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WWE SmackDown Announcers Confirmed for Switch to USA Network
When WWE SmackDown shifts to USA Network, will the commentator voices change?
September is poised to be a big month for USA Network and WWE fans as SmackDown officially makes its move to the network where it will live for a time alongside Monday Night RAW. With so much change happening, WWE fans may be wondering if the literal voices of the blue brand — the commentators — will change as well.
Fortunately, WWE confirmed who will be behind the desk during the premiere episode of SmackDown on USA Network on September 13 and for the foreseeable future as the brand settles into its new cable home.
Who are the WWE SmackDown Commentators?
WWE confirmed that after SmackDown moves over to USA Network, longtime commentators and WWE personalities Michael Cole and Corey Graves will be the ringside commentators walking viewers through all the action inside and outside the ring.
Who is WWE’s Michael Cole?
Michael Cole began his WWE announcing career in 1997 and has since lent his voice and expertise to many WWE Premium Live Events as well as both SmackDown and Monday Night RAW in the past. He’ll continue to do so on SmackDown after its move to USA Network.
However, according to his bio on WWE’s website, he didn’t exactly come from a sports entertainment background. Before making a name for himself with professional wrestling, Cole was a standout in broadcast journalism. He got his start on CBS Radio covering incredibly serious topics like the 1993 standoff at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, the 1994 Siege of Sarajevo, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, and more. His documentary Voice of Bosnia won several awards and reached great critical acclaim.
Although he doesn’t have your typical WWE Superstar or announcer’s background (having ducked sniper fire in war-torn countries and covered major presidential elections), he’s sat and traded strategy and in-ring commentary with the likes of Jerry “The King” Lawler, Mick Foley, Booker T, and many, many more.
Who is WWE’s Corey Graves?
Graves brings a unique perspective to the WWE commentary table given that, like some of the greatest to ever sit there before him, he’s got loads of in-ring experience.
According to his WWE bio, the former “Savior of Misbehavior” got his start in the business fighting to the top of the WWE ranks. He captured the NXT Tag Team Championship alongside Neville and was constantly a contender for the main NXT Title. However, a series of concussions forced him into early retirement from the ring.
Fortunately for the WWE Universe, he was determined not to let that be the end of his time with the brand. He began calling matches on NXT and has since moved over to both RAW and SmackDown as well as various Premium Live Events.
Catch up on past episodes of SmackDown on Peacock ahead of its move to USA Network.
