Report: Backstage News On WWE Commentary Team Changes

It’s been all change in WWE since Vince McMahon retired, with numerous changes made to the company on-screen and behind the scenes, with the latest change being the complete overhaul of the commentary teams across Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.

The biggest news of the shake-up was that regarding Jimmy Smith, with the former Raw lead commentator exiting WWE after the announcing changes were reported. A new report from Fightful Select reiterates that Smith is completely done with WWE, with his deal being terminated rather than running down, whilst those in WWE reportedly felt that Smith acclimated well to the role despite not being an out-and-out ‘pro wrestling guy’.

The new teams will consist of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett on SmackDown, Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves on Raw, and Vic Joseph and Booker T on NXT. Fightful’s report alleges that WWE looked at outside reels as well as internally when making the commentary changes, with the company putting a definitive end to three-man announce booths for now.

As for the new teams, WWE are said to be open to adjusting these new broadcast teams accordingly should the need arise, and that they won’t be looking to ‘force chemistry’ if it isn’t there. WWE are also open to working with Pat McAfee again "whenever he is available and wants to”, with the former NFL star incredibly well-liked within the company.