Triple H officially announces Michael Cole's replacement on WWE SmackDown
WWE CCO Triple H has confirmed who will replace Michael Cole in SmackDown's commentary team. The January 3, 2025, episode of SmackDown marked the end of the 56-year-old personality's run on the blue brand.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee will return to RAW on its Netflix premiere on January 6, 2025. This leaves Corey Graves without a commentary partner on SmackDown. Fans have been wondering whether Wade Barrett or Joe Tessitore will replace Cole since the two recently ended their RAW commentary runs.
Speaking on SI Media with Jimmy Traina, Triple H revealed that Joe Tessitore would move to SmackDown's commentary desk.
"Yes. Yeah. So and what's cool about that comment to me is, I don't think that people give commentary, especially play-by-play, but they just think about like, 'Why is [he] telling you what's happening?' As if you're watching like you're on radio and they got, I got to tell you what, like I'm seeing it. I see it. You don't need to tell me that," he said.
The Game also opened up about how he met Tessitore.
"He's such a massive fan. Even before he was doing anything with us, Joe would text me on stuff. We became friends through Nick [Khan]. He would be telling me, 'I saw on this podcast,' and I don't even know what he's talking about, and it's my job to know what he's talking about." (H/T: Fightful)
What's next for Wade Barrett in WWE?
Wade Barrett has been a broadcaster for all three weekly WWE shows at different points since his return to the Stamford-based promotion in 2020.
After the December 30, 2024, episode of RAW, the British star announced that he and Joe Tessitore will join Big E on the post-show following RAW's Netflix premiere.
"Thank you #WWERAW on @USANetwork, it’s been a pleasure! Can’t wait to see what’s in store next week on the @netflix debut. @Michael Cole & @PatMcAfee, you’re up 👊🏻 @JoeTessESPN & I will see you on the RAW debut post-show."
With Graves and Tessitore likely to call SmackDown from next week onwards, it will be interesting to see if the former Nexus leader will return to in-ring competition this year.
WWE has reportedly discussed a potential program between Wade Barrett and Drew McIntyre. Whether this dream match happens at WrestleMania 41 remains to be seen.
