WWE Releases Kevin Patrick

Kevin Patrick is gone from WWE.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider has reported that Kevin Patrick has been officially released by WWE. Patrick was removed from his role as the play-by-play announcer on Friday Night SmackDown earlier this week and WWE seemingly opted not to transition him to another role within the organisation.

Patrick joined WWE in 2021, initially working as a backstage interviewer, the host of Raw Talk, and a panellist on premium live event kickoff shows. He moved to commentary in October 2022, initially as the lead announcer on Monday Night Raw. He was moved to a colour commentary role on SmackDown in the Summer of 2023, however, with Corey Graves and Michael Cole in an attempt to help with Patrick's development.

Michael Cole left SmackDown at the end of 2023, moving Patrick into the lead role once again to start the new year. Within a few weeks, though, it was determined that while Patrick was liked personally, the feeling was "he was not the right person for the role." His removal was said to be a last-minute decision as his travel to this week's SmackDown had already been arranged.

Michael Cole will replace Patrick on Friday's SmackDown. There is no word on who Patrick's permanent replacement will be.

Beyond WWE, Patrick provides commentary for the MLS on Apple TV under his real name, Kevin Egan.