New WWE Raw Announce Team

While Pat McAfee takes an absence from commentary on WWE Raw, there is an opportunity to shake up the announce team.

With Michael Cole remaining a constant on the flagship WWE show on Netflix, there are some potential additions that could bring about an entertaining autumn.

Here are six potential new additions to the WWE Raw announce team in Pat McAfee’s absence. 

6. Paige

Since the departure of Beth Phoenix from commentary on NXT back in 2021, there have been no female voices on the commentary teams in WWE.

However since she has departed from AEW, Saraya (formerly known as Paige in WWE) has been clear that she would be open to returning to the company.

While she was competing in the ring during her time in AEW – including capturing the AEW Women’s World Championship – perhaps she would be interested in taking up a new role upon her return.

A fun addition to the commentary team given her signature sass and wit, it would be very fun to see Paige on commentary along with Michael Cole – even if only temporarily.

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5. Joe Tessitore

Contributing his veteran sports broadcasting experience to WWE, Joe Tessitore has been a smash hit with fans.

Doing a great job on SmackDown, Joe Tessitore has also fit right in on other areas of WWE broadcasting.

Serving in a host capacity at premium live events and during Saturday Night’s Main Event, Tessitore would be a solid addition to the WWE Raw team.

Potentially manning the commentary team alongside only Michael Cole, the pair of Cole and Tessitore could also bring in another younger broadcaster to learn from their experience.

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4. Tom Hannifan and/or Matt Rehwoldt

With the continued partnership between WWE and TNA Wrestling, perhaps there could be a crossover commentary team in the future.

WWE alum Tom Hannifan (fka Tom Philips in WWE) and Matt Rehwoldt (fka Aiden English in WWE) have recently announced that they have both signed contract extensions with TNA Wrestling.

So while WWE cannot snap up both of the former stars – the pair could be an incredibly fun addition to any show with Michael Cole, particularly if the TNA Wrestling crossovers extend WWE Raw on Netflix.

With both industry veterans providing solid voices on commentary, the duo could definitely be showcased on the main roster.

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3. Taz

Recently when Michael Cole was asked who his favorite ever broadcast partner was in WWE, the veteran broadcaster revealed an intriguing name.

Cole named current AEW commentator Taz as his favorite ever partner on the commentary desk. While Taz does remain active in AEW, his current contract details have not been publicly disclosed.

With Taz having signed his initial contract with AEW in early 2020, it was at the time described as “multi-year” but without further updates in the years since.

Taz remains missing from the WWE Hall of Fame and like Chris Jericho and Matt & Jeff Hardy – the inductions may wait until the legends are no longer contracted to other promotions.

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2. Wade Barrett

After having made a dynamic duo at SummerSlam 2025, Wade Barrett and Michael Cole could stick together for WWE Raw.

Having already made some big appearances this year including his first WrestleMania on the desk – Wade Barrett continues to impress with his skills on commentary.

Adding the valuable counter argument from the heel perspective – Barrett has proven to be a fun balance to Cole’s babyface alignment.

With Wade Barrett is set to be an asset to WWE commentary for a long time to come, he could certainly hold chair on the flagship Netflix show.

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1. Corey Graves

Since the departure of Pat McAfee from WWE Raw commentary recently, Corey Graves has been filling in for the broadcasts on Netflix.

A logical replacement on WWE Raw commentary, Graves has been partnered with Michael Cole in the past with much praise.

While Graves was previously appearing alongside with Cole and Pat McAfee for premium live events, he has since landed on NXT alongside Vic Joseph and Booker T.

Potentially continuing along on WWE Raw in McAfee’s absence, Graves continues to be a reliable voice on the team.

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