WWE SmackDown is set to welcome a fresh voice to its broadcast team, as Mark Shunock has been announced as the new ring announcer for the blue brand. The news broke on March 27 via a post on X, where Shunock shared his excitement about joining SmackDown, stating he would debut at The O2 Arena in London on the March 28 episode. Known for his dynamic presence in sports and entertainment, Shunock’s addition to the WWE roster marks a significant shift for the company as it continues to evolve its on-air talent in 2025.
Shunock, a native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is currently the host and ring announcer for Top Rank Boxing on ESPN, a position that has honed his skills in engaging live audiences and delivering high-energy introductions.
Beyond boxing, Shunock serves as the Vice President of Entertainment and In-Arena Host for the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL (National Hockey League), as well as the In-Arena Host for the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL (National Football League). His background in sports entertainment, combined with his theatrical experience, makes him a unique fit for WWE’s high-octane environment.
Shunock has also made a name for himself on Broadway, earning a Helen Hayes Nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Timon in Disney’s The Lion King, and starring in Rock of Ages in Las Vegas. Additionally, he created Mondays Dark, a Las Vegas-based variety show that has raised over $1 million for local charities, earning him accolades such as the 2014 Angel Award for Cultural Advocate/Entertainer of the Year and the Best Philanthropist award from the Las Vegas Review Journal.
The announcement of Shunock’s new role comes on the heels of Lilian Garcia’s departure from SmackDown as its full-time ring announcer. Garcia, a beloved veteran who returned to WWE in October 2024 following Samantha Irvin’s exit, announced on March 15 that her time as SmackDown’s announcer had concluded after the episode in Barcelona. In an Instagram post, Garcia explained, “This was actually my last SmackDown as the full-time announcer. There’s just a new era upon us. Things are being shifted around.” While she stepped away from weekly duties, Garcia remains involved with WWE, continuing as the ring announcer for Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC and Peacock, performing at select events, and working on new projects with the company. Her exit left fans speculating about who would take over the role, with names like Mike Rome, who currently announces for NXT, being floated as a possibility.
Shunock’s debut on the March 28 episode of SmackDown at The O2 Arena in London is a fitting stage for his introduction to the WWE Universe. The episode is already stacked with high-profile matches, including a WWE Tag Team Championship bout between The Street Profits and Pretty Deadly, as well as a United States Championship match pitting LA Knight against Braun Strowman. Shunock, who will go by the name “Mark Nash” in WWE, is expected to bring his signature charisma and energy to these introductions, setting the tone for what WWE has described as a “new era” for SmackDown.
The decision to bring in Shunock reflects WWE’s ongoing efforts to refresh its broadcast teams in 2025. Earlier this year, the company swapped its ring announcers between RAW and SmackDown, with Alicia Taylor moving to RAW for its Netflix premiere on January 6, and Lilian Garcia taking over SmackDown duties starting January 3. The commentary teams also saw changes, with Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett settling in as SmackDown’s announcers, while Michael Cole and Pat McAfee reunited for RAW. Shunock’s arrival continues this trend of shaking things up, bringing in a seasoned entertainer with a proven track record in live events to enhance SmackDown’s presentation.
While Shunock’s hiring has been met with intrigue, some fans and analysts have raised questions about WWE’s choice to bring in an outsider rather than promoting from within. Alicia Taylor, who has been with WWE since 2018 and has announced for NXT, 205 Live, and SmackDown, was a popular choice among fans to return to the blue brand. Similarly, Mike Rome, who has experience across RAW, SmackDown, and NXT, was seen as a natural fit. Shunock’s lack of prior wrestling announcing experience may also be a point of scrutiny, as the role requires a deep understanding of WWE’s unique cadence and the ability to connect with the audience in a way that complements the in-ring action. However, his extensive background in sports and entertainment suggests he has the versatility to adapt, and his debut will be a critical test of how well he can resonate with the WWE Universe.
For now, Mark Shunock’s arrival as SmackDown’s new ring announcer marks a fresh chapter for the show, which has undergone significant changes in 2025, including an expansion to a three-hour format in January and a return to a two-hour format later in the year, as confirmed by Triple H. As Shunock steps into the ring at The O2 Arena, all eyes will be on “Mark Nash” to see if he can bring the same energy and passion to WWE that he has delivered in his previous roles, potentially ushering in a new era of excitement for SmackDown.
