Joe Tessitore’s WWE Debut: A Rollercoaster Ride of Emotion and Passion
September 2, 2024, marked a historical night time in WWE records, as Joe Tessitore made his a great deal-expected debut as a commentator on Raw. This become no regular debut; it turned into a moment of deep non-public importance for Tessitore, following within the storied footsteps of Jim Ross and Michael Cole. The Raw occasion, held in Denver, Colorado, was now not simply every other wrestling display—it changed into a vivid demonstration of Tessitore’s emotional investment and his journey from a fervent fan to a expert commentator.
The WWE landscape is currently in a nation of flux. With foremost shifts on the horizon, along with NXT and SmackDown’s transition to new networks, and Raw’s huge pass to Netflix in January 2025, the statement groups are set to go through in addition adjustments. Yet, amid those sweeping changes, Tessitore’s debut stands as a novel, memorable second for lovers and commentators alike.
A Night of Passion and Reflection
In Raw Exclusive interview following the show, Tessitore vividly described the intensity and joy he felt during his debut. “How do I feel?” he asked rhetorically, gesturing towards the roaring crowd. “You feel alive. You feel passion, and you feel intensity. You want to live in the red in life. That’s what this is, Raw, live in the red. This was an awesome night.”
Tessitore’s raw, heartfelt appreciation for the fans was evident. He recounted how the enthusiasm of the audience reignited his own childhood excitement. “I was very into [the fans], it was a great reception. It meant a lot to me. I brought out the little kid in me tonight. I went and I grabbed a bunch of t-shirts and merchandise. I spread the love, and I wanted to see smiles on these children’s faces.”
Reflecting on the night’s events, Tessitore saw more than just a debut; he saw a tapestry of special moments that he was fortunate enough to witness and be a part of. “From start to finish, I thought that what was threaded this evening was very special, and it was great to see it. Night one in the books, let’s have many more.”
A Candid Moment of Humility
When asked about his memories and how he felt about his performance, Tessitore displayed a rare level of humility. “It’s the kid who skipped school in eighth grade to go meet Big John Studd. It’s the kid who was rooting against the faces to root for Paul Orndorff. That’s the kid that you got tonight. I wasn’t great tonight, I wasn’t great tonight, but I was a passionate fan tonight.”
This candid reflection underscores Tessitore’s actual connection to the world of wrestling. Despite acknowledging that he wasn’t at his high-quality, his enthusiasm and ardour were simple. His first night was marked not most effective by way of a deep private connection to the sport however additionally with the aid of a dramatic and excessive segment inside the ring.
A Night of Drama
The event was unforgettable, now not just for Tessitore’s debut but also for the in-ring movement that opened up. The episode saw Drew McIntyre supply a brutal assault on CM Punk, including a layer of visceral drama to the night time. The depth reached its peak when McIntyre forced Punk to devour a bracelet, symbolizing months of animosity among the two wrestlers.
This violent come across was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of expert wrestling, and Tessitore was right in the thick of it, providing commentary during a moment that many fans will remember for years to come.
