Mike Tenay

Mike Tenay (born February 28, 1956 in California) is a professional wrestling play-by-play announcer. He is best known for his time working with World Championship Wrestling, but currently works for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.

Career

World Championship Wrestling

Mike Tenay made his mainstream debut for World Championship Wrestling in the mid-1990's, serving as a play by play announcer for "secondary" shows such as WCW Worldwide and WCW Saturday Night, where he was known as "Iron" Mike Tenay. He eventually was moved up to the main show, WCW Monday Nitro, where he served as a third commentator to the team originally consisting of play-by-play announcer Tony Schiavone and color commentator Bobby Heenan. It was there that Schiavone gave him the nickname "The Professor" for his vast and impressive knowledge of the wrestling business, wrestling history, and wrestling manouvers.

In light of WCW adding Thunder as another major weekly show in its lineup, the announce team was pulling double duty during the week. Tenay was named the lead announcer for WCW Thunder, with Schiavone and Heenan serving as the on-screen auxiliaries. He remained an announcer with WCW till its folding in 2001.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

In early 2002, Tenay was approached by Jeff Jarrett regarding the play-by-play announcer's slot with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Tenay accepted, and became the voice of the upstart company when it launched in June 2002. From that point onward, Tenay (now sporting a tuxedo at every event) became the voice of TNA, announcing every single weekly pay per view, every episode of iMPACT! and Xplosion, and every monthly pay per view spectacular.

Tenay has also developed beyond just a play-by-play man for the company both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. After TNA decided to switch to a booking committee format in mid-2005, Tenay was named to the committee, enhancing his formerly modest influence behind the scenes. Tenay also became a major on-screen announcer for TNA, conducting interviews with Jeff Jarrett (who reportedly sees Tenay as "the voice of the fans") as well as making major announcements (such as the signing of Sting).

Tenay is often compared with former announcers Jim Ross and Gordon Solie, and with them is considered one of the great wrestling announcers of all time. He also serves on the board for the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in New York.

Profile

Height: 5 ft 10 in
Weight: 180 lb (82 kg)
Born: February 28, 1956

Championships and accomplishments

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

1997 Best Television Announcer
2002 Best Television Announcer
2003 Best Television Announcer
2004 Best Television Announcer
2005 Best Television Announcer