MMA Commentator Set To Become Raw’s New Lead Announcer

MMA Commentator Set To Become Raw’s New Lead Announcer

On Tuesday, WWE announced that former ESPN announcer Adnan Virk was leaving his role as Raw’s play-by-play announcer less than two months in the job. He would claim on social media that it was due to the travel schedule, which is surprising because it’s hard to believe he would have been unaware of that before accepting the role. However, regardless of the reason, his departure has left a spot open behind the Raw announce desk next to Corey Graves and Byron Saxton. While many expected Tom Phillips to return, that isn’t WWE’s plan.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer has reported that former MMA fighter and commentator Jimmy Smith is set to take up the position next Monday. Unlike Virk, Smith has some pro wrestling experience, having been part of the pre-show panel at NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver and analyst last week on NXT. Additionally, he hosted the second season of American Ninja Warrior, so he likely gets sports entertainment better than most coming in from an MMA background.

Smith is 43, a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and has a 5-1 professional MMA record. He stepped away from fighting to focus on commentating and has worked for the Discovery Channel, Bellator, UFC, Invicta FC, and Premier Boxing Champions.


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