Who is he? Bio, Wiki, Career, Personal Life, Net Worth 2024 and more

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Michael Cole: WWE career

From behind-the-scenes commentator to cult commentator

The name Michael Cole is synonymous with WWE commentary and his career reflects a remarkable evolution in the wrestling world.

From his early roles to his role as the voice of WWE’s flagship shows, Cole’s career is a testament to his versatility and dedication.

Early roles in the WWE (1997 – 1999)

In 1997, Sean Coulthard, under his stage name Michael Cole, began his journey into the WWE.

Cole initially worked behind the scenes, doing voiceovers and interviews, among other things, which gradually led to him appearing on screen.

His potential was recognized early on and in late 1998 he temporarily stepped in as a live commentator for Raw, showcasing his skills as a commentator alongside veterans such as Jim Ross and Kevin KellyAlthough this role was short-lived, it laid the foundation for Cole’s future in the WWE.

Establishment as the voice of SmackDown (1999 – 2008)

Michael Cole’s career took a significant turn in 1999 when he became a live commentator for the new WWE show “SmackDown”.

Collaboration initially with Jerry Lawler and later with Tazz During Lawler’s brief absence, Cole cemented his position as lead commentator.

During the brand extension era, Cole became exclusive to SmackDown, where he commentated on matches for the brand’s special pay-per-views.

Although he was rarely involved in the plot, his consistency and professionalism made him an important part of the show.

Over the years, his broadcast partners changed, including well-known names such as JBL, Jonathan Coachman and Mick Foleyeach of which brings a unique dynamic to the commentary room.

Transition to RAW and in-ring action (2009–2012)

• The 2008 WWE Draft marked a major turning point for Michael Cole, as he moved to Raw, ending his nearly ten-year stint on SmackDown.
• His maneuver was dramatic, and an attack from Kane set the tone for his Raw debut. Cole’s role went beyond commentary; he made his in-ring debut in a tag team match with Jerry Lawler.
• During this time, Cole’s on-air persona continued to evolve. He began doing commentary for the first three seasons of NXT and became the voice of Raw’s anonymous General Manager.
• During this era, Cole also developed a more arrogant and biased commentary style, favoring certain wrestlers and disparaging others, leading to his first turn as a heel.
• One of the most memorable feuds of this time was with Jerry Lawler. Cole’s interference in Lawler’s championship fight and the verbal and physical attacks that followed, with the help of his trainer Jack Swagger, culminated in a fight that Cole won by disqualification.
• The rivalry ended with Cole apologizing to Lawler, revealing a complex storyline that captivated the audience.
• Cole also clashed with Jim Ross, challenging him to a series of contests, which Ross won, albeit with some manipulation from Cole.
• This tension led to a match against John Cena, which forced Cole to apologize for his wrongdoings. His feud with Lawler finally ended when Cole lost a rematch.

Back to expert commentary (2012 – 2019)

After his stint as a heel commentator, Michael Cole returned to his role as a face commentator. His professional conduct during Jerry Lawler’s real heart attack on Raw in 2012 earned him much praise and marked a turning point in his career.

Cole’s emotional reaction and support for Lawler endeared him to fans and cemented his reputation as a trusted voice in WWE.

During this time, Cole continued to commentate alongside various partners, including JBL and Booker T.

Although he was occasionally written out of storylines due to kayfabe injuries, he remained a consistent presence until 2017, when Tom Phillips temporarily replaced him following an attack by Braun Strowman.

SmackDown Renaissance (2019 – 2023)

In 2019, Michael Cole returned to SmackDown and revived his commentary career. Together with Corey Graves and Renee Young and later with Pat McAfee, Cole’s team received much praise.

His adaptability and ability to shine with different co-commentators testified to his versatility and enduring appeal.

August 2023 brought significant changes as WWE restructured its commentary teams. Cole returned to Raw with Wade Barrett, while Graves and Kevin Patrick took over SmackDown.

The goal of this strategic shift was to make Cole the face of WWE commentary at all flagship shows and thus strengthen his reputation within the company.

Exclusive return to RAW (2024 – present)

January 2024 marked another turning point in Michael Cole’s career. He left SmackDown, Corey Graves and Wade Barrett took over and returned exclusively to Raw.

Along with Pat McAfee, who returned as a full-time commentator, Cole continued to bring his expertise and passion to WWE’s most important show.