More news on WWE commentary changes
Added 2022-10-07 22:10:09 +0000 UTCWWE made some huge changes to commentary, and they've been in the works for a while.
Fightful was told heading into October that possible changes to the commentary team were looming. With the loss of Pat McAfee, WWE was already looking for a permanent replacement, and we're told they had decided to make some other moves. Now-former Raw commentator Jimmy Smith even noted that he realized on Monday he would be fired.
To reiterate, Jimmy Smith is completely done with the company, and was relieved of his duties as opposed to his deal running out. Most in the company felt he acclimated well considering he wasn't a big wrestling guy heading into his deal.
There were some other considerations for the commentary roles, and WWE even looked at some reels for outside options. We're told that the decision to move away from three-person booths was made, and that any of these choices could adjust based on the success of the teams, and they're not expecting to "force chemistry" if it doesn't work out. Everyone that WWE adjusted was under contract already, with the exception of Cathy Kelley, who was highly regarded among the new regime and sought out.
We're told by WWE sources that they'll still work with Pat McAfee "whenever he is available and wants to," and that he's incredibly well liked within the company.
Comments
ik, i meant when he came back. he takes corey’s place and it’s mcafee/cole
SebsIncognito
2022-10-09 02:25:58 +0000 UTCYeah like Jack said, unless the PPV is in the same city as College Game day, I doubt we see pat until after the CFB Season.
2022-10-08 20:19:11 +0000 UTCHe’s not going to work Saturday/Sundays during CFB/NFL season
Jack Rasberry
2022-10-08 16:34:44 +0000 UTCif i were to guess, mcafee will be on ppv commentary,
SebsIncognito
2022-10-08 01:00:44 +0000 UTCWell pat is literally the biggest star they got
Jake Salazar
2022-10-07 23:46:33 +0000 UTCPerhaps they could Corey a different role, while Barrett goes to RAW once McAfee returns to SD on WrestleMania season.
AKIRO
2022-10-07 23:41:45 +0000 UTCHis heel cheerleading is rather grating, and not in the “boo, he’s supporting the heels” kind of way.
2022-10-07 23:34:12 +0000 UTCShe'll probably keep doing the social media stuff she's been doing
Jeffrey Pollard
2022-10-07 23:01:28 +0000 UTCHe's the guy Jimmy and Corey pile on when Byron is gone lol. We'll see I'd rather Nigel
2022-10-07 22:51:43 +0000 UTCI haven't really heard him on commentary but he brings a lot of enthusiasm in interviews and I'm gonna miss him in Raw Talk segments
Kian Hartley
2022-10-07 22:49:10 +0000 UTCAm I the only one who doesn’t care for Cory Graves on commentary? It’s so forced and contrived
ARose Lab
2022-10-07 22:39:32 +0000 UTCKevin Patrick doesn't scream "Lead Announcer" more like a third wheel, Jimmy brought Legitimacy.
2022-10-07 22:37:05 +0000 UTCJimmy wasn't bad, he just didn't add any value for me personally.
TorchCrawler
2022-10-07 22:23:00 +0000 UTCIdk that’s why I’m skeptical when they said looking for “permanent solutions” pat definitely should be on commentary
Brendan Bdotlion Beal
2022-10-07 22:19:41 +0000 UTCWay too soon to tell right now. I imagine we'll get a clearer look when the college football season ends in December.
UntoldUnknown
2022-10-07 22:19:28 +0000 UTCShe's still around, I saw her name pop up on some reports
Colt Baudoux
2022-10-07 22:19:08 +0000 UTCI just hope that pat returns to commentary and not just used for special occasions
Brendan Bdotlion Beal
2022-10-07 22:18:45 +0000 UTCI actually liked Jimmy. It’s having a 3 man team that was an issue for me.
thaddperkins
2022-10-07 22:15:18 +0000 UTCAny word on Sarah Schreiber? I noticed she wasn’t mentioned at all when the news came out. Maybe an off screen role?
AJ
2022-10-07 22:14:58 +0000 UTCDo we know if Nigel was released as part of these decisions or if he asked for a release?
Anthony M
2022-10-07 22:14:55 +0000 UTCWhat will happen once Pat McAfee return’s will Wade Barrett go back to NXT
Kyle
2022-10-07 22:14:44 +0000 UTC
