ESPN analyst and longtime NBA Draft expert Jay Bilas says he would be open to stepping into the world of WWE in a big way.
While speaking with Justin Barrasso‘s Extra Mustard, Bilas was asked about the possibility of hosting a future WWE Draft. The longtime college basketball analyst didn’t hesitate when discussing both his interest in professional wrestling and his appreciation for the evolution of the industry.
“I wouldn’t say no to that. I love wrestling. I grew up on it. I really enjoyed it when I was growing up, and my favorite was John Tolos. But the wrestling I watched feels primitive compared to what we see now. With all the pageantry, it’s become this incredible spectacle.”
Bilas naming John Tolos as one of his childhood favorites will resonate with longtime wrestling fans familiar with the legendary heel’s influence during wrestling’s territorial era. Known as “The Golden Greek,” Tolos became one of the most recognizable stars of his generation and helped shape the style and presentation of wrestling during the 1960s and 1970s, throughout a career that stretched through the early 1950s to the early 1980s.
The idea of Bilas hosting a WWE Draft would not feel entirely out of place given WWE’s continued crossover with mainstream sports media and entertainment personalities in recent years. WWE has regularly brought in analysts, athletes, musicians, and celebrities to contribute to major events, particularly around marquee broadcasts and premium live events.
Bilas has built a respected reputation over the years through his work covering college basketball and the NBA Draft for ESPN. His ability to command a live broadcast environment and present major selections could translate naturally into WWE’s annual Draft presentation.
WWE has also leaned heavily into creating a more sports-oriented presentation in recent years, especially around concepts like the Draft, rankings, and championship contention. Adding a recognizable sports television personality like Bilas into that environment would fit the company’s current direction.
Whether the opportunity ever materializes remains to be seen, but Bilas clearly sounds open to the possibility of making an appearance inside the WWE universe.