Tony Schiavone: The Voice of Wrestling
Noah Anthony Schiavone, popularly known as Tony Schiavone, is a legendary sports announcer, professional wrestling commentator, and podcaster. Born on November 7, 1957, Schiavone has had a career spanning several decades and has become one of the most recognizable voices in the wrestling industry.1
He is currently signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he serves as the play-by-play commentator for Collision, color commentator for Dynamite and Rampage, and as a senior producer.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Entry into Wrestling
Tony Schiavone’s journey into professional wrestling began in the late 1980s with Jim Crockett Promotions, where he quickly made a name for himself with his smooth and engaging commentary style. His voice became synonymous with major wrestling events, and his ability to convey the excitement and drama of wrestling to fans was unparalleled.
Schiavone’s career reached new heights when he joined WCW in the early 1990s, becoming the voice of some of the company’s most memorable moments during the Monday Night Wars era.
Iconic Moments in WCW
During his time with WCW, Schiavone was part of many historic wrestling events, including iconic pay-per-views like Starrcade and Halloween Havoc.
He was known for his catchphrases, such as “This is the greatest night in the history of our sport!” and “It’s Sting!” Schiavone’s commentary brought a unique energy to WCW broadcasts, and his interactions with fellow commentators like Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Larry Zbyszko added to the entertainment value.
Post-WCW Career and Return to Wrestling
- After WCW’s closure in 2001, Schiavone briefly worked for WWE before leaving the wrestling industry for other broadcasting opportunities.
- He spent time as a broadcaster for the Gwinnett Braves/Stripers, a Minor League Baseball team, and also worked as a commentator for Georgia Bulldogs football.
- Despite his success outside of wrestling, Schiavone’s fans continued to associate him with professional wrestling.
- In 2017, Schiavone returned to the wrestling world, joining Major League Wrestling (MLW) as a commentator and host.
- His return was met with enthusiasm from wrestling fans who appreciated his iconic voice and style. Schiavone’s return to wrestling culminated in 2019 when he joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW), a new wrestling promotion that quickly became a major player in the industry.
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Tony Schiavone’s Broadcasting Career
Tony Schiavone’s illustrious broadcasting career began long before he became a well-known commentator in the world of professional wrestling. His journey started in the realm of sports broadcasting, where he honed his skills and built a foundation for his later work in wrestling.2
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Early Beginnings
Schiavone began his broadcasting career calling high school football games for WTON, a radio station in Staunton, Virginia. This initial experience provided him with valuable exposure to live sports commentary and laid the groundwork for his future career. His passion for sports and storytelling shone through, making him a natural fit for play-by-play announcing.
Transition to Minor League Baseball
After graduating from James Madison University (JMU), Schiavone became the play-by-play announcer for the Greensboro Hornets, a team in the South Atlantic League. His role with the Hornets allowed him to gain more experience in the broadcasting world, calling baseball games and interacting with players and coaches.
Following a year in Greensboro, Schiavone joined the Charlotte O’s, another minor league baseball team. This move brought him into closer proximity to the Crockett family, who owned the Charlotte O’s. During his time with the O’s, Schiavone’s career took a pivotal turn as he began to explore opportunities beyond baseball.
Finding His Way to Wrestling
While working with the Charlotte O’s, Schiavone’s passion for professional wrestling grew, and he saw an opportunity to enter the wrestling business. As a wrestling fan and someone in need of extra income to support his growing family, he lobbied the Crockett family for a role in their wrestling programming.3
The Crockett family, known for their involvement in professional wrestling through Jim Crockett Promotions, recognized Schiavone’s talent and gave him a chance to work on their wrestling shows.
Jim Crockett Promotions and Wrestling Commentary
- Tony Schiavone’s transition to wrestling commentary began with Jim Crockett Promotions, a major wrestling promotion in the Southeastern United States.
- He quickly established himself as a charismatic and knowledgeable commentator, known for his enthusiastic delivery and engaging storytelling.
- His work with Jim Crockett Promotions helped him gain recognition in the wrestling industry, setting the stage for his future success.
- The move to wrestling opened up new opportunities for Schiavone, and he became an integral part of Jim Crockett Promotions’ broadcasts.
- His ability to capture the excitement and drama of wrestling events made him a favorite among wrestling fans and wrestlers alike.
Tony Schiavone: Back to the Diamond and Beyond
Tony Schiavone, renowned for his work in professional wrestling, has an extensive background in sports broadcasting that goes beyond wrestling. His career includes a diverse range of roles in radio and sports commentary, with notable achievements in baseball and college football.
Schiavone’s work spans multiple radio stations, sports reporting, and his own radio production company, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the field.
Always Remember you roots as a fan pic.twitter.com/UKX2kLAsL1
— Tony Schiavone (@tonyschiavone24) September 18, 2021
Dual Roles in Morning Sports Broadcasting
- Schiavone currently holds the unique position of being the morning sports anchor for both WDUN in Gainesville and WSB-AM in Atlanta, even though the two stations are owned by different entities.
- This dual role demonstrates Schiavone’s adaptability and expertise in providing sports news and commentary.
- While WDUN is based in Gainesville, WSB-AM is part of Cox Communications, which also owns WSB-TV and other media outlets.
- Despite working with separate organizations, Schiavone has successfully navigated the challenges of simultaneous roles.
- His morning sports reports offer listeners comprehensive coverage of sports events, highlighting his extensive knowledge and ability to engage audiences across different regions.
Contributions to Other Cox Communications Stations
In addition to his work with WDUN and WSB-AM, Schiavone has contributed morning sports reports for WHIO AM/FM in Dayton, Ohio, another station under the Cox Communications umbrella. His involvement with multiple stations within the same media conglomerate underscores his reputation as a reliable and versatile sports broadcaster.
Involvement with Georgia Bulldogs Radio Network
Beyond radio broadcasting, Schiavone has a strong connection to college football through his work with the Georgia Bulldogs Radio Network. He serves as a writer for the network, providing content and insights related to the Georgia Bulldogs football program.
Schiavone’s role extends to producing the “Best of the Bulldogs,” a compilation of highlights and memorable moments from the team’s games.
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Tony Schiavone: Controversies and the Infamous “Butts in Seats” Incident
Tony Schiavone, a well-known commentator in professional wrestling, has had a long and successful career, but not without its share of controversies.
One of the most infamous incidents involving Schiavone occurred on the January 4, 1999, episode of WCW Monday Nitro, which had a significant impact on the wrestling industry and is still remembered for its unexpected consequences.
Context of the Incident
On January 4, 1999, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) aired Monday Nitro live on TNT, in direct competition with WWF Raw is War on the USA Network. During this time, the “Monday Night Wars” were at their peak, with WCW and WWF battling for television ratings supremacy.
Nitro had a highly anticipated rematch between WCW World Heavyweight Champion Kevin Nash and former champion Goldberg. The event was notable because Nash had controversially ended Goldberg’s undefeated streak at Starrcade 1998 and claimed the championship.
Schiavone’s Spoiler Comment
During the live broadcast of Nitro, Tony Schiavone, acting on instructions from WCW management, made a comment intended to discourage viewers from switching to WWF Raw.
He revealed that on the pre-taped episode of Raw, Mankind (Mick Foley) would win the WWF Championship, saying, “That’ll put a lot of butts in seats.” The remark was intended to make the outcome of Raw sound unimportant, with the hope that it would keep viewers on Nitro.
Impact and Legacy
Schiavone’s “butts in seats” comment has become a memorable moment in wrestling history, symbolizing how a simple spoiler could change the dynamics of the wrestling television landscape. The incident is frequently discussed in retrospectives about the Monday Night Wars, illustrating the high-stakes competition between WCW and WWF.
Tony Schiavone: Personal Life and Family
Tony Schiavone, renowned sports announcer and professional wrestling commentator, has enjoyed a successful career in the broadcasting industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Schiavone leads a fulfilling personal life with his wife and family, balancing his career with his role as a husband and father.
Marriage and Family
Schiavone married the former Lois June Berger in 1981, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Together, they have raised five children, creating a strong family bond. Despite his busy schedule and extensive career commitments, Schiavone has always prioritized his family, maintaining a sense of stability and support for his loved ones.
Residence in East Cobb, Georgia
The Schiavone family resides in East Cobb, Georgia, a suburban community located north of Atlanta. East Cobb is known for its family-friendly environment, excellent schools, and sense of community.
Living in East Cobb provides the Schiavone family with a comfortable setting away from the hustle and bustle of the wrestling industry while remaining close to key broadcasting hubs in the Atlanta area.
Balancing Career and Family
- As a sports announcer and wrestling commentator, Tony Schiavone’s career has taken him across various promotions and roles, from World Championship Wrestling (WCW) to All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
- Throughout his journey, Schiavone has demonstrated an ability to maintain a balance between his professional responsibilities and personal life.
- Schiavone’s commitment to his family is evident in his approach to his work. Despite the demands of his broadcasting career, he has always found time to spend with his wife and children, attending family events and participating in activities that strengthen their bond.
- His marriage to Lois June Berger, spanning over four decades, speaks to the enduring nature of their relationship and the foundation they have built together.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Tony Schiavone?
Ans: Tony Schiavone is a renowned professional wrestling commentator and announcer known for his work with major wrestling promotions, including World Championship Wrestling (WCW), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He’s a prominent voice in the wrestling industry, recognized for his distinctive commentary style.
2. How old is Tony Schiavone?
Ans: Tony Schiavone was born on November 7, 1957, making him 66 years old as of 2023. Despite his age, he continues to be an active and influential presence in the wrestling world, offering decades of experience and insight.
3. What is Tony Schiavone’s career background?
Ans: Tony Schiavone began his career in wrestling commentary in the early 1980s, gaining fame during his tenure with WCW in the 1990s. He briefly worked for WWE but is best known for his long association with WCW. After a hiatus, he returned to wrestling with AEW in 2019, where he serves as a lead commentator and backstage interviewer.
4. What is known about Tony Schiavone’s personal life?
Ans: Tony Schiavone is married and has five children. Outside of wrestling, he is a passionate sports fan and has worked in minor league baseball as a broadcaster. Despite his public career, he tends to keep details about his family and personal life relatively private.
5. What is Tony Schiavone’s impact on the wrestling industry?
Ans: Tony Schiavone’s impact on wrestling is significant, as he has provided commentary for some of the most memorable moments in wrestling history. His distinctive voice and deep knowledge of the business have made him a beloved figure among wrestling fans. His return to AEW has helped bridge the gap between past and present wrestling eras.
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