A controversy erupted on WWE RAW as Becky Lynch, the new WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, publicly demanded commentator Michael Cole be removed from the broadcast after comments he made during her title match. The WWE RAW Michael Cole controversy escalated when Lynch, through social media, threatened legal action if Cole failed to apologize for his on-air statement.
Becky Lynch’s Victory Sparks Tension
On January 5, during Monday Night RAW, Becky Lynch challenged Maxxine Dupri for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship. The bout was intense, with both wrestlers vying for control, but the conclusion generated immediate debate. Lynch secured a pin by holding onto the bottom rope while reversing an ankle lock, a move that the referee overlooked. As a result, Lynch was declared champion, but the manner of victory quickly became the focus.
During commentary, Michael Cole pointed out what had happened, saying that Becky “just stole the championship.” This statement provoked an immediate and strong reaction from Lynch, who took to social media to voice her objection.
Public Ultimatum and Legal Threats
Following the broadcast, Becky Lynch used X (formerly Twitter) to address the issue. She claimed her legal representative, The Bulldog, had delivered a warning to Cole and gave him until the next Monday to offer a public apology. Despite her demand, Lynch reported through another post that Michael Cole had not responded or retracted his statement.
The situation intensified as Lynch escalated the matter with a clear threat. She declared that if Cole did not apologize, her lawyers would ensure his immediate removal from the commentary team. Displaying her trademark persona, Lynch used harsh language, further fueling the drama between the WWE Superstar and the commentator.
“Michael COLESLAW (because coleslaw is bad and nobody likes it) still has not apologized for spreading false information that I STOLE the INTERGALACTIC (new name) championship on Monday! He better apologize soon, or my lawyers will have him removed from commentary IMMEDIATELY!!!” Lynch wrote.
Commentary Team Changes Heighten the Spotlight
This incident coincided with significant changes in WWE’s commentary lineup. At the start of the new year, the company reorganized its announcing teams. Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett, after a stint on SmackDown, were moved to RAW, with Tessitore balancing his college football commitments. Their shift allowed for the return of Michael Cole and Corey Graves to RAW commentary duties for the January 5 edition.
On the same week, Barrett and Tessitore handled SmackDown coverage, formally completing the commentator swap among WWE’s flagship shows. The timing meant that Michael Cole’s first appearance back on RAW led immediately into the high-profile spat with Becky Lynch, drawing fans’ attention to both the match controversy and the evolving lineup of on-air personalities.
Potential Impact for WWE RAW and Commentary
This WWE RAW Michael Cole controversy has placed added scrutiny on both Lynch’s conduct as champion and Cole’s role as a commentator. Key figures like Corey Graves and Maxxine Dupri, as well as WWE officials, may be drawn into future developments if the dispute persists. With Lynch threatening legal intervention, WWE faces pressure to address tensions publicly to maintain the credibility of both its superstars and announcing team. What happens next will be closely watched by fans and could influence the structure of future broadcasts and championship storylines.
Michael COLESLAW (because coleslaw is bad and nobody likes it) still has not apologized for spreading false information that I STOLE the INTERGALACTIC (new name) championship on Monday! He better apologize soon, or my lawyers will have him removed from commentary IMMEDIATELY!!!…
— Rebecca Quin (@BeckyLynchWWE) January 11, 2026
