Rarely absent from broadcasts, Michael Cole remains the current voice of WWE, and for many, a fan favorite character.
However, while Cole remains strong in his current partnership with Pat McAfee on WWE Raw, there could come a time where there needs to be another name to fill-in.
Here are six potential replacements for WWE lead commentator Michael Cole.
6. Vic Joseph
After having been with WWE since 2017, Vic Joseph has made his rounds throughout a variety of commentary teams and on different shows.
From 205 Live and Main Event to the main roster’s SmackDown and Raw – and now as the lead announcer of NXT – Joseph has demonstrated great versatility on commentary.
Able to utilize his stoic personality to counteract a more boisterous color commentary partner, Joseph would make a perfect substitute for Michael Cole on WWE Raw.
If Booker T isn’t able to rattle Vic, Pat McAfee doesn’t stand a chance!
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5. Wade Barrett
Wade Barrett has proven himself to be a utility player across commentary teams and analysis over the past several years in WWE.
Adding a particularly compelling layer of interpersonal connection to several feuds over the past year including Drew McIntyre and CM Punk’s massive blood feud, Barrett’s impact has gone beyond just being a voice at the commentary desk.
Similarly to Michael Cole, Barrett is himself a dynamic character in the eyes of fans, with relationships and motivations in addition to being on-screen to “do his job”.
Able to capture that level of connection with the WWE audience can be rare, and a necessary trait for anyone hoping to fill the chair of Michael Cole someday.
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4. Corey Graves
Enjoying a lengthy career in WWE already, Corey Graves has seen his role shift as of late. With changes to the Raw and SmackDown commentary teams, Graves found himself on NXT.
Alongside Booker T and Vic Joseph, Graves continues to utilize his sharp skills as he helps to build up the future stars of WWE.
If Graves is to make his way back to the main roster in the future, his time in NXT could be a great benefit when it comes to telling the stories of how WWE’s future stars evolved from their time on the brand, with Graves witnessing it first hand.
Potentially still poised to take over the lead commentator role from Michael Cole in the future after his brief period as lead SmackDown announcer last year, Corey Graves could easily still be the heir apparent.
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3. Nigel McGuinness
Although it may seem unlikely given his current successful run in AEW, but perhaps Nigel McGuinness could be persuaded back to WWE.
Fans will remember that McGuinness was recommended by Michael Cole for a role in WWE, making his broadcast debut with Cole during the 2017 United Kingdom Championship Tournament.
McGuinness would later be released by WWE in 2022 before later making his surprise return in Ring of Honor as a commentator in April 2023, before becoming a staple of AEW Collision soon after.
While Nigel has returned to in-ring competition – last competing at AEW Double or Nothing 2025 on May 25 – he isn’t wrestling full-time but remains a heel sympathizing commentator. Definitely a fan favorite, perhaps if McGuiness found his way back to WWE, he could be the perfect surprise to sub in for Michael Cole.
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2. Tom Hannifan
Formerly a voice in WWE when he was known as Tom Phillips, Tom Hannifan is currently the lead commentator in TNA Wrestling.
Having already spent almost a decade in WWE, he was released in 2021 before signing with TNA Wrestling thereafter.
It would make sense to see Hannifan pop back up one daym even if not specifically to cover for Michael Cole on WWE Raw.
With the continued crossovers between TNA Wrestling and NXT, it would eventually be fun to see the commentary teams crossover at some point as well!
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1. Joe Tessitore
Joe Tessitore made his way to WWE as an already veteran broadcaster, having been a known sports personality for years.
From ESPN play-by-play to his more comedic tone on the ABC golf show Holey Moley, Joe Tessitore brought a new perspective to the WWE commentary teams.
Already bridging the gap between the two worlds, Tessitore could continue in that vein if he were to need to fill in for Michael Cole.
While Cole is rarely absent, he may look to retire one day and perhaps Joe Tessitore would be up for the job.
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