Jim Ross shares controversial thoughts on latest WWE hire

Jim Ross is a name that is synonymous with WWE, despite the five-plus-years he's spent with AEW. While not with the Stamford-based promotion right now, the wrestling legend has continued to critique the product, and now JR has offered his unique perspective on a significant hire for the red brand.

Joe Tessitore debuted as WWE's new RAW lead announcer last week, joining Wade Barrett. His deal was confirmed in July. The 53-year-old also re-signed with ESPN/ABC to call boxing and college football. Tessitore is a lifelong WWE fan and has worked in broadcasting since 1993. The father-of-two has a connection to Nick Khan as he was the WWE President's first sports media client while working as a talent agent in the past.

Good 'Ol JR discussed Tessitore's WWE debut on the latest episode of his Grilling JR podcast. He agreed with Eric Bischoff in that Tessitore, along with Pat McAfee, make a team that is about as advertiser-friendly as you can get. The 50-year veteran then praised Tessitore and wondered about his product knowledge.

"Tessitore is a solid hand, a good announcer. My only question is... how much product knowledge can he acquire in a short length of time? Wrestling fans are picky with announcing, they know what they like, don't like. When you mispronounce or say the wrong name, whatever... we act like it’s a federal crime. It isn’t, it’s just human error. This game is done by humans, the last I looked," Jim Ross said. [From 23:11 to 23:43]

Ross said Tessitore has massive experience and was undoubtedly a good addition. He added that Joe was a young and handsome man, and hopefully had many years left. However, he reiterated his concerns over the 53-year-old's product knowledge. Upon being asked what time frame was needed for the announcer to settle in, JR said it could take anything from a whole year to maybe six or even three months.

"I think it’ll take him a year to get his feet on the ground, get comfortable in his setting. I might be overstating it... he may be a quick study, and it’s six or three months, but it'll take him some time to get in a groove, find your timing... announcing is all about timing, in my opinion," Jim Ross said. [from 29:31 to 29:55]

Check out his comments in the video below:

Tessitore has called many high-profile ESPN/ABC shows in the past, including Monday Night Football, Horse Racing, and Holey Moley. The Boston College graduate also produced documentaries such as ESPN's 30 For 30 series and hosted ESPN's live New Year's Eve specials for five years.

---

Triple H praises new WWE RAW hire

Joe Tessitore made his World Wrestling Entertainment debut as the lead announcer of RAW last week. Triple H took to X with backstage footage of the two.

The Chief Content Officer reacted to Tessitore's signing in July, praising him as an absolute pro with incredible energy, the perfect addition to an already star-studded team. He continued to hype the veteran broadcaster with last week's video.

Michael Cole and Pat McAfee were calling RAW, but McAfee is on hiatus until January due to his commitments to ESPN. Cole reunites with Corey Graves on SmackDown this month after Barrett joined Tessitore on RAW. Cole and McAfee are to return to RAW for the Netflix era on January 6, forming a three-man team with Tessitore.