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Josh Mathews
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Joshua Matthew Lomberger[1] (born November 25, 1980),[1] better known by the ring name Josh Mathews, is an American professional wrestling producer, former play by play commentator, and former professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a producer. He is best known for his time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and WWE.

Key Information

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment / WWE (2001–2014)

[edit]

Tough Enough and backstage interviewer (2001–2006)

[edit]

Lomberger was a runner-up to Maven and Nidia in the first WWE Tough Enough in 2001.[1]

Lomberger was eventually hired by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and began using the name Josh Mathews. In December 2002, he began appearing as the backstage interviewer for the SmackDown! brand and as an announcer on Velocity. He also hosted the WWE webcast Byte This![3] after Kevin Kelly was released. He later hosted several shows on WWE's official website, including Weekly Top 5, The WWE Experience, and After Burn.[2] In 2003, Mathews also stood in for Tony Chimel as ring announcer for SmackDown!.

In 2004, Mathews was given some limited ring time on SmackDown! when John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) slapped Mathews for not showing respect to JBL's chief of staff Orlando Jordan when he was interviewing him. He later offered and was accepted to be Booker T's temporary partner for a tag team match on an episode of SmackDown!. He and Booker T ultimately won the match.[4] He was later assaulted by Jordan and requested from General Manager Theodore Long that he be given a one-on-one match against him. Booker T wanted to be at ringside during the Mathews-Jordan match, as JBL would no doubt be present, and would give Booker T an excuse to beat down JBL before their match at Survivor Series. Mathews once again emerged victorious against Jordan, with some considerable help from Booker T.[5] He also tried to help Booker T in his WWE Championship match at the Survivor Series, but was given a Clothesline From Hell by JBL for his efforts.[6] On the March 31, 2005 episode of SmackDown! Mathews was attacked by Kurt Angle.[7] Mathews was then possessed by The Undertaker on the December 9, 2005 episode of SmackDown! while interviewing Randy Orton.[8]

Commentator (2006–2014)

[edit]

Mathews filled in for an absent Todd Grisham on a summer 2006 episode of Raw. He also hosted pre-shows for WWE pay-per-view events, and he provided color commentary on Heat from time to time before the show was cancelled in May 2008.[9] He was the host of WWE.com's Weekly Top Five when it started and hosted it until April 2009 when he was replaced by Jack Korpela. During Todd Grisham's stint as ECW commentator, Mathews replaced him as Raw's backstage interviewer. Mathews, along with WWE Diva Candice Michelle were WWE's correspondents at both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions in an effort to encourage WWE fans to register to vote for the 2008 Presidential election.[1]

On the April 7, 2009, episode of ECW, Mathews was announced as the new play-by-play commentator, as the previous commentator, Todd Grisham was moved to SmackDown after Tazz departed WWE.[10][11] In addition to commentating on ECW and ECW pay-per-view matches, Mathews along with Matt Striker represented the ECW brand on Superstars every week starting with the inaugural episode on April 16, 2009.[12] After ECW's closure, Mathews became the color commentator of NXT. On the April 9, 2010 episode of SmackDown, Mathews was attacked with a sleeper hold by Dolph Ziggler when he was interviewing him. On December 10, Mathews officially replaced Todd Grisham as the play-by-play commentator for SmackDown, commentating alongside Michael Cole and Striker.[13] On the February 4, 2011, episode of SmackDown, Mathews and Cole were joined by Booker T, forming a three-man announce team. Mathews was replaced by William Regal as a commentator on season five of NXT in 2011.

In late 2010, Mathews often worked as the color commentator on Raw due to Jerry Lawler's increased in-ring competition. On April 3, 2011, Mathews commentated the majority of WrestleMania XXVII, though he received a 'Stone Cold Stunner' from an angered Stone Cold Steve Austin, cutting his night short.[14] The following night on Raw, Mathews found himself aligned with Jerry Lawler, and against Michael Cole. He then became the alternate spokesman for the Anonymous Raw General Manager, when Michael Cole was not commentating. He then using the new catchphrase "The Anonymous Raw General Manager says...", before reading each e-mail. On the April 25 episode of Raw, Mathews announced that the Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler vs. Michael Cole and Jack Swagger match at Extreme Rules will be a Country Whipping match, which Cole and Swagger won. At the following pay-per-view, Over the Limit, Mathews supported Lawler, Bret Hart and Eve Torres in having Michael Cole kiss Lawler's foot. The following night, again as the spokesman for the anonymous Raw General Manager, Mathews read the e-mail that denied The Miz's request for another title shot, seemingly done with John Cena. He left the Raw broadcasting table the following week, after Cole and Lawler reconciled, though he remained on the show as a backstage interviewer and backup commentator.

Mathews reunited with his former ECW and SmackDown broadcast partner Matt Striker on the November 10, 2011 episode of Superstars, becoming the full-time broadcasting team. He and Striker also called the November 9, 2011 broadcast of NXT, marking his second return to the show since his original run ended after season four. On the April 23, 2012 episode of Raw, Mathews was throttled by Brock Lesnar after Lesnar believed Mathews had made a smart-aleck comment towards him. Later in the year, he was attacked at SummerSlam, this time by Kane, who was angry over being defeated by Daniel Bryan. Mathews was again attacked by Kane on August 31, 2012 episode of SmackDown after he lost his match against Alberto Del Rio.

Mathews was the play-by-play commentator of Saturday Morning Slam throughout the show's 2012–2013 run. He was also a commentator of Main Event. On September 27, 2013, he started as commentator of Superstars with Tom Phillips.[15] On October 18, 2013 episode of SmackDown, Alberto Del Rio attacked Mathews while threatening John Cena about what he was going to do to him in Hell in a Cell. On June 25, 2014, Mathews was released from WWE.[16]

Total Nonstop Action Impact Wrestling (2014–2025)

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Mathews (right) commentating with D'Angelo Dinero in October 2015.

After being released from WWE, it was reported that Lomberger had signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) to work in their offices in Nashville.[17] Throughout November and December, Mathews appeared in episodes of #ImWithSpud on TNA's YouTube channel. In December 2014, TNA confirmed that Mathews would take Mike Tenay's place. In January 2015, Mathews was the lead announcer of Impact! (TV series) alongside Taz.[18] On June 3, 2015, D'Angelo Dinero officially joined Mathews as his broadcast partner for TNA Wrestling.

On the March 2, 2017 episode of Impact Wrestling, Mathews turned heel that night when he began favoring heel wrestlers over face wrestlers. He continuously praised himself, and he argued with D'Angelo Dinero throughout the broadcast. In April, Mathews had a series of arguments with Jeremy Borash and the two started a heated rivalry, which seemed to culminate in a match where Mathews and Borash formed teams of four wrestlers to compete against each other, with the team Mathews created ending up on the losing side, meaning he would no longer be lead-commentator. However, on April 21, Mathews returned to ringside accompanying Ethan Carter III, and joined Borash and Dinero, providing commentary, again belittling the wrestlers who the fans cheered for. At Slammiversary XV, Mathews teamed with Scott Steiner against Jeremy Borash and Joseph Park in a losing effort. On January 13, 2018, Matt Sydal turned heel and gifted his Impact Grand Championship to Mathews, only for Sydal to drop the belt to Austin Aries while defending it on Mathews' behalf. Following this, Mathews' heel commentator status was phased out.

Mathews ceased to be TNA's main play-by-play announcer following 2021 Hard To Kill, though he still occasionally filled in at shows when new lead Matt Striker was unavailable.

On February 12, 2025, it was reported that Mathews had parted ways with TNA ending his decade-long tenure with the company.[19]

All Elite Wrestling (2025–present)

[edit]

In May 2025, it was reported that Mathews had begun working for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as a producer.[20]

Personal life

[edit]

Lomberger was previously married to Rue DeBona from November 2006 until their divorce in 2008. In August 2015, Lomberger married Ashley Simmons, best known by her ring name Madison Rayne.[21]

Mathews, along with Batista, Shelton Benjamin and Candice Michelle, represented WWE at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in an effort to persuade fans to register to vote in the 2008 presidential election.[22]

Championships and accomplishments

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Josh Mathews

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Josh Mathews (born Joshua Lomberger; November 25, 1980) is an American commentator, producer, interviewer, and retired professional wrestler. He first gained prominence in the wrestling industry by finishing third in the inaugural season of WWE's Tough Enough reality competition in 2001, which led to a developmental contract with . During his WWE tenure from 2001 to 2006, Mathews worked primarily as a backstage interviewer and play-by-play commentator for secondary programs such as Velocity and Heat, while also briefly competing in the ring against opponents like . After leaving WWE, he joined in 2015, serving as the lead play-by-play announcer for the flagship Impact! program until 2023, when he transitioned to a senior producer role. Mathews briefly held the in 2018 after it was relinquished to him by , marking his sole major title in the industry, though not through in-ring competition. Following his departure from TNA in early 2025, he has contributed backstage to events, including Dynasty and All In. His commentary style has drawn mixed reception, with criticism from some observers for lacking energy compared to predecessors like Mike Tenay, though he maintained a consistent presence across promotions.

Early life

Upbringing and initial interests

Joshua Matthew Lomberger, professionally known as Josh Mathews, was born on November 25, 1980, in . He spent much of his upbringing in , where he later resided. Mathews attended in but did not complete his degree. His early interests focused on , reflecting a longstanding fandom; by age 16, he and his brothers purchased a backyard wrestling ring to experiment with the sport informally. Lacking any formal athletic or wrestling training at that stage, Mathews developed his knowledge primarily through self-directed enthusiasm as a spectator, setting the foundation for his later industry entry without prior competitive experience.

Professional wrestling career

World Wrestling Entertainment (2001–2014)

Mathews entered World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2001 as a contestant on the first season of MTV's Tough Enough reality competition, finishing as a runner-up behind winners Maven Huffman and Nidia Benedet. Despite not winning a contract through the competition, WWE hired him for non-wrestling roles due to his performance and charisma. In December 2002, Mathews debuted as a backstage interviewer for the SmackDown brand and served as an announcer for the secondary show Velocity alongside The Cat (Earl Hebner). He also hosted WWE's webcast Byte This! starting in early 2003, replacing Kevin Kelly after his release, and occasionally filled in as ring announcer for SmackDown. These roles established him as a reliable on-air personality for promotional segments and supplementary programming. Mathews briefly competed in the ring in 2004 on SmackDown, achieving an undefeated record of 2-0 in squash matches designed to showcase opponents rather than advance his wrestling career. Throughout his tenure, he participated in memorable segments, including being stunned by Stone Cold Steve Austin, thrown by Brock Lesnar, and trapped in Alberto Del Rio's cross armbreaker. By 2006, Mathews transitioned to commentary, serving as play-by-play announcer for shows including ECW, WWE Superstars, Heat, and Velocity. In December 2008, following Tazz's departure, he replaced Todd Grisham as play-by-play commentator for SmackDown alongside Michael Cole and later Matt Striker, while also providing color commentary for events like WrestleMania. His broadcasting work extended to WWE Main Event, NXT, and other syndicated programming, emphasizing straightforward narration over dramatic flair. WWE released Mathews on June 25, 2014, as part of talent cuts amid shifting production needs. Over his 13-year stint, he contributed to hundreds of broadcasts, primarily in supportive rather than lead announcing capacities.

Tough Enough participation and early roles

Josh Mathews, born Joshua Lomberger, competed as a contestant in the inaugural season of WWE Tough Enough, a reality competition series that aired on MTV from June to August 2001, seeking aspiring wrestlers for World Wrestling Entertainment contracts. He advanced to the finals as one of three runners-up alongside Maven Huffman and Nidia Guivani, who won the primary contracts, but Mathews secured a developmental deal with WWE focused on broadcasting rather than in-ring performance due to his on-camera presence and interview skills demonstrated during the show. Following the competition, Mathews briefly wrestled on the independent circuit and appeared in Jimmy Hart's X Wrestling Federation promotion in late 2001 and early 2002, gaining limited experience before transitioning fully to WWE roles. In late December 2002, Mathews debuted on programming as a backstage interviewer for the SmackDown brand, conducting segments with wrestlers and occasionally participating in on-screen comedy bits, such as his recurring "Burberry poster boy" mocking his attire. He simultaneously served as the play-by-play for , 's secondary SmackDown syndicated show, and hosted internet programs like After Burn and Byte This!, building his reputation in non-wrestling capacities through energetic delivery and familiarity with the roster. These early positions from 2002 to 2006 emphasized his utility as a reliable utility performer rather than a competitor, with minimal in-ring matches limited to dark matches and house shows where he occasionally teamed or jobbed to establish others.

Backstage interviewer and commentator transition

Mathews began his WWE tenure primarily as a backstage interviewer following his participation in the first season of Tough Enough in 2001, conducting segments for the SmackDown brand and hosting web programs such as Byte This! and After Burn. By December 2002, he expanded into commentary by serving as the play-by-play announcer for Velocity, SmackDown's companion syndicated program, while maintaining his interviewing responsibilities. This dual role marked the onset of his shift toward broadcast announcing, allowing him to gain experience calling matches alongside analysts like Michael Hayes. The transition accelerated in 2006 with the revival of ECW, where Mathews handled play-by-play duties on the weekly program, often paired with color commentators such as or Tazz, filling gaps left by Todd Grisham's move to other roles. He continued interviewing sporadically, including on Raw during periods of roster changes, but increasingly focused on commentary for secondary shows. By 2009, Mathews was assigned to , providing play-by-play from September 2009 onward, and contributed to early NXT seasons as the brand developed its format. These assignments honed his rapid-fire delivery and match narration skills, though his role remained confined to non-flagship programming amid competition from established announcers like Michael Cole and . Throughout this period, Mathews balanced backstage interviewing with expanding commentary obligations, but opportunities on main events like Raw or SmackDown were limited, reflecting WWE's hierarchical structure for on-air talent. His work on shows like , ECW, Superstars, and NXT—which collectively aired hundreds of episodes—built a foundation for his later lead commentary positions elsewhere, culminating in his release on January 16, 2014.

Total Nonstop Action / Impact Wrestling (2014–2025)

Mathews signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in December 2014, debuting as the lead play-by-play commentator on the January 7, 2015 episode of Impact Wrestling on Destination America, replacing longtime announcer Mike Tenay and partnering with Taz. In June 2015, D'Angelo Dinero joined him as color commentator, forming a broadcast team that covered TNA's weekly programming and major events.

Primary commentary duties and on-air feuds

Throughout his initial years, Mathews handled primary commentary responsibilities, calling matches and advancing storylines on Impact Wrestling. He developed an on-air persona that acknowledged fan criticisms, often incorporating self-deprecating humor and direct responses to online detractors, which led to feuds such as his 2017 rivalry with TNA executive . This feud culminated in a match at on July 2, 2017, where Mathews teamed with against Borash and Abyss. Mathews also briefly held the in 2018, drawing backlash for receiving the title without a competitive match, further fueling his antagonistic on-screen character.

Limited in-ring performances and storylines

Mathews' in-ring appearances were sporadic, primarily tied to his commentator role rather than a full-time wrestling schedule. Notable bouts included a public sparring display on the June 15, 2017 episode of Impact Wrestling in , , where he executed a Swanton Bomb, and occasional tag matches stemming from broadcast angles. These performances emphasized and heel antics over athletic competition, aligning with his storyline positioning as a polarizing figure mocked by crowds and peers.

Backstage production and 2025 departure

On January 16, 2021, Mathews transitioned from full-time commentary to senior producer, overseeing broadcast production while occasionally filling in at the announce desk. In this capacity, he managed show flow, storyline integration, and technical execution for TNA events. Mathews departed TNA on February 12, 2025, as part of a backstage restructuring under new company president , with TNA issuing a statement appreciating his decade-long contributions but confirming his exit alongside other personnel like . No specific reasons for the departure were disclosed publicly.

Primary commentary duties and on-air feuds

In December 2014, Josh Mathews was appointed as the lead play-by-play commentator for Impact Wrestling, succeeding ahead of the promotion's move to in January 2015. He handled primary duties for weekly Impact episodes and events, focusing on match narration, storyline recaps, and wrestler statistics. Mathews typically partnered with Taz as color commentator during this initial phase, debuting the duo on the January 2015 live Impact broadcast; Taz provided analysis until his departure in April 2015. Subsequent partners included D'Angelo Dinero (The Pope), with whom Mathews called matches through various programming shifts. His commentary tenure as primary voice lasted until January 16, 2021, when he transitioned to senior producer, though he made sporadic returns to the booth through 2023. Mathews developed an on-air heel persona during this era, leaning into audience disapproval by mocking critics via social media references in his entrances and promos. This approach drew consistent live crowd chants such as "Josh is terrible" at tapings, amplifying his antagonistic role. A key on-air feud stemmed from Mathews' 2017 YouTube claim of being the world's best play-by-play announcer, which prompted rebuttals from colleague Jeremy Borash and escalated into Twitter exchanges. The rivalry moved to television, featuring Borash invading the commentary desk, a physical altercation resulting in Borash's storyline suspension, and segments alluding to real-world announcer bullying controversies. It peaked at Slammiversary on July 2, 2017, with a tag match pitting Borash and Abyss against Mathews and Scott Steiner. The feud reinforced Mathews' heel status but was phased out by late 2017 as programming refocused.

Limited in-ring performances and storylines

Mathews' in-ring excursions in Impact Wrestling were sparse, confined to angle-driven matches that amplified his commentator persona rather than establishing him as a competitive wrestler. On June 15, 2017, during Impact's tour in , , he engaged in a televised "public display" against local talent Sandeep Tekhan, culminating in a Swanton for the pinfall victory—a rare athletic spot highlighting his non-wrestling background. The pinnacle of his limited mat time occurred at Slammiversary XV on July 2, 2017, where Mathews partnered with Scott Steiner against Jeremy Borash and Abyss in a tag team bout stemming from their ongoing broadcast rivalry; Borash's team prevailed via pinfall. This feud originated from on-air bickering and real-life Twitter exchanges, positioning Mathews as an overconfident antagonist mocked by fans with chants like "Josh is terrible" at live events. In March 2018, Mathews briefly held the after handed him the on the episode, a one-day decried by observers as a that fueled further audience disdain without meaningful defense or elevation. Sydal then carried the belt into a title-vs.-title clash with on March 29, underscoring Mathews' role as a non-competitive prop in the storyline. These segments, while generating through his arrogant claims of being wrestling's premier announcer, underscored the performative rather than proficient nature of his wrestling involvement.

Backstage production and 2025 departure

In addition to his on-air commentary duties, Mathews served as a senior producer for TNA Wrestling in his later years, contributing to event production and coordination. This role involved facilitating backstage operations, including communication between production staff and talent during live broadcasts. His production responsibilities expanded as TNA underwent internal restructuring, reflecting a shift from primary announcing to supportive creative functions. On February 12, 2025, TNA Wrestling announced Mathews' departure from the company, ending his 11-year tenure that began in 2014. The exit occurred amid a broader backstage reshuffle, which included the appointment of Anthony Cicione as the new president under parent company and the departure of other personnel, such as . TNA's official statement expressed appreciation for Mathews' long-term commitment and extended well wishes for his future endeavors, without disclosing specific reasons for the separation.

All Elite Wrestling (2025–present)

In February 2025, Mathews departed (TNA) amid a broader backstage reshuffle that included the exit of several personnel. Reports emerged in April 2025 that he had begun contributing to (AEW) and its sister promotion (ROH) in a behind-the-scenes capacity, with confirmation of his signing following in May. Mathews assumed the role of producer, focusing on production liaison duties to support event coordination and broadcast operations for AEW and ROH programming. His first on-screen appearance for AEW occurred on July 12, 2025, during the Zero Hour pre-show at All In: Texas, where he participated as a panelist analyzing matches and conducted a backstage interview with Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay. As of October 2025, Mathews continues in his production role without regular on-air commitments, leveraging his prior experience from WWE and TNA to aid AEW's operational structure.

Backstage production and initial on-screen appearances

In May 2025, following his departure from TNA Wrestling earlier that year, Josh Mathews joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in a backstage production capacity. His role centered on operational support within the production truck, where he streamlined communication between the production crew and on-air performers. Mathews primarily contributed to Ring of Honor (ROH) events, AEW's sister promotion, handling logistics for broadcasts and events. Mathews transitioned to limited on-screen duties with his AEW debut on July 12, 2025, during the Zero Hour pre-show at All In: Texas. Introduced by , he appeared as a panelist discussing event previews and conducted a backstage interview segment featuring and Will Ospreay. This marked his first visible role for the promotion after months of off-camera work, blending his production expertise with prior announcing experience.

Commentary style and reception

Technical skills and contributions to broadcasts

Josh Mathews has maintained a career in play-by-play commentary spanning over two decades, beginning with his WWE Tough Enough appearance in 2001 and extending through roles in WWE, TNA/Impact Wrestling, and AEW. This longevity reflects adaptability across diverse wrestling promotions and formats, including high-energy extreme rules contests during WWE's ECW revival from 2006 to 2010, where he handled rapid sequences and signature maneuvers with consistent pacing. His sustained employment in lead announcing positions, such as TNA's flagship Impact! program from 2015 onward, underscores reliable delivery amid varying match speeds and storylines. Mathews' technical proficiency includes precise callouts of in-ring action, as evidenced by his self-described focus on straight play-by-play narration accumulated over twelve years by , enabling clear conveyance of moves, holds, and transitions without undue interruption. In WWE's ECW broadcasts, he contributed to brand-specific hype by accurately detailing hardcore elements and wrestler histories, facilitating viewer immersion during the promotion's weekly Sci-Fi Channel episodes. In recent AEW appearances, Mathews has aided event promotion through on-screen analysis, such as joining pre-show panels at All In: Texas on July 12, 2025, to preview matches and build anticipation for the card. His versatility in transitioning between backstage production and broadcast contributions further highlights practical enhancements to overall programming flow across promotions.

Fan and peer criticisms

Fans expressed widespread dissatisfaction with Mathews' play-by-play commentary after he replaced in (TNA) in 2014, often citing a lack of the predecessor's authoritative presence and frequent factual errors or overly promotional delivery. This sentiment peaked during TNA's rebranding to Impact Wrestling in 2017, when Mathews engaged in an on-air feud with producer , portraying himself as superior and responding combatively to critics on , which alienated segments of the internet wrestling (IWC). The feud culminated in a tag team match at XV on July 2, 2017, where Mathews partnered with against Borash and Joseph Park, drawing further ire for perceived self-aggrandizement and TNA's decision to "gift" Mathews the earlier that year, seen by fans as undeserved amid declining ratings. Live crowds occasionally chanted "Josh is terrible" during events, reflecting sustained fan frustration with his monotone style and perceived arrogance, including a 2017 claim of being "the best commentator ever" that amplified online mockery. While some narratives portrayed Mathews personally as difficult, peer commentary offered counterpoints; former WWE competitor Maven, a Tough Enough co-contestant, stated in late 2023 that accusations of Mathews being a "terrible person" were unfounded, attributing public dislike primarily to professional rivalries rather than character flaws. Maven reiterated in 2024 that Mathews possessed strong wrestling acumen overlooked by detractors, suggesting envy or misunderstanding fueled the backlash.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Mathews was married to , a former interviewer, from November 2006 until their divorce in 2008. In August 2015, Mathews married Ashley Simmons, known professionally as , a wrestler and former multi-time Impact Knockouts Champion. The couple first met in January 2015 at an Impact Wrestling television taping in New York. Mathews and Rayne have balanced family responsibilities with the travel-intensive nature of professional wrestling; Rayne has one child from a prior marriage, whom the couple raises together.

Championships and accomplishments

Title wins and accolades

Mathews' sole major championship reign occurred in Impact Wrestling, where he was awarded the on the March 15, 2018, episode of Impact Wrestling, taped in . In the storyline, former champion , portrayed as Mathews' mystical "spirit guide," handed him the title without a competitive match, positioning Mathews as an unlikely defender rather than a traditional victor. He held the championship for 14 days before losing it to Sydal on the March 29 episode. This non-competitive acquisition drew criticism from fans and observers for undermining the title's prestige, as it bypassed standard wrestling merit through in-ring achievement. Mathews has not won any championships in WWE or other major promotions, reflecting his primary career focus on commentary and production over sustained in-ring competition. No additional formal accolades, such as awards for wrestling achievements, are recorded in promotion histories beyond this brief title stint.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1052828/
  2. https://www.foxsports.com/wwe/josh-mathews-superstar-bio
  3. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/josh-mathews/
  4. https://www.postwrestling.com/2025/07/12/josh-mathews-makes-on-screen-debut-for-aew-during-all-in-pre-show/
  5. https://www.cagesideseats.com/2018/3/16/17128158/impact-josh-mathews-new-champion-matt-sydal-spirit-guide
  6. https://cultaholic.com/posts/report-josh-mathews-works-backstage-at-aew-dynasty-2025
  7. https://411mania.com/wrestling/the-rise-and-fall-of-josh-matthews/
  8. https://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/josh-mathews-3689.html
  9. https://gerweck.net/2009/10/03/josh-mathews/
  10. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Josh_Lomberger
  11. https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article158761204.html
  12. https://www.windycityslam.com/home/2019/10/10/josh-mathews-is-all-in-with-impact-wrestling
  13. https://insidepulse.com/2015/04/16/throwback-thursday-tough-enough-throwback-josh-mathews/
  14. https://www.wwe.com/superstars/joshmathews
  15. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=337&name=Josh%2BMathews
  16. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/wrestlers/josh-mathews
  17. https://slamwrestling.net/interviews/slammiversary-a-full-circle-moment-for-josh-mathews/
  18. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/wrestling/former-wwe-talent-reportedly-signs-aew-2067031
  19. https://www.cagesideseats.com/tna-impact/2014/12/18/7418199/tna-josh-mathews-new-lead-announcer-impact-official
  20. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/854079-josh-mathews-talks-feud-w-jeremy-borash-impact-wrestling-building-momentum-origins-of-his-on-air-persona
  21. https://www.facebook.com/TNAWrestlingFB/videos/jeremy-borash-and-abyss-vs-josh-mathews-and-scott-steiner-slammiversary-2017/240291920968884/
  22. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/934853-exclusive-impact-grand-champion-josh-mathews-on-backlash-of-being-gifted-the-title-being-hated-by-the-iwc-being-a-spirit-guide-more
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG-xk-2zrsE
  24. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2022/01/07/josh-mathews-produces-results-for-impact/
  25. https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/tna/tna-reportedly-parts-ways-with-major-backstage-names-including-josh-mathews-and-christy-hemme
  26. https://www.cagesideseats.com/2025/2/12/24364749/tna-wrestling-statement-new-president-christy-hemme-josh-mathews-exits-anthem
  27. https://www.ringsidenews.com/josh-matthews-departs-tna-wrestling-decade/
  28. https://www.sescoops.com/news/tna/josh-mathews-exits-tna-after-10-years/
  29. https://www.facebook.com/groups/WrestlingMMAForum/posts/1257710684319390/
  30. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/55zzhv/from_a_fan_who_attended_the_impact_tapings_crowd/
  31. https://www.cagesideseats.com/tna/2017/2/12/14592108/josh-mathews-jeremy-borash-twitter-beef-tna-announcing
  32. https://www.cagesideseats.com/tna/2017/4/28/15475038/impact-wrestling-uses-wwe-bullying-controversy-jbl-mauro-ranallo-in-borash-mathews-announcer-feud
  33. https://www.cagesideseats.com/2025/2/12/24364474/tna-wrestling-behind-the-scenes-changes-christy-hemme-josh-mathews-president-anthony-cicione-anthem
  34. https://www.cultaholic.com/posts/report-josh-mathews-works-backstage-at-aew-dynasty-2025
  35. https://cultaholic.com/posts/update-on-josh-mathews-behind-the-scenes-role-in-aew
  36. https://www.wrestlingnewssource.com/news/91840/Josh-Mathews-Exits-TNA-Wrestling-After-a-Decade/
  37. https://www.newsweek.com/sports/wrestling/former-wwe-star-joins-aew-2074360
  38. https://www.sescoops.com/news/aew/josh-mathews-appears-on-aew-all-in-zero-hour-pre-show/
  39. https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2025/7/12/24466450/josh-mathews-aew-on-screen-debut-all-in-texas-former-wwe-tna-announcer-producer-impact
  40. https://wrestletalk.com/news/former-wwe-debuts-aew-all-in-texas-2025/
  41. https://cultaholic.com/posts/josh-mathews-role-in-aew-revealed
  42. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-josh-mathews-working-backstage-aew
  43. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/817145-josh-mathews-on-proclaiming-himself-the-best-play-by-play-commentator-in-the-world-his-current-impact-wrestling-role-and-more
  44. https://www.ringsidenews.com/ex-tna-personality-working-behind-scenes-aew-production-trucks/
  45. https://wrestlingnews.co/tna-news/jeremy-borash-shoots-on-josh-mathews/
  46. https://www.cagesideseats.com/tna/2017/3/3/14800700/why-josh-mathews-still-have-job-tna-impact-wrestling-bad-announcer
  47. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Scott_Steiner
  48. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/934853-exclusive-impact-grand-champion-josh-mathews-on-backlash-of-being-gifted-the-title-being-hated-by-the-iwc-being-a-spirit-guide-more/2
  49. https://www.reddit.com/r/SquaredCircle/comments/1inz1i9/josh_mathews_is_gone_from_tna_wrestling/
  50. https://wrestlingnews.co/tna-news/josh-mathews-explains-previously-calling-himself-the-best-commentator-ever/
  51. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1476929/former-wwe-star-maven-explains-josh-mathews-isnt-terrible-person/
  52. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/maven-josh-mathews-probably-ve-230000599.html
  53. https://411mania.com/wrestling/maven-josh-matthews-tough-enough/
  54. https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/editorial/madison-rayne-josh-matthews-get-married-last-month-manik-turns-32-gfw-event-tonight-more
  55. https://www.tvinsider.com/931891/madison-rayne-josh-mathews-impact-wrestling/
  56. https://wwedivas.fandom.com/wiki/Ashley_Rayne
  57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnq1eYn3Avg
  58. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/title-history/tna/impact-grand-championship
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