Why Michael Cole Was Absent From WWE SmackDown

Michael Cole is renowned for being a committed worker in WWE who hardly takes any time off, with him going on an unprecedented stretch for many years on commentary with no leave. However, he was conspicuous by his absence this week, as he was not present on the October 16 edition of Friday Night SmackDown at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. The reason behind his absence has been revealed.

According to a report from PWInsider, the reason behind Michael Cole not being at WWE’s blue brand broadcast was really quite simple; he was on vacation. If this was anyone else, it would likely be a non-story, but given how little time Cole has taken off from his job on the announce desk, it is worth noting whenever he takes some much-deserved break. 

Vic Joseph stepped in to replace Cole on the desk, calling the show alongside former colleague in NXT, Wade Barrett. Cole arguably took the perfect week off, as he didn’t need to sit down and watch Cody Rhodes battle Baron Corbin in a four minute SmackDown main event. It was noted last year that Cole was in WWE for the long haul, with many years remaining on his deal.