In a surprise move, WWE has announced that Mike Rome, a well-known ring announcer, is being moved from the SmackDown roster to become the new NXT ring announcer. This change comes just two weeks after the 2024 Draft, which saw a shuffling of talent across the company’s various brands. In a reciprocal move, Alicia Taylor, who had been a fixture on NXT, will be heading to the main roster to become the new SmackDown ring announcer.
Rome, who has been with WWE since 2016, took to social media to express his excitement about the move. In an emotional message, he recalled his time on NXT, where he got his start in the company, and his eventual move to RAW. He wrote, “With all the changes in my life in 2024, I’m beyond excited to be near my home in Orlando more, and to rep the black and gold again!”
Rome’s journey with WWE began in 2016, when he was signed after working as a Nickelodeon emcee. He spent several years on NXT, where he honed his skills as a ring announcer. In 2019, he made the move to RAW, where he spent nearly four years before being drafted to SmackDown in 2023.
Now, after eight years, Rome is returning to NXT, a brand that holds a special place in his heart. Fans will likely welcome back the familiar voice of Rome, who has become synonymous with WWE’s developmental brand.
This move marks a significant shift in WWE’s announcing team, and Rome’s return to NXT is a full circle moment for the veteran ring announcer. As he begins this new chapter in his career, fans will be eager to see how he settles back into his old stomping ground.