During the main event of WWE NXT last night, announcer Michael Cole went off on a rant against Internet fans and the independent wrestling “universe.”
The main event featured NXT rookie Daniel Bryan against World Heavyweight champion Chris Jericho. Announcer Josh Matthews played up Bryan’s wrestling credentials, putting over the fact that he’s been wrestling on the independent scene for nearly a decade and has established his name across the world. Michael Cole seemed to get pissed off over Matthews comments, repeatedly dismissing Bryan’s accomplishments, saying performing at “high schools” does not impress him in the least.
Cole sided with The Miz’s character, downplaying Bryan’s accomplishments and insisting he show more respect for the WWE Pros. Cole added that he had never really heard anything about Daniel Bryan prior to the debut of NXT and put down smart fans who read the “dirt sheets.”
Some fans reacted with outrage, feeling as if Cole’s comments represented a deliberate disrespect for diehard wrestling fans and what talent like Daniel Bryan have accomplished outside of the WWE ring. But it was apparent to most, however, that Cole was simply trying to stir up some controversy.
The “WWE Universe” Twitter account posted the following Tuesday night:
“Michael Cole has requested his @WWEUniverse profile be removed from our site, not wanting to associate with “online fans” any longer.”
In typical WWE fashion, there’s a real life situation that’s out of their control (smart fans going online and reading wrestling news & learning about other wrestling products) – so they’re turning it into a storyline.
WWE: Backstage Reaction to Tyra Mae Steele’s WWE Release & Questioning Purpose of WWE LFG, Zelina Vega Reflects on Her WWE Departure, Backstage Update on Scrapped Plans for Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42
AEW Dynamite Notes: Adam Copeland Challenges FTR to N.Y. Street Fight with Special Stip for AEW World Tag Titles for Double or Nothing, Death Riders Save Will Ospreay from Mark Davis Attack, Samoa Joe Returns, TNT Title & AEW World Title Matches Set for 4/29 Show Card, 4/25 Collision Playoff Palooza 2026 Card
WWE: Nikki Bella Broken Ankle Injury & Surgery Update, Shawn Michaels on Reason for The Undertaker’s WWE LFG Absence for Season Three, Jordynne Grace Says She Is “Actively Pushing” for “Paul Heyman Girl” Angle



