-old remains to be seen.