Chris Lea Biography: A Sports Journalism Powerhouse at WRAL-TV
Chris Lea is a prominent sports journalist currently serving as a sports anchor/reporter at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina.
He joined WRAL’s sports department on March 4, 2020, in time for ACC Tournament coverage.
Early Life and Education:
Lea’s path into journalism began early. In high school, he participated in the Greensboro News and Record’s minority journalism workshop, where he met established journalists.
He also played a role in restarting his high school’s defunct newspaper. In 2004, he was hired by the News and Record as a sports editorial assistant, covering events like the Carolina Dynamo and UNCG soccer.
He is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG).
During his junior year at UNCG, he auditioned for MTV’s closed-circuit college channel MTVU and became their backstage student correspondent for the 2007 MTVU Woodie Music Awards, interviewing celebrities like Lupe Fiasco and Kenan Thompson.
Career Highlights:
Chris Lea has a broad range of experience in media:
- Sports Journalism: He is the lead sports anchor at WRAL-TV. He has also been seen on WCNC-TV (Charlotte, NC), WXII-TV (Winston Salem, NC), WCMC-FM (Raleigh, NC), and WECT-TV (Wilmington, NC). He has also done play-by-play commentary for CBS Sports and ASE Wrestling.
- Radio: He was an on-air personality for the hip-hop radio station 102 Jamz in Greensboro, NC.
- Professional Wrestling: Under the nickname “ShoSmoove,” Chris Lea was a professional wrestler with Fire Star Pro Wrestling (FSPW). He held the FSPW Heavyweight Championship.
- Interviews: Throughout his career, he has interviewed significant figures in sports, including LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Cam Newton.
Chris Lea has consistently pursued opportunities that align with his career aspirations, often making moves with work-life balance in mind, especially after starting a family.
He is known for his ability to adapt and find compelling stories, even under challenging circumstances, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic when he leveraged his connections to find unique stories despite limitations on in-person interviews.
In his free time, Chris enjoys watching financial markets, working out, and exploring vegan food options.
Chris Lea’s engaging personality and strong sports background have made him a valuable member of the WRAL-TV team.
Age:
Chris Lea was born on April 10, 1986, making him 39 years old as of 2025. He is African-American and proudly holds American nationality, having been born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Parents and Siblings:
Chris Lea was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was raised by both parents, Alphonso (father) and Eleanor Williams Wat (mother). Chris has three siblings: Morgan, Relle Scott, and Melo Williams.
Wife:
Chris Lea is happily married to Karissa. They tied the knot on January 9, 2014. Together, they have two children: Karis Rose and Cora B. Lea. The family resides in Durham, North Carolina.
Height, Weight:
Chris Lea stands at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) and weighs 172 pounds (78 kilograms).
Career and Background:
Chris Lea, a native of North Carolina, began his career in radio and eventually found himself in the world of television.
He started his television career as a Traffic Anchor/Reporter before transitioning to Sports Anchor/Reporter/Photographer.
His passion for sports led him to become a well-known sports journalist and anchor for WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Journalism Career
Chris Lea has built a successful career in journalism, particularly in sports reporting. He started as a traffic reporter at WXII-TV in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, before transitioning to sports reporting.
He later joined WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, as a sports anchor and reporter, where he has covered a wide range of sports events from high school sports to professional leagues.
Early Career
- WXII-TV: Chris began his career at WXII-TV in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in 2013 as a traffic reporter before transitioning to sports. He served as the captain of the WXII sports team. Additionally, He covered a variety of local and regional sports events, including high school sports, college athletics, and professional sports.
- Greensboro News & Record: He worked as a sports editorial assistant and writer.
- 102 Jamz Radio: Chris was a part-time on-air host for the radio station.
WRAL-TV
- March 2020 – Present: Chris joined WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, as a sports anchor and reporter. As the lead sports anchor at WRAL-TV, Lea covers a wide range of sports, including college basketball, football, and professional sports teams in North Carolina. He is known for his in-depth reporting, engaging commentary, and captivating storytelling.
- ACC Tournament Coverage: He joined the WRAL sports team just in time for ACC Tournament coverage in March 2020.
- Collaborative Work: Chris works alongside other WRAL anchors and reporters, contributing significantly to digital and social media efforts.
- Documentaries: Lea has been involved in several documentaries, including “Ghosts in the Stadium” and “When Giants Walked Here,” which explore the rich history of sports in the Carolinas.
Career Timeline
| Year(s) | Role & Organization |
|---|---|
| 2004–2007 | Sports Editorial Assistant/Writer, Greensboro News & Record |
| 2007–2019 | On-Air Personality, WJMH 102 Jamz (Morning Show Producer, Host of “Straight Talk”) |
| 2007 | Hosted an episode of The Dean’s List on mtvU; Backstage Correspondent for the mtvU Woodie Awards |
| 2013–2015 | Traffic Anchor, WXII 12 News |
| 2015–2020 | Sports Anchor, WXII 12 News |
| 2020–Present | Sports Anchor/Reporter, WRAL-TV |
Notable Stories
Chris Lea has covered several notable stories during his career at WRAL-TV. Here are some highlights:
- ACC Tournament Coverage: Chris joined WRAL-TV just in time for the ACC Tournament in March 2020, which was one of the first major events canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He reported on the shock and disappointment of the players and fans.
- John Newman Coverage: Chris covered John Newman, a Clemson player from Greensboro, during his time at WXII-TV.
- Interviews with Wrestling Legends: Chris has had the opportunity to interview wrestling legends such as Matt and Jeff Hardy, discussing their upcoming appearances and reflecting on their careers.
- High School Sports: He has reported on various high school sports events, providing coverage and highlights for young athletes.
- Professional Sports: Chris covers professional sports, including the Carolina Panthers, and provides analysis and updates on their games and players.
Accolades:
- Awards: Lea’s work at WRAL-TV has been recognized with numerous awards, including Emmys and Edward R. Murrow awards.
- Captain of WXII Sports Team: Chris served as the captain of the sports team at WXII-TV in Winston-Salem, leading the station’s sports efforts for seven years.
- UNC Greensboro Alumni Achievement: Chris has been recognized by his alma mater, UNC Greensboro, for his contributions to the field of journalism and sports reporting.
- Community Involvement: Chris has been involved in various community initiatives and has received recognition for his efforts to promote sports journalism and mentor young journalists.
Chris Lea works alongside several talented colleagues at WRAL-TV. Some of his close colleagues include:
- Mary Dunleavy: A fellow sports anchor who has been a great partner in covering sports events.
- Jared Fialko: Another sports reporter with whom Chris collaborates on various sports stories.
- Sloane Heffernan: A well-known anchor and reporter at WRAL-TV.
- Brett Knese: A dedicated journalist who often works on breaking news stories.
- Leslie Moreno: A reporter who covers a wide range of topics, including sports.
- Adam Owens: A seasoned journalist with a strong background in news reporting.
- Lauren Brownlow: A reporter who brings in-depth stories to the viewers.
Chris Lea values the camaraderie and teamwork within the WRAL-TV newsroom, and he often speaks fondly of his colleagues and the enjoyable moments they share.
Pro Wrestling Career
Chris Lea, also known by his wrestling persona “ShoSmoove”, had a notable career in professional wrestling.
He made his pro wrestling debut on August 19, 2012, and quickly rose through the ranks.
He trained under notable wrestlers such as Jeff Rudd, Roy Wilkins, and Trevor Lee.
Chris became a popular star in Fire Star Pro Wrestling (FSPW), where he won the FSPW Heavyweight Championship in 2015.
He retired from professional wrestling in the same year but left a lasting impact on the wrestling community.
Chris Lea’s journey from journalism to professional wrestling and back to journalism showcases his versatility and passion for storytelling, whether it’s through reporting or in the wrestling ring.
Is Chris Lea Married?
Yes, Chris Lea is married. He is married to Karissa, and they have two children, Karis Rose and Cora B. Lea. The family resides in Durham, North Carolina.
How Old Is Chris Lea?
Chris Lea was born on April 10, 1986, which makes him 39 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Chris Lea Working?
Chris Lea is currently working at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina.
He serves as a sports anchor and reporter, covering a wide range of sports events from high school sports to professional leagues.
Chris joined WRAL-TV in March 2020 and has been an integral part of the sports team since then.
Chris Lea is active on social media. He interacts with his fans quite often and has a significant following:
Chris often posts updates about his work, personal life, and sports events, engaging with his audience and sharing behind-the-scenes moments.
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