WWE is starting 2026 with a significant shift in its commentary lineup. Michael Cole and Corey Graves will be back on Monday Night RAW beginning January 5, 2026, bringing veteran voices back to the red brand, according to PWInsider. Meanwhile, Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett will move to SmackDown starting January 2.
This move reverses the current commentary arrangement and returns to the original 2025 setup, which was altered due to Tessitore’s college football commitments in the fall. Tessitore joined RAW with Barrett in September 2025 to accommodate his football schedule, covering games throughout the College Football Playoff, including a recent Tulane vs. Ole Miss match on TNT Sports.
WWE also quietly switched commentary teams for the December 19 SmackDown and December 22 RAW episodes, likely because these shows were taped ahead of the holidays. Now that the football season has ended, WWE is adjusting its commentary teams for 2026, with Cole and Graves resuming their roles on RAW as usual.
Are you excited to see Michael Cole and Corey Graves back on RAW, or do you prefer Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett? Let us know which commentary team you favor!
Fan Take: This commentary reshuffle is crucial for WWE fans because the voices behind the broadcast significantly shape the viewing experience. Bringing back Cole and Graves signals a return to familiarity and stability, which could enhance the storytelling and energy of Monday Night RAW moving forward.
