Michael Cole and Corey Graves return to RAW as SmackDown gets a new pairing
Summary
– Michael Cole and Corey Graves are set to reunite on Monday Night RAW
– Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett will take over SmackDown commentary
– The shake-up follows the end of the college football season
WWE is preparing to start 2026 with a refreshed commentary lineup across its flagship television shows.
According to PWInsider, Michael Cole and Corey Graves will reunite on Monday Night RAW beginning January 5, 2026, bringing two of WWE’s most familiar voices back to the red brand. The move marks a return to a pairing that many fans associate with the modern era of RAW.
SmackDown will feature Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett starting January 2, creating a notable shift from the current setup. The change effectively reverses the commentary alignment seen during the latter part of 2025.
Tessitore had moved to RAW last September due to his college football obligations, which included calling games through the College Football Playoffs. WWE also adjusted commentary teams during late December episodes of RAW and SmackDown, likely due to holiday pre-taping.
With football season concluding, WWE is reconfiguring its broadcast teams for the new year, restoring a sense of familiarity while maintaining distinct identities for both shows heading into 2026.
