WWE Star Calls Out Michael Cole: “Bayley Was Right About Him”
Michael Cole has been a staple voice of WWE for over two decades, but even seasoned professionals have their off nights.
During the 20-woman Battle Royal at WWE Evolution 2, Cole made a noticeable on-air gaffe by mistakenly calling Candice LeRae “Candice Michelle,” confusing the current WWE Superstar with the retired former Women’s Champion.
The error didn’t go unnoticed, especially by LeRae herself.
Candice LeRae Weighs In After Michael Cole’s Evolution Botch
Taking to her Instagram account after the event, LaRae responded to the name botch with sharp humor, referencing longtime backstage chatter surrounding Michael Cole and Bayley.
“How’s life?”
Well…. Michael Cole keeps screwing up my name (@itsmebayley was right about him apparently), the NXT girls are super disrespectful bullies, and then I came home to my beautiful son…. Who kicked me in the nose and busted me open. Doing great. But hey! I have new merch sooooo…. If anyone is interested in cheering me up…. There’s that,” she wrote.
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The comment wasn’t just a playful jab; it also rekindled a long-running inside joke in WWE circles involving Bayley and her faux “feud” with Cole. The rivalry began during the pandemic era when WWE operated in empty arenas and leaned into more spontaneous commentary-based segments.
Bayley took full advantage, regularly heckling Cole at the ringside, cutting promos directly at the announce table, and even encouraging fans to chant “Michael Cole s*cks” during her matches.
Although their interactions have always been comedic and scripted, Bayley has publicly acknowledged that Cole is a key mentor behind the scenes, offering advice and support to younger talent.