News

WWE Making Major Changes To Commentary Teams

By TJR Staff • Published 6th October 2022
WWE Commentary

According to a new report, WWE is shaking up its commentary teams which will see several stars returning while one is “officially done”.

Back in September, SmackDown commentator Pat McAfee announced he was taking a hiatus from WWE to take up a full-time position on ESPN’s College GameDay. Since then, Michael Cole has been joined on commentary by Corey Graves.

However, a new report from Variety has confirmed that Cole will instead be paired up with Wade Barrett on the blue brand going forward.

Barrett’s place on NXT will be taken by Hall of Famer Booker T, who will call the action alongside Vic Joseph. Booker T has previously provided commentary on both Raw and SmackDown, last appearing at the desk full-time in 2018.

Meanwhile, Raw will now be called by Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves. This is a promotion for Patrick, who has held various onscreen positions in the company, including as a backstage interviewer, host of Raw Talk, and commentator on Main Event.

Byron Saxton will now become a backstage interviewer for Raw alongside the returning Cathy Kelley, who previously appeared in a similar role for WWE from 2016-2020.

Raw commentator Jimmy Smith has confirmed the news that his time in the company is “officially done”.

“Just wanted to say, now that the story is officially out, that my time with the WWE is officially done. Had a lot of fun and met some great people. Really and truly blown away by the acceptance from the WWE fans! You folks make it work every week and your enthusiasm was amazing!”

Regarding McAfee, the Variety story wrote that McAfee is expected to return to WWE upon the conclusion of the college football season.

Variety also noted that the team for Premium Live Events will be Michael Cole and Corey Graves.