Michael Cole hints at time away ahead of WWE RAW

WWE commentator Michael Cole recently hinted at taking time away from calling the action. The veteran is set to return to Monday Night RAW tonight on the show's Netflix debut.

The 58-year-old left the red brand to join Corey Graves on SmackDown in September 2024. His co-commentator, Pat McAfee, took a hiatus from wrestling promotion due to his involvement on ESPN College Gameday. Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett replaced the duo.

During his appearance on the latest edition of the Pat McAfee Show, Michael Cole was asked how many shows he missed during his 28-year-long career. The veteran pointed out that he was absent from only three shows over the years. However, Cole added that going forward, he thinks he will have more time away from wrestling.

"28 [years] in June. [How many missed shows?] Three. But I'm going to have a little bit more going forward, I think," he said. [From 0:56 to 1:07]

You can check out Michael Cole's comments below:

Michael Cole names fellow WWE commentator as his perfect replacement

Micahel Cole believes Corey Graves would be his perfect replacement once he steps away from the announcer's desk.

During an interview with Awful Announcing, Cole pointed out that Corey Graves had put in the work over the years, and he saw him as his heir. The Voice of WWE further praised the former NXT Tag Team Champion, claiming the latter was an incredible human being.

"[It was] a matter of giving him the opportunity to sit side by side for many years, to watch, learn, study, and see how I do things. And at the end of the day, when we gave him the shot? He’s been killing it. I believe he’s the heir apparent. Corey now has a Corey Graves Voice. A lot of the issues we had were that we tried to develop commentators to be Michael Cole. Now, we have a chance to develop Corey Graves. I truly, honestly believe he’s going to be the one to replace me. He’s an incredible human being. He has a great opportunity," he said. [H/T: Awful Announcing]

With Cole returning to RAW alongside Pat McAfee, Corey Graves will be accompanied by Joe Tessitore on SmackDown.

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