Michael Cole and Corey Graves will be the commentary team for both Raw and SmackDown for the foreseeable future. Cole confirmed during the September 5 episode of SmackDown that he and Graves would be calling the blue brand for the next couple of months. A subsequent report from PWInsider Elite added that the current plan is for the duo to also call Raw, with Wade Barrett being taken off the road and removed from the commentary desk.
The reason for Barrett’s sudden removal from his role has not been made public.
This adjustment to the commentary teams follows a previous change made due to Joe Tessitore’s current absence, as he is away from WWE TV to cover the college football season.
Barrett’s removal from television comes shortly after he publicly resolved a recent disagreement with Nikki Bella. The issue began after comments Barrett made during the pre-show for Clash in Paris, with Bella later stating on a podcast that Barrett appeared to avoid her backstage following his remarks.
Barrett confirmed on X that the two had spoken and reconciled.
“Great news, fight fans.. @NikkiAndBrie and I have spoken, we’ve smoothed things over, and I’ve graciously been allowed back into the Bella Army. Fully paid-up member since FCW 2008,” he wrote.
He also used the platform to condemn personal attacks directed at Bella online, stating, “A difference of perspective – to which we are all entitled – but to be clear, some of the personal abuse that gets sent to Nikki on here is reprehensible and completely out of line, so let’s cut that out immediately.”