The WWE SmackDown announce team currently features Joe Tessitore handling play-by-play commentary and Wade Barrett providing color commentary. Since Tessitore joined <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE in July 2024, he has quickly become recognized as one of the premier voices in wrestling broadcasting. With WWE’s history of changing announce team lineups regularly, a new member on the SmackDown booth seems likely in the near future.
Potential New Members for the SmackDown Commentary Booth
Five possible candidates have emerged as likely additions to the SmackDown announce team, with one name in particular attracting significant attention. Among these options is Chris Jericho, whose coming contract expiration with AEW later this year has sparked widespread speculation about a WWE return. Jericho himself hinted at this possibility by liking an Instagram post about the move.
If Jericho does return to WWE, it is expected he will primarily compete as a wrestler. However, his established experience as a color commentator on AEW’s Rampage, where he showcased a sharp ring insight and engaging wit, means he could also join the broadcast team. While a full-time announcing role alongside active wrestling seems unlikely immediately, the idea of Jericho eventually taking on commentary duties in SmackDown’s booth is plausible.
Current Commentary Team and Future Outlook
At this moment, Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett make up the stable SmackDown announce team, but WWE’s tendency to rotate its commentators suggests this lineup could be adjusted. Adding a high-profile personality such as Jericho would provide fresh energy and draw more attention to the Friday night program. As WWE continues to build storylines and expand its on-air presentation, an updated announce team might contribute meaningfully to fan engagement and broadcast quality.
The possible inclusion of Jericho or another figure with commentary experience would reflect WWE’s ongoing strategy to innovate their show presentation. Fans of both wrestling action and deeper analysis could benefit from a more dynamic and layered announcing group, enhancing the overall SmackDown viewing experience.
With several names in the mix and ongoing changes in the wrestling industry, it remains to be seen who will officially join the SmackDown announce team next. WWE’s direction for its booth will be carefully watched by fans and analysts alike as the year progresses.
“If he does head back to his old stomping grounds, it will almost certainly be as an active wrestler, but it’s not out of the question that he could also moonlight as an announcer.” — Andrew Morris
