Tony Schiavone is a legendary figure in professional wrestling commentary and sports broadcasting
Born Noah Anthony Schiavone on November 7, 1957, he gained fame as the voice of mid‑Atlantic wrestling, WCW’s flagship shows, and now AEW programming.
He has also hosted popular podcasts, worked as a sports anchor in radio, and authored early comic‑style autobiographical content. This article explores his life, career, family, milestones, and more.
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Table of Contents
Tony Schiavone’s Early Life & Education
Tony Schiavone was born and raised in Craigsville, Virginia.
His parents are Noah and Rebecca Schiavone, and he comes from an Italian‑American family originally from Roseto Valfortore, Italy.1
He graduated from Buffalo Gap High School in Swoope, Virginia, before earning a Bachelor of Science in Communications from James Madison University in 1980.2
Tony Schiavone’s Career Overview
Early Career in Broadcasting
Schiavone began his career calling high school sports for WTON in Staunton, Virginia.
After graduating, he became the play‑by‑play announcer for the Greensboro Hornets in minor‑league baseball and later for the Charlotte O’s, where family ties to Jim Crockett Promotions introduced him into wrestling commentary.
Jim Crockett Promotions (1983–1989)
Tony joined Jim Crockett Promotions in the mid‑1980s and became the regular host on TBS broadcast of NWA World Championship Wrestling, often alongside David Crockett.
He quickly became a familiar face and voice in Southern and national pro wrestling.3
World Wrestling Federation (1989–1990)
In 1989, Schiavone signed with Vince McMahon’s WWF. He served as play‑by‑play announcer for SummerSlam 1989 and Royal Rumble 1990, mostly alongside Jesse “The Body” Ventura.
After about a year, unhappy with relocating his family and longing for familiar turf, he returned to WCW.
World Championship Wrestling (1990–2001)
Back in WCW, Schiavone became the lead voice on flagship shows like Monday Nitro and Thunder, working with commentators such as Mike Tenay, Bobby Heenan and Larry Zbyszko.
He also hosted WCW Saturday Night and WorldWide. In 2001, WCW’s assets were acquired by WWE and he departed the company.4
Radio & Sports Work (2001–2017)
After WCW closed, Tony worked as a sports anchor on WDUN in Gainesville and WSB‑AM in Atlanta, sometimes simultaneously despite differing ownership.
He also wrote and produced for the Georgia Bulldogs Radio Network, winning an AP Award in 2004 for Best Sports Program.
He later served as play‑by‑play announcer for the Gwinnett Braves, Atlanta’s AAA baseball affiliate, from 2009 through around 2019.
Podcasting & Return to Wrestling (2017–present)
In January 2017 Tony launched the podcast What Happened When? with Conrad Thompson, focusing on behind‑the‑scenes pro wrestling stories.
That fall he began commentary work for Major League Wrestling.
In August 2019 Tony signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he works as commentator, senior producer, and hosts AEW podcasts and shows such as Collision, Dynamite, and Rampage.
Tony Schiavone’s Personal Life
Wife, Children & Residence
Tony married Lois June Berger in 1981. They have five children: Matt, Laurie, Chris, Jon Michael and Tim.
They are also grandparents (reports say three grandchildren, some state six based on later updates) and share life with their dogs.
They reside in Marietta (East Cobb), Georgia, and have lived in the same home for over thirty years.5
Thanks doc. I’m gone. My staff will handle the blocking of the trolls back to the sewers. https://t.co/qPs6Vlgxfx
— Tony Schiavone (@tonyschiavone24) July 24, 2025
Notable Incidents & Criticism of Tony Schiavone
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Spoiling WWF Result, 1999 Nitro: On January 4, 1999, while live on WCW Nitro, Schiavone spoiled an upcoming WWF main‑event where Mick Foley would win the title. He quipped “That’ll put a lot of butts in seats.” The announcement prompted millions to switch channels, costing WCW the ratings battle that night. Schiavone later said he was ordered by Eric Bischoff, but admitted the strategy back‑fired.
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Criticism from Peers: Bobby Heenan and others criticized Tony for being overly political and withholding storyline information from co‑hosts. Heenan said “knowledge is power” was Schiavone’s philosophy. Tony later acknowledged he “deserves it” for those issues.
Also Read: Is Sylvester Stallone Team Trump? The Actor’s Political Views Explored
Awards & Achievements
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Inducted to George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, recipient of prestigious Gordon Solie Award in 2024.
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Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Worst Television Announcer in 1999 and 2000 (reflecting backlash during Nitro over‑promoting language).
Stats Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Noah Anthony “Tony” Schiavone Jr. |
| Date of Birth | November 7, 1957 (born in Craigsville, Virginia) |
| Current Age | 67 (as of 2025) |
| Height / Weight | Approx. 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) / 185–187 lb (84–85 kg) |
| Education | BS in Communications, James Madison University (class of 1980) |
| Wife | Lois June Berger (married 1981) |
| Children | Five: Matt, Laurie, Chris, Jon Michael, Tim |
| Grandchildren | Reported 3 (some sources say 6 grandchildren as of 2025) |
| Primary Employers | Jim Crockett Promotions, WWF, WCW, MLW, AEW; plus Georgia Bulldogs network etc |
| Podcast | What Happened When? with Conrad Thompson |
| Awards | Gordon Solie Award (2024), AP Award 2004, Wrestling Observer negative awards |
| Current Residence | East Cobb / Marietta, Georgia for over 30 years |
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FAQ’s About Tony Schiavone
1. How old is Tony Schiavone?
Born on November 7, 1957, Tony celebrated his 67th birthday in November 2024.
2. Who is Tony Schiavone’s wife and when did they marry?
He married Lois June Berger in 1981. They celebrated over forty years of marriage by 2021.
3. How many children and grandchildren does he have?
Tony and Lois have five children: Matt, Laurie, Chris, Jon Michael, and Tim. Sources vary on grandchildren; earlier sources report three, while other accounts mention six by 2025.
4. What is Tony Schiavone known for in wrestling?
He is famed as the lead announcer for WCW’s Monday Nitro, Thunder, and earlier WCW and NWA shows. He also called major WWF events like SummerSlam 1989 and Royal Rumble 1990.
5. Why was he criticized as an announcer?
Criticism stemmed from over‑enthusiastic catchphrases, repetitive hype, and a controversial on‑air spoil of WWF programming during the Monday Night War. Some peers accused him of being politically motivated within WCW’s backstage culture.
Legacy
Tony Schiavone’s voice resonates deeply with fans who grew up watching wrestling in the 1980s and 1990s. He played a central role in the Monday Night Wars, a period that defined modern wrestling media.
WCW’s competition with the WWF hinged in part on Tony’s presence as the familiar, assertive voice of Nitro. Though sometimes criticized for over‑exposure, his style remains iconic.
After retiring from mainstream wrestling in 2001, he reinvented himself as a respected sports broadcaster, radio host, and podcaster. His willingness to discuss mistakes and share behind‑the‑scenes stories has further endeared him to fans and even critics.
Conclusion on Tony Schiavone
From humble beginnings in Craigsville, Virginia, Tony Schiavone carved a path from high school sports radio to national wrestling broadcasts.
At James Madison University he began early broadcasting. After minor‑league baseball gigs, he became a wrestling host by 1984.
He briefly joined WWF in 1989 before returning to WCW, where he guided fans through the peaks and controversies of that era. Post‑WCW he shifted to radio and baseball coverage.
In 2017 his podcast What Happened When? made wrestling history interactive. Since 2019 he has held a key production and commentary role with AEW. Along the way, he built a loving family life with his wife and children in Georgia.
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