A New Voice on Monday Night Raw: The Debut of Joe Tessitore
Author: J. Castro
Date: September 6, 2024
Monday Night Raw has always been synonymous with high-octane action, larger-than-life personalities, and unforgettable moments. For years, it has also been defined by the voice of Michael Cole, who, honed under the legendary Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler, has been the constant presence we’ve grown accustomed to hearing every Monday night. However, this week, fans were introduced to a new voice at the commentary table—Joe Tessitore—who debuted alongside veteran broadcaster Wade Barrett. This article explores Tessitore’s first night on the job, highlighting what he got right, where he stumbled, and what he brings to WWE’s flagship show.
The Good: First Impressions of Joe Tessitore
Humor and Energy: Anticipation for Joe Tessitore’s debut was mixed among the WWE Universe. From the moment Wade Barrett introduced him, many fans found themselves missing Michael Cole’s energy, passion, and deep knowledge of the product. Tessitore was met with skepticism, but he quickly showed promise, bringing a fresh, enthusiastic perspective to the commentary booth. While fans were initially hesitant, his energy grew as the night progressed, especially with Barrett’s masterful prodding, which helped Tessitore relax and find his rhythm.
The Voice: Tessitore’s voice, deep and soothing, provided a stark contrast to Cole’s loud, quick-quipped, and lore-heavy commentary style. While he initially struggled, particularly with missing a call on Ilja Dragunov’s finisher, “Torpedo Moscow,” Tessitore’s passion for the show became increasingly evident. By the end of the night, the negative commentary on social media began to shift, with many fans acknowledging his potential and growing enthusiasm.
The Bad: Chemistry with Wade Barrett and Moments of Silence
Missed Calls: There were several moments during Monday Night Raw where Tessitore missed key calls, most notably during Damian Priest’s kickout, where neither he nor Barrett reacted. While such missteps are understandable, especially on a stage as big as Raw, they were glaring given the high expectations set by Cole’s long tenure. Barrett, known for his antagonist style, needs a strong foil to bounce off, and Tessitore has yet to fully step into that role. The absence of Samantha Irvin, the regular ring announcer, only added to the weight of Cole’s absence.
Chemistry with Barrett: While Tessitore and Barrett showed glimpses of chemistry, it was clear that their partnership is still a work in progress. As the show went on, Tessitore seemed to find his footing, and the energy between the two commentators improved. However, fans couldn’t help but compare the dynamic to what they had with Cole, leading to initial criticisms that were perhaps unfairly harsh.
The Verdict: What Joe Tessitore Brings to the Table
A Promising Future: Beyond his initial performance, Joe Tessitore brings a unique set of skills and experiences to Monday Night Raw that could shape the future of WWE broadcasts. His knowledge of ongoing storylines, chemistry with Barrett, and fresh perspective suggest that he will be a valuable addition to the broadcast team. As Tessitore continues to settle into his role, fans can look forward to more engaging and dynamic commentary in the weeks to come.
Conclusion
Joe Tessitore’s debut on Monday Night Raw marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for WWE’s flagship show. While there were some growing pains, Tessitore’s strong knowledge of the product, combined with his potential for chemistry with Wade Barrett, suggests that he could become a mainstay in the WWE commentary team. As he continues to find his voice, fans should keep an open mind and look forward to what he will bring to the table in the future.
References
Social Media Reactions: TikTok responses to Joe Tessitore’s debut.
Author Bio
J. Castro is a freelance sports and entertainment writer with a passion for professional wrestling. With over 27 years of fandom, beginning in the days when Big Show was dragged across a graveyard on his ‘father’s’ casket, J. Castro brings a deep knowledge of the industry and a keen eye for detail to their reporting.
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