Former WWE Talent Reportedly Signs With AEW
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AEW has picked up an interesting hire. The promotion has brought in a name that WWE and TNA Wrestling fans may be familiar with.
Veteran wrestling broadcaster and producer Josh Mathews has landed a new role with All Elite Wrestling, as confirmed by PWInsiderElite.com. This move comes just a few months after he departed from TNA Wrestling earlier this year.
According to the report, Mathews is now contributing to AEW's behind-the-scenes operations. He has been working in the production trucks lately, helping to facilitate communication between the production team and the coaches/producers.
This position leverages his extensive experience over two decades across major wrestling promotions in various capacities, both on-screen and off.
Mathews, whose real name is Josh Lomberger, entered the wrestling consciousness as a standout participant and runner-up on the inaugural season of WWE's reality competition show, Tough Enough, in 2001.
Although he didn't win the competition, WWE hired him, launching a lengthy career with the company until 2014. Mathews became a familiar face to fans during his thirteen years with WWE through multiple roles.
He served as a primary backstage interviewer, most notably on the SmackDown brand. He was a versatile commentator and announcer, calling the action for shows including Velocity, the revived ECW brand, NXT during its early phases, Superstars, Saturday Morning Slam, and Main Event.
All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023.
All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023.
Courtesy of AEW
Additionally, he hosted digital content for WWE.com, such as the webcast "Byte This." While primarily known for his broadcasting work, Mathews even had a brief, undefeated run competing in the ring in 2004, notably teaming with Booker T.
Following his release from WWE in June 2014, Mathews quickly found a new home with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), later rebranding as Impact Wrestling. He made an immediate impact, taking over as the lead play-by-play commentator for their flagship show, Impact Wrestling, in January 2015.
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
This was a significant transition, as he replaced Mike Tenay, who had been the voice of the promotion for many years. Mathews remained in the lead announcer chair for several years, sharing commentary duties with partners like Taz and D'Angelo Dinero.
Around 2021, Mathews transitioned away from full-time commentary duties within TNA/Impact and moved into crucial backstage positions. He took on significant responsibilities as the company's Senior Producer and later added the title of Senior Director of Digital Media.
After nearly a decade contributing to TNA both on-air and behind the scenes, Mathews departed the company in February 2025 amidst organizational changes. His arrival at AEW now adds another experienced hand to their growing production team.
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