WWE has confirmed that a new-look Raw commentary team will debut on tonight’s post-WrestleMania 37 episode of the show.
Sportscaster Adnan Virk has joined WWE and will be the new lead play-by-play voice of Raw starting tonight. Corey Graves and Byron Saxton will join Virk on the Raw commentary team.
Tom Phillips, Samoa Joe, and Saxton had formerly been the Raw commentary team. WWE notes that Phillips will become the new host of 205 Live and will “oversee special projects for WWE’s programming on Peacock and at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando.” Phillips will also continue in his role as senior manager of on air talent.
Joe remains part of the WWE talent roster.
The Athletic reports that Virk has signed a multi-year deal with WWE. Their article on Virk signing with WWE notes that he was recommended to the company after Cole called television agent Matt Olson of CAA (Creative Artists Agency) looking to see if he had any clients that would be interested in working in WWE broadcasting. Virk had an audition for WWE in February and WWE also interviewed a handful of other broadcasters. In mid-March, WWE decided to hire Virk.
“I’m elated to be joining the premier sports-entertainment company in my new role with WWE,” said Virk. “As a kid who grew up idolizing WWE Hall of Famers like Bret Hart and Ric Flair, the opportunity to call modern legends like Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, Randy Orton, Charlotte Flair and so many others alongside Corey Graves and Byron Saxton is truly humbling.”
Virk will continue in his role for the MLB Network this season, along with hosting his GM Shuffle with Michael Lombardi and Cinephile podcasts. Virk formerly worked for ESPN but was fired in 2019 for leaking information to the media about the company.
WWE president and chief revenue officer Nick Khan was formerly Virk’s agent.