WWE has officially ended Wade Barrett’s run as a commentator, with Michael Cole and Corey Graves stepping in to become the primary voices calling both Raw and SmackDown moving forward. This change was publicly confirmed at the start of the September 5, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown and marks a significant shakeup in WWE’s announce team lineup[1][5].

For months, fans have heard the trio of Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett, and occasionally Michael Cole or Corey Graves on SmackDown commentary, but recent updates have reshuffled the roles. Joe Tessitore’s return to college football season duties has impacted his ability to travel for SmackDown broadcasts, leading WWE to seek a consistent and flexible announce team[1][5]. Sources close to the promotion indicate that Tessitore’s college football commitments—his main profession—make it impractical for him to maintain a full-time WWE commentary schedule at present.

According to Fightful and additional reports, Wade Barrett, who previously partnered with Tessitore as the color commentator on SmackDown, has now been fully replaced on WWE’s blue brand commentary team. Barrett had also been occasionally filling in on Raw commentary since Pat McAfee’s hiatus in June 2025. However, with McAfee now firmly on break and this fresh commentary realignment, Barrett’s role on commentary has effectively ended or is paused indefinitely[5][1].

Michael Cole and Corey Graves are no strangers to WWE’s announce booths. Cole has long been considered “the voice of WWE,” famous for his play-by-play mastery across multiple brands for over two decades. Corey Graves, meanwhile, has developed into a top-tier color commentator recognized for his sharp, insightful, and sometimes sarcastic style. Their chemistry and experience are well-established, making them natural choices to reinvigorate WWE’s two main shows’ commentary tables[1][2].

The official WWE announcement highlighted these changes as part of a broader update across all brands’ announcing teams, including Raw, NXT, and Premium Live Events. While Mike Rome remains the ring announcer for Raw and Byron Saxton has shifted from commentary to backstage interviews, the notable update on-screen is Cole and Graves’ ascension as the leading commentary duo not only on SmackDown but on Raw as well[2].

Industry insiders suggest this move also positions the two announcers as the consistent voices for WWE’s biggest events such as pay-per-views and premium live events, creating a unified feel that fans can recognize week-to-week and during major shows[2]. Indeed, previews for upcoming shows confirm Cole and Graves will be calling top matches including heavyweight brawls featuring stars like Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre, plus marquee women’s title bouts[4].

Backstage sources close to WWE revealed to Wrestling Headlines that the decision to move Barrett off commentary was largely driven by WWE’s desire to have a stable and travel-friendly announcing lineup heading into a busy fall schedule, including the build-up to high-profile events like Survivor Series and SummerSlam 2026. “Michael and Corey bring years of polished chemistry, adaptability, and fan familiarity,” one WWE insider noted. “It’s a move to streamline commentary and give the broadcasts a sharper, more consistent audio identity.”[Reference article]

Although Wade Barrett’s departure from his commentary duties is official, the wrestling community remains hopeful he may return to WWE in another capacity, possibly reigniting his in-ring career or returning behind the desk later. For now, he has been notably absent from the airwaves since this change, fueling speculation about his future with the company.

Meanwhile, fans are responding positively to the Cole/Graves duo, praising their engaging dynamic and ability to enhance storylines and match narratives effectively. It’s a reminder that commentary can significantly shape the presentation and enjoyment of WWE programming.

As this new era begins, followers of WWE are encouraged to keep an eye on shows like Raw and SmackDown as the Cole and Graves pairing looks to become the definitive voices across WWE’s flagship brands. Future brand drafts, roster shifts, and special events will all be called by this tandem, symbolizing WWE’s commitment to delivering a compelling viewer experience from the announce desk.

This latest announcing shakeup reflects WWE’s ongoing efforts to refine production and presentation aspects as the company enters another exciting phase in 2025. With Michael Cole and Corey Graves leading commentary, fans are guaranteed a blend of veteran expertise and fresh insights that promise to elevate weekly WWE broadcasts.

Key Points:

• Wade Barrett officially removed from WWE commentator role on both Raw and SmackDown[1][5].

• Michael Cole and Corey Graves confirmed as the new commentary team for Raw and SmackDown “for the coming months”[1][5].

• Joe Tessitore stepped back due to college football commitments, prompting WWE to adjust commentary teams[1].

• Cole and Graves to also serve as the primary announcers for WWE Premium Live Events going forward[2].

• Backstage sources indicate the change aims at stability, consistency, and better logistical planning for WWE’s busy fall schedule.

• Fans praise Cole and Graves’ chemistry and professionalism in commentary duties.

WWE.com, Fightful, and insider reports collectively confirm these announcer changes as part of WWE’s broader commentary team overhaul this fall season[1][2][5]. Wrestling Headlines and WrestleTalk have also provided detailed coverage and analysis.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates on Wade Barrett’s role and any further WWE commentary adjustments as the wrestling world progresses through 2025’s dynamic calendar.