While rarely absent from a broadcast, WWE lead commentator Michael Cole may still need a replacement lined up for the future.
From returning veterans to potential post-career shifts into broadcasting, there are several names to be considered for a role on WWE commentary.
Here are seven possible replacements for Michael Cole as on of the voices of WWE.
7. Chris Jericho
One potential replacement as an anchor for the WWE commentary team in the future could be Chris Jericho.
While rumors continue to persist that Jericho may be returning to WWE after his current contract with AEW expires, there is no guarantee he will return in an in-ring capacity.
Having spent time on commentary in AEW, perhaps Jericho would prefer to try his hand at commentary in WWE.
Leaving the possibility for a future in-ring return open, joining commentary would take any specific pressure off of Jericho to immediately dive into feuds, rather able to unveil his perspective over time at the desk.
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6. Pat McAfee
Bringing a playful spirit to the commentary team, Pat McAfee has been an enjoyable addition to WWE broadcasts.
While McAfee is taking a hiatus from WWE right now, Triple H has confirmed that the sports media star will be back at the September 20 debut of WWE on ESPN – Wrestlepalooza.
While it seems unlikely that McAfee will be interested in giving up his broader media career at the minute to be the full time voice of WWE, a lot could change in the future.
Given his connection to audiences and mainstream appeal, it could be that WWE is able to provide Pat the conditions he may need to sign on as a lead commentator.
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5. Joe Tessitore
Already a veteran broadcaster before joining WWE, Joe Tessitore has been a valuable addition across WWE TV.
After joining the WWE commentary team, Joe Tessitore has impressed fans with both his knowledge and candor on SmackDown as well as PLE panels.
Able to lend a traditional sports voice to the role, Tessitore as the anchor could lead to intriguing choices in broadcast partners.
Should WWE be looking to secure a long-term replacement for Michael Cole, Joe Tessitore could be a great fit for the role.
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4. Vic Joseph
Vic Joseph has continued to be a standout in his role on commentary in WWE.
Most recently filling in for Joe Tessitore on SmackDown back in February 2025, Joseph has demonstrated he has what it takes to be able to anchor a show.
He’s also been doing it for several years in NXT, with a variety of partners including Nigel McGuinness, Wade Barrett, Beth Phoenix, Booker T and Corey Graves.
With his lifelong fandom, clear commitment to the company and continued poise under pressure, Vic Joseph could be the best replacement for Michael Cole.
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3. Big E
While his in-ring career has seemingly come to an end, Big E continues to bring joy to WWE audiences every time he makes an appearance.
Proving to be an impressive addition to pre-show and post-show premium live event panels, Big E could definitely fill the role of a lead commentator in the future.
Bringing an emotional connection to the storylines through his own in-ring experience, Big E is able to provide a modern lens to the action.
Clearly a fan favorite, Big E could serve as a great foil to another more heelish commentator like Corey Graves or even Wade Barrett.
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2. Wade Barrett
Having already made some big appearances this year including his first WrestleMania at the commentary desk, Wade Barrett continues to make his mark on the broadcast team.
Showing off his sympathy for heels while still maintaining a top level of repute and professionalism, Barrett is a fun always a fun antithesis to Michael Cole and Joe Tessitore.
Able to crush an off the cuff reaction as well as an ad read, Wade Barrett is set to be an asset to WWE commentary for a long time to come.
Given the spots the company has trusted him with, it appears there would be little hesitation to make him the voice of the company’s broadcasts as a whole.
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1. Tom Hannifan
Tom Hannifan departed WWE in 2021 after nine years in the company where he served in a variety of broadcast roles under the name Tom Phillips, most notably as the lead announcer for SmackDown or Raw in his later years – essentially as the Michael Cole of whichever show Cole wasn’t assigned to at a given time between 2017 and 2021.
Hannifan went on to sign with TNA Wrestling where he has now been lead broadcaster since 2022.
With TNA Wrestling recently securing both Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt for new contracts with the promotion, perhaps only time will tell if either (or both) make WWE returns in the future.
However, the partnership between the companies could provide a route back even while still signed to TNA.
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