As noted before, WWE removed Kevin Patrick as the lead commentator for their SmackDown brand earlier this month over WWE officials feeling that things were not working out with Patrick’s commentary career in the company. Patrick was released from the company this past Thursday and was replaced by Michael Cole for this past Friday’s SmackDown show.
Monday’s WWE RAW show featured Pat McAfee making his official full-time return for WWE’s RAW brand and replaced Wade Barrett, who’s status in the company was unknown at the time.
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that Corey Graves and Barrett will be the new commentary team for WWE’s SmackDown brand going forward. Johnson reported that Graves will become the new lead commentator while Barrett will remain as a color commentator for this new team.
This will be the first time that Graves will be calling the action for a WWE show since the start of his main roster commentary career in 2016. This will also be the first time that Barrett will be working as a member of SmackDown’s commentary team since July of 2023.
Ortiz on His Torn Pec Injury, Recent Return to AEW TV, & Him and Eddie Kingston Planning To Open A Wrestling School
AEW: Gallus Reportedly Was Backstage at 1/21 AEW Dynamite Show, Bishop Dyer on His AEW Debut Appearance & Tony Khan’s Reaction To His Dark Match at 1/21 AEW Tapings, Kenny Omega Did Motion Capture Work for Street Fighter 6
TNA Impact! Notes: Ash By Elegance Gets Physical, Trey Miguel Returns & Signed New Contract, Miguel, Eric Young, Steve Maclin, & Eddie Edwards Wins Feast or Fired Briefcases, Bear Bronson & Cedric Alexander Revealed as Newest Members of The System, The System Turns on JDC & Moose, 1/29 Show Card
