The commentary team plays an indispensable role in WWE’s programming, but the lineup is always subject to change. According to PWInsider, WWE SmackDown’s broadcasts are set to undergo a revamp. Going forward in 2024, all commentary booths will feature two men.
This move shows that WWE is making a significant change to its broadcasting approach at the beginning of the new year. Legendary WWE announcer Michael Cole is set to join the commentary team exclusively for WWE Monday Night Raw by exiting his double duty with this new change.
Michael Cole was reportedly removed from the SmackDown commentary team
In an announcement made five months ago, WWE stated that they were making changes to the commentary teams for Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown. The team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett was moved to Raw, while the duo consisting of Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves shifted to FOX Fridays.
However, Cole remained on SmackDown and took on double duty to assist Patrick as he adjusted to his new role as the solo “play-by-play” commentator. According to a report from PWInsider on January 1st, WWE is considering having two-person teams announce all shows in the future. This implies that Michael Cole will no longer be announcing SmackDown. It remains unclear whether the teams calling the shows will undergo any changes.
Michael Cole’s time on #SmackDown has reportedly come to an end.
— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) January 1, 2024
PWInsider is reporting that WWE will be using the two-man format for commentary:#WWERAW: Cole & Barrett.#SmackDown: Patrick & Graves. pic.twitter.com/cbBOhb0nRi
It’s worth noting the timing of this report, which surfaced after the announcement of Kevin Dunn’s departure. Michael Cole, not only a commentator for WWE shows but also holding an executive position within the company for the past few years. With Dunn’s exit, Cole may be in line for additional responsibilities as the long-time head of television and production departs.
Michael Cole’s current additional role in WWE
There’s been a lot of change in the management of WWE over the past several months. Longtime executives George Barrios and Michelle Wilson are out. Triple H had his duties strategically shuffled after he became CCO of WWE with the formation of the TKO group of holdings.
According to PWInsider, Michael Cole has been promoted to Vice President of Announcing. The change took place a couple of weeks ago, as reported by the insider. Cole has been a long-time voice of the WWE, having joined the company in 1997 after working as a news reporter covering major events like U.S. presidential campaigns and the terrorist bombing in Oklahoma City for CBS Radio.
During the past few years, Cole has been moving towards a behind-the-scenes position. He is currently hiring and training new voice talents. With his recent promotion, it appears that he is taking another step towards a producing role and guiding the new generation of announcers to the path of glory.
What are your thoughts on Michael Cole’s new role in WWE? Let us know in the comment section below!
