Report: American Ninja Warrior Announcer Could Be Set For WWE Raw Job

This past week has seen a spate of departures across WWE, from NXT talents, to backstage staff, as well as the departure of Raw lead announcer Adnan Virk.

Virk and WWE maintain that Virk’s departure was by mutual consent, but as always with the wrestling business, speculation is already rife about who Virk’s replacement could be.

According to a report from PWInsider, one name being linked with the Raw announce job is Jimmy Smith, former UFC commentator and American Ninja Warrior co-host. Smith appeared at NXT: TakeOver Stand & Deliver, and has been said to be ‘putting in a lot of work’ backstage with regards to more WWE broadcast work.

Smith is a former MMA fighter, and his knowledge of combat sports in general as well as his broadcast experience with UFC puts him in a good position. However Smith is likely considered an outside shot, with smart money saying that Tom Phillips could return as Raw lead announcer. But with WWE going outside of the well when appointing Virk, a move for Smith wouldn’t be completely out of the realms of possibility.