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WWE's announcing teams have undergone a significant shake-up, affecting all three of its brands. The latest changes include Michael Cole's enhanced duties, appearing on both Raw and SmackDown for the foreseeable future. These shifts have left WWE Hall of Famer Booker T feeling a mix of emotions.
Since October 2022, Booker T and Joseph have been providing announcing duties on Tuesday nights. The change comes after the previous overhaul in the commentary teams that impacted the entire WWE universe. Under the new arrangement, Cole will be pulling double duty, being joined by Wade Barrett on Mondays, and teaming up with Corey Graves and Kevin Patrick on Friday Nights.
Speaking on the Hall of Fame Podcast, Booker T expressed appreciation for Cole's commitment but also conveyed his eagerness for his commentary partner, Vic Joseph, to have an opportunity on the main roster. "[Michael] Cole ain't never gonna be able to retire [laughs], he can forget about it.
It's hard finding the next Michael Cole, too. But I'm glad in a lot of ways, but I'm perplexed in certain ways, just because I'm waiting on Vic to get a shot," Booker T said. He went on to express his understanding of WWE's desire to have Cole on both brands but added, "I'm waiting on Vic Joseph to get a piece of the action, champagne wishes, caviar dreams and all that.
But I do understand the wanting to have Michael Cole as a part of both brands. I do see that."
Cole's Commitment Amid Scaling Back
Booker T also touched on Cole's desire to scale back, stating, "I do know Michael Cole wants to wind down a little bit as well.
So I don't know how long this thing is gonna last or anything like that, but one thing I do know about Michael Cole, he's a player, he's a team player, he's a soldier. Wherever he's needed, he's going to step up to the plate and take care of that job.
Everything's good." The 6-time World Champion also revealed that the NXT commentary team, including himself and Vic Joseph, remains unaffected by these changes. Booker T admitted his concerns about potentially working with a new partner if Joseph were to move up.
"I'm waiting on Vic to get his come-up. But I'm wondering if Vic moves up, who's gonna move into that spot as well? Because I just can't work with anybody," he concluded. These changes in the WWE announcing landscape highlight the ever-shifting dynamics within the organization and underscore the importance of veteran voices like Michael Cole.
Yet, the comments from Booker T reflect an ongoing desire to see emerging talent like Vic Joseph ascend within the company's ranks.