In an update to our previous report, it is now confirmed that Tony Schiavone will be commentating for AEW on their weekly shows. It was originally believed that Schiavone’s role would be minor. He wasn’t expected to be commentating full time due to his busy schedule. At Starrcast, Jim Ross revealed that the official announce team for AEW on TNT is Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone, and Excalibur.
During a conversation with Tony Khan, Dave Meltzer was told that people have been really pulling for Jim Ross and Tony Schiavone to commentate together again. That may have been the reason for the change.
“Tony Khan said that there was a lot of clamor to have Jim Ross and Tony Schiavone together, so my impression from what Tony Khan said was that its going to be Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone, and Excalibur as the TNT announcers. He didn’t outright say that, but that was certainly the way it was hinted.” – Dave Meltzer
Tony Schiavone recently spoke on his involvement with AEW:
“I’m not looking to shoe-horn anyone out of the broadcast team – I’m not! Excalibur is a great guy. I know that Alex Marvez, gosh, is a very talented guy. But, I know that Jim Ross has always wanted me with him. I know that – He’s pushed for that. So, I told Tony, “I really want to work for you. But, I don’t want to be the guy who is seen as trying to shoe-horn his way into the broadcast team.” I don’t know what has happened since Tony and I have talked last.” – Tony Schiavone
Tony added that his role has yet to be announced officially by AEW management. The plans for the announce team has been described as “fluid” — always changing. AEW on TNT begins October 2nd from Washington DC.
(Credit: AEW.com, f4wonline.com, wrestlinginc.com)