WWE Raw reportedly has its new lead announcer.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reports Jimmy Smith will join the WWE Raw announce team, replacing Adnan Virk. Smith will be flanked by Corey Graves and Byron Saxton, who remain in their roles. Their first show together will reportedly be on Monday, May 31.
WWE confirmed the news later on Wednesday.
STAMFORD, Conn., May 26, 2021 – WWE today announced that Jimmy Smith will debut as the play-by-play voice for Monday Night Raw starting this Monday, May 31 at 8/7c on USA Network.
Recently, Smith served as an analyst for NXT, where he hosted NXT TakeOver pre-show panels and worked on special projects for the black-and-gold brand. He is also the daily host of SiriusXM's "Unlocking the Cage" and was the host of "American Ninja Warrior" on G4.
Smith will be joined at ringside for every Monday Night Raw by analysts Corey Graves and Byron Saxton.
Smith has reportedly been working with Michael Cole to train for the role and sources told Meltzer that Cole has found Smith to be "very versatile."
Smith is best known for his commentary work for Bellator MMA and UFC, where he served as an analyst. Smith has made recent appearances on NXT TakeOver kick-off shows and was part of the Prime Target video package ahead of Finn Balor's rematch against Karrion Kross.
WWE and Virk mutually agreed to part ways on May 25. Virk was hired as the lead play-by-play announcer for WWE Raw on April 12.
Fightful Select has more on Virk's departure from the company.
