It seems that the Raw announce team has gone through quite a few changes in recent years, and following WrestleMania 37 Adnan Virk took over as the new play-by-play announcer on Raw. Earlier this week WWE announced that they had mutually parted ways with Virk, and today it was confirmed that Jimmy Smith will be taking over Virk’s spot.
Jimmy Smith has formerly done commentary in UFC, Bellator, and for American Ninja Warrior. After Adnan Virk only lasted a few weeks fans are naturally skeptical regarding Smith taking on the job, but he told everyone to watch Monday and judge his work when he posted the following:
“Hey guys, well it’s been a busy day😳. Apparently @WWE liked my work so far. I know I’m stepping into a new world (I WAS a Mr. Perfect and Bruiser Brody fanatic however) but know I’ll do everything I can to honor the athletes and fans. Watch Monday and judge my work for yourself”
Hey guys, well it’s been a busy day😳. Apparently @WWE liked my work so far. I know I’m stepping into a new world (I WAS a Mr. Perfect and Bruiser Brody fanatic however) but know I’ll do everything I can to honor the athletes and fans. Watch Monday and judge my work for yourself
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) May 26, 2021
One fan responded with a screenshot of a tweet that Smith posted in June of 2019 where he said that he hadn’t watched wrestling since grade school, and that Chael Sonnen working as a manager is the only thing that would bring him back.
@bryanalvarez @GreatBrianLast @michaelcole @WWEGraves @SamoaJoe pic.twitter.com/Asx3yVzYDe
— Milk My Knockers (@bigberthafaye) May 26, 2021
The screenshot featured an interesting comment from another fan who asked, “This aged very well. Over / Under if this guy lasts longer than Adnan Virk? I say 5 weeks, he’s toast.”
Smith didn’t shy away from the skepticism, as he responded by tweeting, “I will TOTALLY take the over on that bet.”
Monday’s episode of Raw will feature Jimmy Smith’s debut and he will call the action along Corey Graves and Byron Saxton. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.