The WWE SmackDown commentary team has seen further adjustments this week as NXT announcers Vic Joseph and Booker T took over the broadcast on Friday night in Norfolk, Virginia. This change comes after recent shifts linked to scheduling conflicts, including the college football season limiting Joe Tessitore’s availability and Wade Barrett stepping away temporarily.
Recently, Michael Cole and Corey Graves were confirmed as the primary SmackDown announce team for the next few months. However, their roles were altered due to WWE & AAA Worlds Collide occurring immediately after SmackDown, which required Graves, the longtime voice of AAA since its WWE acquisition, to prioritize that event over the Friday show.
NXT Commentary Team Steps Into Main Roster Spotlight
For the first time in several weeks, neither Michael Cole nor Corey Graves appeared on SmackDown commentary, and Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett were also absent. Instead, Vic Joseph and Booker T—regularly the voices of NXT—called the action from Norfolk. Vic Joseph has a notable history with WWE’s main roster, having worked on Raw broadcasts in 2019 before joining the NXT and NXT UK commentary teams. Booker T, meanwhile, brings a wealth of experience, having contributed to WWE commentary intermittently over the past two decades.
Implications of Commentary Team Changes for WWE Fans
The temporary shift highlights WWE’s logistical balancing act as it manages multiple events and broadcasting commitments simultaneously. The use of NXT commentators on SmackDown may provide fresh perspectives for viewers and offers Joseph and Booker increased exposure on the flagship show. Fans can expect these kinds of crossover appearances to continue when scheduling demands arise, reflecting WWE’s flexible approach toward its commentary lineup amid various event overlaps.
Maintaining clarity and quality in commentary remains essential, as these voices help shape the storytelling and fan engagement during weekly broadcasts. With key figures like Michael Cole and Corey Graves splitting duties between SmackDown and other WWE-related events, NXT personalities are becoming vital to keeping WWE’s Friday night show consistent.
