The broadcast teams for WWE’s main roster programs are to swap brands.
During Monday’s broadcast of Raw, play-by-play commentator Joe Tessitore announced that he and broadcast partner Wade Barrett are set to move to Friday Night SmackDown.
Consequently, Michael Cole and Corey Graves will take over the reins on Monday Night Raw, beginning with the January 5 episode.
Tessitore noted on air that he and Barrett had enjoyed a “great run” on the brand during the football season. The move coincides with the conclusion of the NFL regular season and the College Football Playoff schedule, which Tessitore covers for ESPN/ABC.
The switch marks a return to Monday nights for Cole and Graves, who will call the action for the one-year anniversary of Raw’s debut on Netflix next week.
It was not made clear which team will take the commentary desk this coming Friday for the return of the three-hour format on SmackDown
