The WWE SmackDown commentary team experienced another round of changes during the September 12th show in Norfolk, Virginia, prompting fan reactions to the unexpected lineup. These WWE SmackDown commentary team changes come amid scheduling conflicts and planned absences, altering the familiar voices fans have grown accustomed to.
Recent Changes in the SmackDown Commentary Booth
This week’s SmackDown featured an unusual commentary duo as Vic Joseph and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, usually reserved for NXT broadcasts, took the table instead of the traditional pair. This shift occurred despite Michael Cole’s statement the prior week assuring fans that he and Corey Graves would continue as the regular voices for SmackDown in the upcoming months.
Corey Graves was notably absent from SmackDown commentary on September 12th as he handled lead play-by-play duties for the WWE-AAA Worlds Collide: Las Vegas event, alongside John Bradshaw Layfield and Konnan. Graves’ cross-brand commitments created a vacancy on SmackDown that was filled by the NXT commentators.
Previously in 2025, Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett formed the core SmackDown commentary team. However, considering Tessitore’s responsibilities as an ESPN College Football commentator on Saturdays from September to December, his availability has become limited, as demonstrated when he appeared on commentary for the September 8th edition of Raw alongside Corey Graves instead of SmackDown.
Overview of Commentary Lineups in Late Summer to Early Fall
The SmackDown commentary assignments have seen significant fluctuation in recent weeks, with the lineup shifting nearly every weekend. Here is a summary of the commentary teams over the last month:
- August 22 in Dublin, Ireland: Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett
- August 29 in Lyon, France: Michael Cole & Wade Barrett
- September 5 in Chicago: Michael Cole & Corey Graves
- September 12 in Norfolk, Virginia: Vic Joseph & Booker T
Wade Barrett is currently on a pre-planned break and is expected to rejoin the commentary team within the coming weeks. These periodic absences contribute to an evolving crew as WWE adapts to the schedules of its commentators.
Michael Cole’s Status as a Leading WWE Announcer
Michael Cole’s presence in WWE spans nearly three decades, during which he has become the lead announcer for many major WWE pay-per-view events over the past 15 years. His enduring tenure and growth in the role have earned him widespread respect within the wrestling community.
Matt Hardy, a veteran wrestler who has performed in WWE, AEW, and TNA, recently identified Cole as the most consistent and standout announcer in the current wrestling landscape. Hardy praised Cole’s evolution from his news background into a knowledgeable wrestling commentator.
“This is almost judging him over his whole body of work. I mean, I would almost say the most consistent guy, which I really like a lot now, and I think he’s grown and he’s learned, and he has really embraced it, I would almost go with Michael Cole.He came from the news. I remember him being there, and he would always come to guys. He would ask them about things we were doing in the match. He would look for insight. Then once the more he got a grasp of pro wrestling, the better he became at it. He’s the head guy now that kind of runs things there when it comes to the announcers and whatnot. To me, he stands out.”
—Matt Hardy, Professional Wrestler
Upcoming WWE Events and Storylines to Watch
Looking ahead, WWE continues to build momentum with multiple anticipated events and storylines, keeping fans engaged beyond commentary changes.
John Cena is scheduled to face Brock Lesnar at Wrestlepalooza, though his opponent for a subsequent high-profile match remains unconfirmed. Meanwhile, Chelsea Green is pushing for an addition to her WWE faction, the Secret Hervice, hoping to strengthen her group’s presence on the main roster.
Kofi Kingston has spoken about the current era of WWE as a unique and special time for the company, reflecting optimism about the organization’s direction. Additionally, the company has officially announced that WrestleMania 43 will be hosted in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant international milestone. A date for the 2026 Royal Rumble has also been revealed, signaling a busy year ahead for WWE.
Cross-Promotional Wrestling Developments
Outside WWE, notable developments include a violent stipulation added to the high-stakes matchup between MJF and Mark Briscoe at AEW All Out, while rumors hint at a possible departure from a major AEW faction. These ongoing changes highlight the dynamic landscape of professional wrestling beyond WWE’s programming.
Significance of Commentary Team Adjustments for WWE Fans
The frequent rotations in the WWE SmackDown commentary team reflect broader scheduling conflicts, broadcast demands, and planned absences among WWE’s announcers. These WWE SmackDown commentary team changes may affect viewer experience, as fans adjust to new voices and dynamics in the booth.
However, bringing in familiar NXT voices like Vic Joseph and Booker T demonstrates WWE’s commitment to maintaining quality commentary despite personnel shifts. Fans can expect Wade Barrett’s eventual return to restore some stability, and Michael Cole’s reliable presence continues to anchor the broadcast team. As WWE heads toward key events like WrestleMania and Royal Rumble, the commentary lineup will likely continue to adapt, ensuring every broadcast remains as engaging as possible.
