SmackDown Sees the Return of a Dynamic Duo: Michael Cole and Corey Graves
With one of the most adored commentary teams in recent memory poised to make a victorious comeback, the WWE Universe is exploding with excitement. On Friday, September 13, when SmackDown airs on the USA Network, Corey Graves and Michael Cole will once again serve as commentators, it was formally revealed during the most recent episode of WWE Raw. Fans have been waiting impatiently for this announcement, as they consider the return of a team that has contributed to some of the most unforgettable moments in WWE’s contemporary history.
The Cole and Graves Legacy
For a very long time, Michael Cole and Corey Graves were regarded as one of the best commentary teams in professional wrestling. They have gained admirers all across the world thanks to their chemistry, wisdom, and sharp humor. With more than 20 years of experience, Cole is a seasoned professional who has represented the WWE for many years, leading fans through some of the most important periods in the organization’s history. When Graves joined Cole on commentary, he brought a new viewpoint to the table as a former NXT wrestler turned commentator. He combined his expertise of the ring with a sharp, frequently cynical sense of humor.
During their tenures on Raw and SmackDown, Cole and Graves’ collaboration gained notoriety. With Cole’s solid play-by-play providing the perfect counterpoint to Graves’ colorful analysis, their dynamic offered the ideal mix of professionalism and fun. They want to recreate the chemistry that made them one of the most successful duos in WWE history when they return to the commentary booth.
The Break and Potential Comeback of Pat McAfee
The announcement of Graves and Cole’s reunion coincides with WWE getting ready to make big changes to its commentating staff. Since joining the SmackDown commentary crew in 2021, Pat McAfee has been a consistent presence. Earlier this year, he announced that he would be taking a leave of absence from WWE to concentrate on his duties with ESPN’s College GameDay. Fans immediately grew to love McAfee for his passion, energy, and distinct style, and his loss has been felt ever since he took a leave of absence.
But McAfee’s exit is not irreversible. Additionally, McAfee’s return to WWE is scheduled for January 5, 2025, the day Raw moves to Netflix, as revealed by this week’s edition of Raw. Fans are excited to see how McAfee will adjust to the new platform and continue to add his distinctive touch to WWE programming, so his homecoming is guaranteed to be a big event.
Joining the Raw Commentary Team is Joe Tessitore
While WWE gets ready for these adjustments, there will be another significant Raw development. Joe Tessitore will join the Raw commentary team on Monday, September 2. Tessitore is a valuable addition to WWE as a seasoned broadcaster with a wealth of expertise in both sports and entertainment. Well-known for his work on ESPN, where he has covered a wide range of sports, including boxing and college football, Tessitore adds a lot of expertise and a refined, polished manner to the commentary booth.
With the addition of Tessitore, Raw, which has changed its commentary roster multiple times in recent years, is embarking on a new chapter. Tessitore’s acquisition guarantees that Raw will have a capable and adaptable commentary team to help viewers through the switch to Netflix, especially with McAfee scheduled to return in January. Tessitore’s skill and fluid delivery will enhance the current crew, offering a new viewpoint and improving the entire viewing experience.
Commentary Teams’ Effect on WWE Programming
An essential component of WWE programming’s popularity is commentary teams. They are in charge of setting the scene, telling the story, and heightening the emotional effect of what takes place in the ring. A poor commentary team can take away from the enjoyment of watching a match, but a strong team can make a good fight unforgettable. Famous commentary teams have called WWE home over the years, including Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan as well as Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler. Cole and Graves’ partnership is frequently brought up in the same sentence as these legendary combinations.
Not only is Cole and Graves’ reunion on SmackDown noteworthy due to their on-screen chemistry, but it also has important brand implications. For WWE, SmackDown’s return to the USA Network is a big event, so having a seasoned, reliable commentary team in place will help make the changeover go more smoothly. Cole and Graves can establish a personal connection with fans and possess a thorough understanding of the product. SmackDown will probably feel more excited and familiar with their reunion, which will make it a must-watch for both die-hard fans and casual viewers.
Looking Ahead: WWE Commentary’s Future
WWE’s commentary is always changing along with the company. The company’s dedication to providing excellent commentary across all of its brands is demonstrated by the return of Pat McAfee, the upcoming arrival of Joe Tessitore on Raw, and the return of Cole and Graves to SmackDown. These adjustments demonstrate WWE’s readiness to invest in the greatest talent available as well as its awareness of the value of commentary in producing an engaging product.
These improvements are reason for celebration for fans. The arrival of Tessitore and the reappearance of McAfee offer new viewpoints and dynamism, while the return of Cole and Graves is a sentimental tribute to a recent period of WWE that many cherish. As the organization enters a new chapter with exciting things on the horizon, WWE’s commentary teams are in a good position.
A New Era Begins.
WWE is kicking off a new chapter for its commentary teams as SmackDown makes its way back to the USA Network and Raw gets ready to go to Netflix. The highly anticipated reunion of Michael Cole and Corey Graves is expected to resurrect the spark that made them one of the most adored pairs in WWE history. Meanwhile, WWE’s main shows will continue to provide the excellent commentary that fans have become accustomed to thanks to the addition of Joe Tessitore to Raw’s commentary crew and the impending return of Pat McAfee.
For WWE, this is a calculated move to enhance its programming as the corporation navigates a media landscape that is changing quickly, not merely a talent swap. In addition to anticipating what lies ahead, fans can relive some of the greatest events in recent WWE history. One thing is for sure: WWE’s commentary is in excellent hands, whether you’re watching in for the inevitable return of McAfee, the premiere of Tessitore, or the reunion of Cole and Graves.
