Credit: WWE.com
Wade Barrett has emphatically denied reports claiming he has been removed from WWE main roster commentary duties following recent changes to SmackDown’s announce team. After Michael Cole and Corey Graves were announced as the new commentators for SmackDown, speculation swirled that Barrett was “off the road” indefinitely. Barrett took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to clarify that his absence is due to a pre-planned personal leave, not a firing or permanent removal.
Commentary Shakeup Sparks Confusion Over Barrett’s Role
On the September 5, 2025 episode of SmackDown, Michael Cole publicly confirmed that he and Corey Graves would be handling commentary for the blue brand for the coming months. This new two-man team setup also extends to Monday Night Raw, leading to Barrett’s absence from both shows becoming apparent.
Sources close to WWE reported that Barrett has been removed from live commentary duties “with no immediate timeline for his return.” The shift is partly due to Joe Tessitore’s college football commitments and Pat McAfee’s recent break from commentary. With Cole and Graves slated to cover both Raw and SmackDown, the usual three-man booth format on main roster shows will be temporarily streamlined.
Wade Barrett Responds: No Drama, Just Scheduled Time Off
Amid growing online speculation and rumors linking Barrett’s absence to backstage tensions such as alleged fallout over his Clash in Paris commentary involving Nikki Bella Barrett addressed the situation directly. In his statement, Barrett called the swirling rumors “BS reports” that were unfairly generating negativity toward his WWE colleagues.
He revealed, “WWE have kindly given me a couple of weeks off for personal time (booked nine months ago), and then I’m back to business as usual. A complete non-story. The end.” This clear message from Barrett put to rest concerns that his departure from commentary was anything beyond a planned break.
A WWE insider told us:
“Wade has the full support of the company. His time off is personal and scheduled well in advance. The commentary roles for Cole and Graves during his absence are temporary adjustments based on availability and scheduling.”
Barrett’s Commentary Tenure and Contributions
Wade Barrett, a former WWE Intercontinental Champion, returned to the company in 2020 as a commentator. Initially part of NXT’s announce team, his insightful analysis and in-ring experience helped solidify his role on WWE’s main roster shows Raw and SmackDown over the past few years.
He brought a blend of technical knowledge and charisma that connected with fans, making his presence a notable aspect of WWE broadcasts. Barrett’s temporary absence leaves a void for viewers accustomed to his style, but fans can expect his return soon, as confirmed by both Barrett and WWE sources.
What’s Next for WWE Commentary Teams?
While Barrett enjoys his scheduled personal leave, Michael Cole and Corey Graves remain the core voices on both main roster shows. This tandem approach might persist for several months, balancing WWE’s broadcast demands with the availability of its commentators.
Meanwhile, NXT is reverting to its traditional two-man commentary booth featuring Vic Joseph and Booker T, after Corey Graves transitioned back to focus on main roster duties.
At present, there is no official announcement concerning Barrett’s long-term role post-leave. Industry observers speculate WWE will reassess commentary assignments once Barrett returns, but no permanent replacements have been confirmed.
Fan and Insider Reactions
Fans expressed mixed reactions when reports of Barrett’s removal first surfaced, with many worried about the loss of a familiar and respected commentator. However, Barrett’s swift response helped calm concerns.
“Wade is a huge asset to WWE commentary,” a longtime fan noted on social media. “Glad to hear this is just a planned break, not the end of his role.”
From backstage perspectives, sources emphasize professionalism and that WWE values Barrett’s contributions. A backstage official added, “These kinds of temporary leaves are common in the industry. The focus is on his well-being, and the door remains wide open for his return.”
Wade Barrett’s statement and insider confirmations make clear that his WWE commentary career is on pause, not terminated. Fans and viewers can look forward to his return once this short personal break wraps up, while Cole and Graves steer WWE broadcasts during the interim.