Backstage Update on Recent WWE Commentary Changes

[Kemo]

WWE's broadcast partners played quite a role in the recent changes to the commentary teams of Raw and SmackDown.

This week's Raw served as the first episode of the red brand following the shake-up to the commentary teams. Michael Cole has returned to Raw and has been joined by Wade Barrett. Barrett made his commentary debut as part of NXT and was moved to SmackDown last October, replacing Pat McAfee. For SmackDown, Cole will remain on the blue brand as well and will be joined by Corey Graves and Kevin Patrick.

PW Insider Elite reports that these changes were influenced by Endeavor and WWE's broadcasting partners. They collectively advocated for Michael Cole to take on the role of lead announcer for both Raw and SmackDown due to his extensive experience with the company. Cole, a former correspondent of the Yugoslavian Civil War, joined the wrestling world in 1997, replacing Todd Pettengill.

The report emphasized WWE's trust in the abilities of Cole and Graves and believes the pair will support Kevin Patrick. The Irish broadcast is highly regarded by WWE, and his move from Raw to SmackDown should not be seen as a demotion. Instead, WWE views the move as an opportunity for Patrick to "acquire additional experience and cultivate the desired voice and atmosphere expected from their lead announcers.”

[LionDen]

They should have Graves and Cole on RAW and Smackdown IMO.