Tag: Josh Mathews

Josh Mathews Joins AEW in Backstage Role Following TNA Exit

AEW has welcomed another familiar face from the wrestling world into its growing backstage ranks. Josh Mathews, best known for his time as a WWE announcer and longtime TNA Wrestling commentator and producer, is now officially working behind the scenes for All Elite Wrestling.

The report, first noted by the Wrestling Observer, confirms Mathews’ new role within AEW, though the specifics of his position have yet to be revealed. However, it appears he’s already been spotted backstage at a recent episode of AEW Dynamite, signaling that his transition into the company is well underway.

Mathews’ move to AEW follows his recent departure from TNA Wrestling, where he spent over a decade in various capacities. Initially joining the promotion as a lead commentator, Mathews eventually shifted to a backstage producer role, helping shape the product from behind the camera. His time with TNA came to an end in February 2025, as part of a wider internal restructuring that saw several longtime staff members let go.

For fans who have followed Mathews’ journey, his arrival in AEW isn’t entirely surprising. Not only has he been a vocal supporter of the company in past interviews, but he also has a direct connection to the promotion — his wife, Madison Rayne, is an in-ring talent and coach within AEW’s women’s division. Mathews had previously expressed interest in AEW, though he admitted he appreciated the more relaxed pace of life working behind the scenes at TNA.

If Mathews is indeed stepping into a producer role — which many suspect — he’ll be joining a stacked lineup of veteran minds that includes Jerry Lynn, Dean Malenko, Chris Hero, Scotty 2 Hotty, Sarah Stock, and, of course, Rayne. With over two decades of experience spanning from his early WWE days as a Tough Enough contestant and backstage interviewer, to stints as a commentator and even an occasional wrestler, Mathews brings a well-rounded résumé to AEW’s already deep bench of wrestling minds.

AEW continues to build out its infrastructure with seasoned industry veterans, and the addition of Josh Mathews only strengthens its behind-the-scenes team as the company pushes forward into its next chapter.

TNA Wrestling Undergoes Major Front Office Shake-Up, Parts Ways with Key Executives

While WWE and AEW have recently made waves by releasing several wrestlers, TNA Wrestling has taken a different approach—shaking up its corporate structure instead. Reports from Fightful Select and PWInsider confirm that TNA has parted ways with multiple high-ranking executives, marking a significant behind-the-scenes shift for the company.

TNA President Anthony Cicione Departs, But Remains with Anthem

The most notable departure is TNA President Anthony Cicione, who had held the role for just over a year after replacing Scott D’Amore. While Cicione is stepping away from his duties with TNA, he isn’t leaving entirely—he will continue in his position as President of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, the promotion’s parent company.

At this time, there’s no official word on who will step in as the new President of TNA, but the move signals a new era for the company’s leadership.

Josh Matthews & Christy Hemme Also Let Go

Two other high-profile names affected by the shake-up are Josh Matthews and Christy Hemme, both of whom had long histories with the company.

  • Josh Matthews first joined TNA in 2014 after a stint as a WWE commentator. He served as TNA’s lead announcer until 2021 before transitioning into a backstage role as Senior Producer and Senior Director of Digital Media.
  • Christy Hemme had been with TNA on and off since 2006, taking on various roles, including wrestler, manager, interviewer, ring announcer, and creative team member. She rejoined the company last fall as TNA’s Head of Marketing but now finds herself among those exiting.

New Leadership Taking Shape Under George Veras

The overhaul seems to be linked to the hiring of George Veras as TNA’s new Executive Producer. Veras brings extensive experience from ABC, NBC, CBS, the NFL Hall of Fame, and the Cleveland Browns. With his arrival, TNA is assembling a new leadership team, which now includes Mark Brown as Director—formerly of Ring of Honor under Sinclair Broadcasting—and Andrea Pagnanelli as Senior Vice President of Marketing.

What’s Next for TNA?

This marks the latest chapter in TNA’s ongoing evolution since rebranding from Impact Wrestling earlier this year. With fresh leadership behind the scenes, it will be interesting to see if these changes translate to a shift in the company’s creative direction, marketing strategy, or overall business approach.

Stay tuned for further updates as TNA continues to reshape its future.

TNA Wrestling has issued the following statement on today’s major shakeups:

The new TNA Wrestling President is Carlos Silva.

George Veras is the new Executive Producer of the Anthem Sports Group. George is the 10-time Emmy Award-winning president and Chief Executive Officer of Pro Football Hall of Fame Enterprises, as well as president of Veras Communications, Incorporated.

Josh Mathews and Christy Hemme are no longer with the Company. We appreciate their commitment to TNA throughout the years, and wish them well in their future endeavors.

Matt Striker And D’Lo Brown Revealed As New Impact Announce Team, Josh Mathews Promoted

Impact Wrestling has announced that a new broadcast team will start this Saturday with the Hard To Kill pay-per-view.

Matt Striker will serve as Impact’s new play-by-play announcer, while D’Lo Brown will handle color commentary duties. Striker and Brown will call the weekly Impact TV show, and pay-per-view events.

Striker noted that he’s excited, nervous, thankful and humbled to be returning to TV.

“I’ve always loved professional wrestling. It is a love that unites so many people,” Striker said in the official press release. “Pro wrestling is a sport and I want to be mindful to call it as such. I’ve learned and grown so much since I began, and I thank the fans – and the critics – for that.

“It is not lost on me the opportunity that is before me – I can once again lend my voice to the sport that I love. In doing so, I’m poised to describe, analyze, and witness the most advanced athletes the sport has ever seen. I am excited, nervous, thankful, and humbled. I cannot wait to get out there. You will always be able hear the fan in me.”

Brown also said he’s very excited to join the commentary team after working behind-the-scenes for the company.

“I’m very excited to join the IMPACT Wrestling broadcast booth and I know working alongside Matt Striker will be a lot of fun,” Brown said. “I believe in IMPACT Wrestling, with its amazing roster of skilled Superstars and Knockouts – and can’t wait to have the best seat in the house to call all the action.

“I’m humbled to follow the IMPACT broadcasting path of Don West and Mike Tenay, and most recently Don Callis, Madison Rayne and certainly Josh Mathews. I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity. I know there are big shoes to fill, but Striker and I will do our best.”

Striker and Brown are replacing Josh Mathews and Madison Rayne. Mathews has signed a new multi-year contract with the company and is being promoted to Senior Producer of the weekly Impact TV show and pay-per-view events. Rayne will give an update on her future at Saturday’s pay-per-view. The veteran Knockout provided color commentary in 2020 but is reportedly leaving the company for a job outside of pro wrestling.

“My play-by-play career has spanned nearly 20 years – from WrestleMania to Bound For Glory to incredible moments from IMPACT Wrestling on AXS TV,” Mathews said in the press release. “Producing will allow me to have a bigger role in the overall production of our weekly show, PPVs and IMPACT+ Specials.

“This transition has been a great process, Matt and D’Lo are bringing a fresh energy and are ready to go. It was a special year in 2020, and both Madison Rayne and I will always be grateful for the opportunity and look forward to these exciting changes.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

TNA Announcer Calling Kid Kash MMA Debut

Image result for Kid Kash Valor mma

Current TNA and former WWE announcer Josh Mathews have been roped in by Valor Fights to commentate for their upcoming event. Josh will be announcing the Valor MMA 38 event which takes place on Saturday Night. Interestingly, the fight card also features former WWE and TNA superstar David Cash AKA Kid Kash, who is set to mark his return to MMA. Below is the press release from Valor about the signing.

Valor Fights Reaches An Agreement With Veteran Professional Wrestling Commentator Josh Matthews To Call The Professional Fights At Valor Fights 38 This Coming Saturday in Nashville, TN.Watch Valor Fights 38 On Saturday Night Live & Exclusively on Flo Combat.

Josh Lomberger, better known in wrestling circles as Josh Matthews has reached an agreement with Valor Fights to join the broadcast booth at Valor Fights 38, which includes the debut of former ECW/TNA/WWE competitor David “Kid Kash” Cash. Matthews is the current play by play announcer for TNA Wrestling.

Matthews started as an in-ring performer and actually wrestled Cash in his first professional wrestling match. After deciding to become a wrestling journalist, Matthews was hired by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2002 as a backstage interviewer. From 2006-2014, Matthews hosted the WWE’s pre-shows on their PPV events. He also worked as a color commentator on Raw and on the promotions top pay-per-view, Wrestlemania XXVII in 2010. Since January of 2014, he has been the lead announcer of TNA’s Impact Wrestling.

“I have been looking for the perfect situation to try hand at calling MMA,”said Matthews. “I love the genre, the athleticism it takes to compete as well as the passion of the athletes. I will do my best to provide the proper soundtrack. David “Kid Kash”is someone I have known since I was 22 years old, when I was just starting my career as a professional wrestler. I competed against Cash in a series of matches around the country. I learned so much from him and not only did we wrestle, but we traveled and trained together. David is a pit-bull while training and competing. It will be extremely exciting to call his fight and I wish him the best of luck.”

“We are excited to have a world class commentator like Josh Matthews joining our broadcast booth for Valor Fights 38 on Saturday night,”Valor Fights President Tim Loy stated. “Josh has a wealth of experience at the highest level of professional wrestling with his his work in the WWE & TNA. We are certainly looking forward to watching his transition to mixed martial arts.”

For information on purchasing tickets fans can visit valorfights.com. A live stream is available from Flo Combat. Please follow us on Twitter, on Facebook and on YouTube under Valor Fights.

Source: WrestlingINC

TNA Announcer Blasts WWE Hypocrisy After Samoa Joe NXT Debut

TNA announcer Josh Mathews, who used to work for WWE, blasted WWE for their “hypocrisy” after Samoa Joe made his NXT debut Wednesday at NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable. Mathews tweeted:

https://twitter.com/realjoshmathews/status/601629711563755521

Reportedly A Former WWE Announcer Will Replace Mike Tenay On TNA Impact Wrestling

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It is being reported by Wrestling Observer Newsletter that when TNA premieres on Destination America in January with a reboot with a new look and more, that former WWE announcer Josh Mathews will be replacing Mike Tenay as the lead announcer along side Taz. Tenay is expected to keep a on-air role.

TNA News: Top Star Not Appearing At Bound For Glory, Josh Mathews Working For TNA

TNA ENTERTAINMENT, LLC IMPACT WRESTLING LOGO

Japanese wrestling promotion Wrestle-1 announced that The Wolves will not be on TNA Bound For glory due to Davey Richards’ injuries. Wrestle-1 & TNA are planning to finally announce some Bound For Glory matches later this week. Wrestle-1’s Jimmy Suzuki reports that Bobby Lashley appearing on the card are incorrect.

Word is that former WWE announcer Josh Mathews has already started officially working for TNA. Mathews has reportedly relocated to Nashville & has been working out of the TNA offices. No word yet on when he will appear on TV.

Source: WrestlingINC.com