The commentator wants honest feedback before his work declines
Summary
– Michael Cole said he would ideally retire around age 65
– He signed a multiyear WWE contract about a year before the interview
– Cole wants colleagues to tell him if his commentary starts slipping
Michael Cole has a retirement goal in mind, but he still enjoys calling WWE matches and expects to remain behind the desk for several more years.
Speaking with OutKick’s Bobby Burack, Cole said he had signed a multiyear contract about a year earlier. He identified 65 as the age he would ideally like to reach before retiring.
“I want to get to retirement age. I’d like to get to 65 if I can.”
That goal comes with a condition. Cole wants the people overseeing his work to speak up if they notice a decline, even if that means leaving earlier than planned.
He said he has discussed those expectations with Paul Levesque, Lee Fitting, and his producers. Their honesty matters to him because he wants to finish his career while continuing to deliver strong commentary.
“If they believe that I’m slipping at all, I want to know because I want to get out at the top of my game.”
Cole explained that he has watched broadcasters across wrestling and other sports continue long after their strongest years. He wants his own career to end with audiences remembering his best work.
“I want to go out and people saying, ‘Hey, he was a damn good commentator.’”
For now, Cole said the enjoyment remains. He spoke enthusiastically about hosting Countdown coverage and calling matches at ringside, describing the moment the broadcast begins as still feeling fun.
His comments establish a preferred retirement age rather than a fixed departure date. Cole intends to keep working as long as he enjoys the role and can meet his own standards, with honest feedback helping him decide when to stop.
