WWE's New 'Face Of Raw & SmackDown' Is...

Real reason for recent WWE Raw and SmackDown shakeup revealed.

by Andy H Murray
Michael Cole
WWE

WWE's recent announce team shakeup was designed to install Michael Cole as the face of the product.

Variety confirmed over the weekend that WWE is to switch its Raw and SmackDown commentators up, moving Michael Cole and Wade Barrett from Fridays to Mondays. In addition, Cole will also join the previous Raw team, Corey Graves and Kevin Patrick, on SmackDown, forming a three-man booth.

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The outlet noted that WWE hopes that Patrick, in particular, working with Cole will help him grow as a broadcaster.

In an update, PWInsider states that WWE's new ownership group, Endeavor, and the company's media partners had pushed for Cole to become the face of Raw and SmackDown. This is why the veteran announcer is now working on both shows.

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Regarding Cole and Barrett's switch to Raw, company executives wanted to keep them together because of their chemistry, which has attracted plenty of praise - and prompted the move from SmackDown to the old flagship show.

A WWE employee since 1997, when he started work as a voiceover artist, Cole is one of the most tenured staff members in the company and has fulfilled a number of different roles throughout his time in wrestling.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.