Michael Cole Explains WWE SmackDown Absence

Michael Cole was absent from this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown, as Wade Barrett was flown in to replace him on the commentary desk alongside Corey Graves. It is always notable when Cole is not at his usual post on the commentary table, with this being just the fourth day of work he’s missed since joining WWE in 1997. Per Graves, Cole was away on a supposed “special assignment”, though there were no details provided on this from WWE’s side. 

When speaking to Sal Licata of WFAN, Cole revealed his whereabouts. He noted that he had taken a 10-day holiday with his family in Cozumel, Mexico, taking a much needed break following his decades of tireless work in WWE. It seems as though Graves’ “special assignment” comments were just a cover for Cole simply taking a family vacation for a little over a week. 

Cole also revealed this weekend that he expects to remain commentating in WWE for another few years at least after signing a new long-term deal earlier this year, and despite his age not slowing down and him stepping away from roles in WWE, he is eyeing up being the lead voice of WWE upon their move to Netflix.