Originally published at WWE changes broadcast teams, Wade Barrett to SmackDown, Booker T to NXT, Cathy Kelley returning
Changes made to WWE’s broadcast teams.
WWE is switching up their broadcast teams and making new additions. The site learned starting with the season premiere of Friday Night SmackDown on 10/7, Wade Barrett is joining Michael Cole at the commentary table going forward. Wade was previously commentating for NXT alongside Vic Joseph.
Samantha Irvin will remain the ring announcer for SmackDown and the backstage interviewers will be Kayla Braxton and Megan Morant.
On the Monday Night Raw front, it is reverting back to a two-person team with Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves. The previous team was Jimmy Smith, Byron Saxton and Graves. Mike Rome will remain the ring announcer and doing backstage interviews will be Saxton and the returning Cathy Kelley who departed WWE in early 2020.
Vic Joseph will now be joined by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T at the NXT commentary desk. Alicia Taylor and McKenzie Mitchell are staying in their role(s) as ring announcer and backstage interviewer respectively.
For the major live events, Michael Cole and Corey Graves are the go-to team.
Today WWE announced that #WWERaw, #SmackDown, #WWENXT and Premium Live Events will all have updated announce booths starting with this week's season premieres. The news was first reported by @variety on Thursday afternoon.https://t.co/zxLvVfgj4Y
— WWE (@WWE) October 6, 2022
Pat McAfee was Michael Cole’s partner on SmackDown but he is away as he’s focusing on his College Gameday duties. McAfee is still with the WWE.