Tensai Talks Being NXT Announcer and More

WWE superstar Tensai has recently found a new role in WWE. The former University of Pittsburgh football player is now working as a part of the NXT announce team. WWE.com published a story on Thursday, Jan. 23 regarding his new position, including many quotes from the man once known as “Albert” in the company.

Tensai told Bryon Saxton of WWE.com the following regarding his beginnings in the wrestling industry:

 “I was a fan of wrestling from the first time I saw it on my television in the early ’80s. When college and football ended, I stepped into the real world and I began teaching. A few months into the school year, I heard there was a wrestling show coming to our auditorium. Keep in mind; I never knew exactly how to get my foot in the door to become a wrestler. I used to go to ECW events and sit in the crowd, hoping to get noticed. That never worked, by the way.

Eventually, I went to our principal and asked him if it would be okay if I had some sort of contest to bring three students with me to the show. My secret plan was to maybe get noticed, as well as enjoy the show. The principal agreed and I took the three kids that won a contest to the show that was being promoted by WWE Hall of Famer Killer Kowalski. We got to the show before the ring was set up and I introduced myself to Walter. He looked me up and down and told me about his school and invited me to give it a try. The next day I went to his school, and the rest is history.”

The former WWE Intercontinental Champion also talked about how he became a NXT commentator:

“Not really sure what got me into the world of commentary. It is an entirely different field that I never even considered trying. It started when I had the chance to be a part of a live Kickoff panel for a WWE pay-per-view. Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield were two people who helped me prepare for that. I made the most of that opportunity, and I suppose someone thought I could be good at it with practice. Little did I know, I would need loads of practice. It is an entirely different monster. I never realized how difficult it was to be a commentator. Each and every week you need to imagine that this is the viewer’s first time watching WWE. You need to explain the Superstar or Diva and tell the story of why he or she is doing what they are doing while keeping it entertaining. The last thing you want is for a viewer to change the channel because the commentary is dull, vague or boring.”

To read the entire story, click here.