WWE Shift: Michael Cole and Corey Graves Embrace Play-by-Play Commentary

Michael Cole Discusses Corey Graves’ Transition to Play-by-Play Commentary in WWE

WWE’s renowned name and lead commentator, Michael Cole, recently opened up about Corey Graves’ shift to play-by-play commentary. The move follows the departure of Kevin Patrick and marks significant changes in the commentary teams for both Raw and SmackDown.

On Raw, Cole now partners with the returning Pat McAfee, while Graves takes on the play-by-play role alongside Wade Barrett on Friday nights. This transition represents a notable shift for Graves, who has predominantly served as a color commentator since his tenure in NXT dating back to 2014.

In a conversation with Chris Novak of Awful Announcing, Michael Cole shed light on the timing of Graves’ transition, emphasizing the evolving landscape within WWE’s commentary teams. Cole stated, “It’s a different world. Corey came in at a good time… There’s a lot more trust in commentators now than there was before.”

Under this new regime, commentators are afforded more freedom to express themselves authentically and shape their commentary style. Cole expressed his confidence in Graves’ ability to adapt to this change, referring to him as “the heir apparent” on commentary for WWE.

Graves’ debut as a play-by-play commentator alongside Wade Barrett on tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown promises an exciting shift in dynamics. The episode will feature Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins responding to The Rock and Roman Reigns’ challenge for WrestleMania 40.