ROH commentator Ian Riccaboni has reportedly signed with All Elite Wrestling.
Kevin Kelly missed the July 15 episode of Collision because he is working the G1 Climax 33 tournament for NJPW. Riccaboni filled in for him, and he’s set to work more episodes of the show.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reports that Riccaboni recently signed a multi-year contract with AEW. Sapp wrote that Riccaboni got great reviews backstage and among fans for his performance on the July 15 episode of AEW Collision. The report notes that he was approached about being a full-time member of the AEW Collision broadcast team before he recommended Kelly.
In a Fightful Select report, Sapp also reported Riccaboni will work more Collision dates this summer. Riccaboni cited prioritizing his family as a reason that he didn’t want to work Collision full-time, but he will continue to fill in for Kelly during his absence. He is also set to step in for Kelly and Excalibur when they need time off.
Riccaboni was the voice of ROH for the last several years of the Sinclair era; he became the lead announcer in 2017. He was brought into the new ROH after AEW CEO Tony Khan acquired the company in March 2022, and he then worked multiple AEW shows and ROH pay-per-views. Since ROH’s weekly TV show returned in March 2023, Riccaboni has been part of the broadcast team.
Outside of AEW/ROH, Riccaboni has also called the action for NJPW STRONG, and he was brought in for the ROH World Championship match at IMPACT Hard To Kill 2022.
Catch up on our coverage of the July 15 episode of AEW Collision here.
