The WWE and many associated names are instantly recognizable wherever you go, such as Hulk Hogan, The Rock, or John Cena. However, another group of stars do not punch or leap off the top ropes— WWE commentators. Commentators in WWE transform every match into a story. This makes every second of the match more delightfully tense than it already is.
Here are some of the familiar names on the top WWE shows and the distinct flavor they add to the show.
Monday Night Raw WWE Commentators: The Duo of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett
Having Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary, Monday Night Raw – WWE’s reigning weekly show – is full of action. While Tessitore’s play-by-play commentary fully embraces any match without leaving out any detail, Barrett, the ex-WWE gladiator, adds color and flavor to the match with his colorful comments, adding some sharp insights and commentary, sometimes with a sting.
It is this mix that keeps fans interested and provides a unique layering to Raw where it isn’t devoid of professionalism but has more personalized outbursts. Playing backup to all this is Samantha Irvin as the ring announcer, who energizes all the introducers and announcers before and after each match.
The Energy of SmackDown’s Michael Cole and Corey Graves
The Smackdown show is led by the iconic WWE commentators Michael Cole and former wrestler Corey Graves. With more than 25 years in narration, Cole’s excitement, accompanied by his factual clarity, makes him an expert. Corey Graves, who is a commentator with a wrestling past, adds a contemporary twist to Cole’s traditional style of narration.
Their combination creates a coherent storyline that contributes to the high intensity of SmackDown. Show ring announcements are handled by Alicia Taylor, while Kayla Braxton and Byron Saxton interview the stars backstage to add more spice to the show.
NXT: Vic Joseph and Booker T Bring the Heat
On the WWE’s NXT brand, Vic Joseph and Hall of Fame wrestler Booker T are the commentators. Joseph is known for his no-nonsense sharp play-by-play while Booker T adds excitement with his distinct voice and witty commentary. Booker T doesn’t just rely on humor, his knowledge of wrestling surpasses the animated style making him a favorite of the fans.
The duo of Vic Joseph and Booker T is good enough for the NXT edgier and youthful commentary. Alicia Taylor is responsible for the ring announcements for WWE NXT.
Special Commentary Roles: Main Event, NXT Level Up, and Premium Live Events
In addition to Raw, Smackdown and the other weekly live shows that WWE presents, there are other shows such as Main Event, NXT Level Up and many others. Commenting on these other shows is Byron Saxton, a jack of all trades and Blake Howard who is also featured in Main Event alongside Anderson Brian.
These shows may not be front and center like Raw or SmackDown but they present an opportunity for the WWE fans to listen to a new crop of talent. This is however not the case with special occasions such as pay per view or premium live events such as WrestleMania where most of these announcers are brought in or additional ones are brought in, creating different line ups which make the event more classier and more enjoyable.
The Importance of WWE Commentators: More Than Just Voices
The role of WWE Commentators is paramount especially when it comes to storytelling. They elaborate every event by providing the reason for rivalries, emphasize when unusual things happen, and in many cases, include fun or emotion, transforming competitions from being mere games to entertainment.
It is strategic for WWE to put ex-wrestlers turned commentators alongside professional commentators; it serves a purpose of seeing how people who have been in the ring think. People like Booker T and Wade Barrett enhance the credibility of the booth, as most of the time, their background helps them give their perspectives authoritatively.
WWE also goes ahead to build commentary teams for each of its shows. The various styles ranging from the friendly yet humorous and energetic tones of Raw, the conservatism of SmackDown and the hip and youthful appeal of NXT are all provided for by the different sets of commentators for each show. Such levels of intricacy are proof enough that WWE commentators puts in a lot of effort in ensuring that different segments are designed, bearing in mind the various fans present at approximated ages of the ranges.
Conclusion: WWE Commentators Shape the Fan Experience
WWE’s commentators 2024, from the experienced Michael Cole on SmackDown to the emerging voice of Joe Tessitore on Raw, do more than just ‘call the action.’ They are also storytellers, historians, and entertainers as well. They provide the background to the drama creating an experience out of every fight. For every WWE enthusiast, the voices of the commentators are as crucial to the WWE experiences of the fans as the wrestlers, enriching further the entertaining world of sports.
