WWE Changes Up Its Commentary Lineup Significantly
The voices leading viewers through the action will change significantly as WWE continues to develop its programming. WWE is changing up the commentary teams for both Raw and SmackDown in preparation for SmackDown’s September 13 move to the USA Network. This involves bringing in new talent and bringing back well-loved duos. This announcement is made as the business gets ready for both of its flagship series to debut on the USA Network during a transitional phase. The intentional adjustments are meant to strike a balance between the known and the unknown, keeping viewers interested and delighted.
Corey Graves and Michael Cole: A Proven Duo for SmackDown
Fans of SmackDown will recognize the new commentary team immediately. When the blue brand moves to its new home on the USA Network, Michael Cole and Corey Graves are expected to take over as broadcasters. This combination, which combines seasoned knowledge with incisive, frequently comical interactions, has come to be associated with WWE’s most prominent moments. With his many years of expertise, Cole provides a degree of gravitas and professionalism that grounds the show, while Graves injects a lighthearted and irreverent touch that has won him over many fans.
WWE made a wise and safe option by putting Cole and Graves on SmackDown. These pundits are a dependable option at this time of change because they have demonstrated their capacity to improve the product and the storytelling of matches. Cole and Graves will provide the SmackDown brand the stability and consistency it needs as WWE works out the kinks of having both Raw and SmackDown on the same network.
Joe Tessitore Enters the Ranks as the New Voice of WWE Raw
The WWE is adding a new face to its Raw commentary lineup, on the other hand. Joe Tessitore, a seasoned sportscaster with a lengthy tenure at ESPN, will take over as the voice of WWE’s main program starting next week. Tessitore has called games for major sporting events such as College GameDay and Monday Night Football, so she is no stranger to high-pressure broadcasting. His move to WWE commentary is a fantastic development that demonstrates the company’s dedication to bringing in elite talent from the wider sports broadcasting industry.
Not only does Tessitore have an impressive resume, but his arrival on Raw is noteworthy because it creates a link between traditional sports and sports entertainment. His play-by-play background in high-stakes, competitive settings should be a good fit for the erratic, fast-paced schedule of WWE programming. Tessitore’s ability to swiftly adjust to the particular requirements of WWE commentary—which call for harmony between character analysis, storytelling, and in-ring action—will, nevertheless, determine how successful he is. The way Tessitore’s style fits into the WWE world will excite fans.
Wade Barrett: The Senseless Pick to Round Out the Raw Commentary Group
Though it hasn’t been formally confirmed, it appears that Wade Barrett will be working with Tessitore at the Raw commentary desk. Barrett offers a plethora of wrestling expertise and experience to the table as a former WWE superstar and current NXT commentator. He made a smooth transition from competitor in the ring to pundit, receiving accolades from both colleagues and viewers for his perceptive analysis.
Tessitore and Barrett together might make for an entertaining commentary team on Raw. Combining Tessitore’s polished announcing abilities with Barrett’s in-depth knowledge of the WWE product may result in a novel approach to Raw’s presentation. Tessitore’s clear play-by-play style would be well complemented by Barrett’s ability to dissect the technical parts of wrestling, as well as his dry sense of humor, making them an entertaining tandem to watch.
Pat McAfee’s Comeback: A Reunion on Raw
When it was announced that Michael Cole and the charming former NFL punter Pat McAfee would be returning on Raw, WWE fans were ecstatic. This reunion, meanwhile, won’t take place until January 2025 because McAfee is now obligated to his football season. The excitement around McAfee’s return to WWE has only grown during his departure, as his distinct zeal and intensity have set him apart as a commentator when he initially joined the organization.
Michael Cole and McAfee’s return to Raw is expected to revitalize the show. There’s no denying their chemistry, with McAfee’s youthful energy wonderfully balancing Cole’s experience. When WWE moves to Netflix in 2025, this reunion will surely be a highlight of the show, offering fans a new but comforting experience. Raw is going to become a must-watch television program because of the combination of McAfee’s unexpected and exuberant attitude and Cole’s steady hand.
SmackDown’s Future: A New Trio in 2025?
SmackDown’s commentary staff is anticipated to alter as Raw gets ready to move to Netflix. According to reports, Tessitore, Graves, and Barrett will go to the SmackDown desk in January 2025. This trio would provide viewers with a well-rounded commentary experience by combining seasoned knowledge, a new viewpoint, and technical know-how.
This anticipated change demonstrates WWE’s approach of incorporating both new and existing voices to maintain the product’s novelty. WWE preserves continuity by adding Tessitore to SmackDown and keeping Barrett and Graves involved, but also giving the SmackDown brand a fresh voice. The future of WWE’s blue brand will be shaped by these three, and fans should expect Friday nights to have a fresh vibe.
Commentary Teams: An Essential Aspect of WWE Narrative
One cannot exaggerate the importance of WWE’s commentary teams. They serve as the action’s narrators, taking viewers through all of the drama, excitement, and passion that take place in the ring. The decision made by WWE to carefully choose its commentary teams is a reflection of the significance it places on the rapport between the commentators, which has the power to make or break a broadcast. WWE is indicating that it cherishes the opinions that complement its programming and is dedicated to giving its viewers the greatest possible experience with the impending changes.
WWE’s Development in Television
With SmackDown and Raw showing on the USA Network and Raw eventually moving to Netflix, the commentary teams will be important in shaping the fan experience as WWE moves into this new era. A moment of exciting change for WWE broadcasting is heralded by the return of Michael Cole and Corey Graves to SmackDown, the entrance of Joe Tessitore to Raw, and the possibility of Cole and Pat McAfee teaming up again in the coming year.
Fans may expect to see the comeback of beloved duos along with new voices and dynamics in the upcoming months. WWE has shown a commitment to innovation while honoring the traditions that have made it a worldwide force in entertainment through its deliberate decisions to reorganize its commentary teams. Fans will be paying close attention to the voices that bring the action in the ring to life as well as the action itself as these adjustments take effect.
