Tom Hannifan, the commentator who called WWE matches for nearly ten years, recently shared that he was unaware of the finish of Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 35. Despite preparing for multiple possible outcomes, he did not know in advance that Kingston would win—a rare situation for a broadcast team member during such a high-profile event.
Behind the Scenes of a Historic Wrestling Moment
Before joining TNA Wrestling, Hannifan spent years as WWE’s lead announcer and experienced numerous major events. In an interview with The Wrestling Classic, he explained how the WWE keeps match results under tight control, sometimes excluding commentators until the moment is official. Hannifan stated,
“Kofi Kingston winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. I went into the show, they didn’t tell us the conclusion of the matchup. I had a feeling I knew which way it was going to go and I had two different calls kind of planned out if Daniel Bryan won or if Kofi Kingston won. So, you have a plan no matter where you’re going. But, that was very much organic and in the moment. And I didn’t believe it until the referee’s hand actually hit the mat because of the story that had been told for so long. But I was like, man, I wasn’t quite sure … that goes down as maybe my all-time favorite moment in my career in pro wrestling.”
—Tom Hannifan, WWE Announcer
Kofi Kingston’s Championship Win and Its Commentary Impact
The victory over Daniel Bryan was the culmination of the fan-driven “Kofimania” storyline, which captivated audiences for months leading up to WrestleMania 35. Hannifan’s genuine and spontaneous commentary added emotional depth to Kingston’s moment, helping to convey the significance of the event to fans worldwide. His ability to adapt live without knowing the scheduled conclusion made the broadcast authentic and memorable.
Hannifan’s Career Shift and Continued Presence in Wrestling
Following his surprising release from WWE on May 27, 2021, Hannifan found a new role as the weekly play-by-play commentator for TNA Wrestling, working alongside Matthew Rehwoldt, formerly known as Aiden English. Despite his departure from WWE, Hannifan holds the WrestleMania 35 commentary as a defining highlight of his career, reflecting on it as one of the few moments that matched the energy and emotion of that night.
The Enduring Significance of Kofi Kingston’s WrestleMania Triumph
Kingston’s WWE Championship win remains a landmark event in professional wrestling, symbolizing fan influence and the power of storytelling. Hannifan’s broadcast work during that match continues to resonate, demonstrating how authentic reactions can elevate the impact of wrestling moments. As Hannifan advances in his career with TNA, his reflections on that WrestleMania night underline its lasting importance in the sport’s history.
