WWE SmackDown Commentary Duo: Wade Barrett and Corey Graves Lead Team

With the addition of Pat McAfee to WWE Raw‘s commentary team alongside Michael Cole, the lineup for SmackDown’s team has now been unveiled.

The departure of Kevin Patrick created a void in the blue brand’s commentary crew, which has been filled by Cole and Corey Graves, according to the latest updates from WWE.

Recent reports indicate that McAfee and Cole will become regular fixtures on WWE Raw. Meanwhile, SmackDown‘s commentary team will feature Wade Barrett, former WWE Raw commentator, and Corey Graves.

According to the reports, multiple sources have confirmed this plan, with Graves taking on the role of the lead announcer, and Barrett providing color commentary.

Barrett made his return to WWE in August 2020, initially as part of the NXT commentary team under a one-year deal. In October 2022, WWE moved Barrett to color commentary on WWE SmackDown, pairing him with Michael Cole, before relocating him to Raw in August 2023.

Michael Cole, who has been the Vice President of Announcing in WWE since 2020, will continue in that capacity.

Kevin Patrick, who joined WWE in March 2021 as a backstage interviewer, had been serving as the lead announcer for both Raw and SmackDown since October 2022. His release was previously attributed to a perception that he was “not the right person for the role,” despite being well-liked personally.

Following his departure from WWE, Sheamus expressed his sentiments about Kevin Patrick, describing him as a “true professional and a true Irish man.”