WWE Commentary Shakeup: Is a Two-Person Booth the Future of Sports Entertainment?
The WWE landscape shifted on September 5th, 2025, with the confirmation that Michael Cole and Corey Graves will now form the primary commentary team for both Raw and SmackDown. While seemingly a straightforward personnel change, this move signals a potentially seismic shift in how professional wrestling is presented – and consumed – and could foreshadow a broader industry trend towards streamlined broadcasting. The departure of Joe Tessitore and, more notably, Wade Barrett, raises questions about the value WWE places on multi-person commentary teams and the evolving demands of a modern audience.
The Barrett Situation: Beyond the Bella Incident
The exit of Wade Barrett wasn’t entirely unexpected, though the timing is noteworthy. Reports from PWInsider.com’s Mike Johnson indicate Barrett is “off the road” indefinitely, stemming from a recent interaction with Nikki Bella during the Clash in Paris pre-show. While Barrett publicly stated the matter was resolved, the incident appears to have been a catalyst for a pre-existing reevaluation of his role. This incident, however, may be a convenient explanation for a larger strategic decision. The wrestling world is rife with backstage politics, and a single exchange rarely dictates long-term career trajectories.
The Rise of the Two-Person Booth: A Trend Across Sports?
WWE’s decision to move to a two-person booth – Cole and Graves – isn’t happening in a vacuum. Across the broader sports world, there’s a noticeable trend away from crowded commentary teams. Consider the NFL’s shift towards fewer analysts during game broadcasts, prioritizing clarity and concise analysis. This mirrors a broader cultural shift towards shorter attention spans and a desire for less cluttered information. Fans increasingly want to *see* the action, not listen to three or more voices simultaneously dissecting every move. The two-person dynamic allows for a more natural conversational flow, enabling commentators to build chemistry and deliver insights without talking over each other.
What Does This Mean for Joe Tessitore?
The future of Joe Tessitore remains uncertain. His existing commitments to college football coverage likely played a role in the decision, but it’s also possible WWE saw limited long-term value in his contributions. Tessitore’s style, while competent, lacked the spark and dynamic energy that Graves brings to the table. WWE is a brand built on personality, and commentary is a crucial component of that brand identity. The company is clearly prioritizing commentators who can actively enhance the viewing experience, not simply describe the action.
The Impact on Match Storytelling
A streamlined commentary team can have a surprisingly significant impact on match storytelling. With fewer voices competing for airtime, there’s more space to allow the in-ring action to breathe. This allows the wrestlers themselves to tell the story, rather than having it constantly narrated by the commentators. A well-timed silence, a subtle observation, or a focused question can be far more effective than a barrage of analysis. Cole and Graves, when working at their best, excel at this nuanced approach.
The Potential for Increased Focus on In-Ring Performers
This change could signal a broader WWE strategy: to elevate the in-ring performers and reduce reliance on commentary to carry the narrative. In recent years, some fans have criticized WWE commentary for being overly focused on storylines and less attentive to the intricacies of the wrestling itself. A two-person booth, particularly with commentators like Cole and Graves who possess a deep understanding of the sport, could lead to more insightful analysis of the wrestlers’ techniques, strategies, and character work. This, in turn, could help to build stronger connections between the performers and the audience.
The move to Cole and Graves isn’t just about replacing commentators; it’s about adapting to a changing media landscape and prioritizing a more streamlined, engaging viewing experience. It’s a bet that less can be more, and that allowing the action in the ring to speak for itself will ultimately resonate more powerfully with fans. Whether this proves to be a successful strategy remains to be seen, but it’s a clear indication that WWE is willing to experiment with new approaches to presentation in its ongoing quest to maintain its dominance in the world of sports entertainment.
What are your thoughts on the new commentary team? Do you think a two-person booth is the future of wrestling broadcasts? Share your predictions in the comments below!
