WWE SmackDown commentator Kevin Patrick now has arguably the most important role of his career, but the pressure is on to prove he belongs.
Ahead of the first SmackDown of 2024, Michael Cole was moved off the SmackDown commentary table, leaving Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves as the two announcers of the blue brand. Cole, a veteran of WWE for close to 30 years, is now solely working on Monday Night Raw, where he calls the action alongside Wade Barrett.
Updated Raw and SmackDown Commentary Teams
- Raw: Michael Cole and Wade Barrett
- SmackDown: Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves
Backstage Reception to Kevin Patrick
With Cole gone, Patrick is now in the lofty position of being the lead play-by-play announcer for one of the most-watched wrestling shows on the planet. There are individuals within WWE who are closely monitoring Kevin Patrick’s performance, PW Insider reports.
There is a general belief within WWE that Patrick needs to demonstrate his abilities and make a strong impression in his new role to solidify his position on Fridays.
Before coming to the U.S. Patrick studied journalism at Griffith College Dublin, and worked as part of the RTÉ Sport team covering the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. In 2009, Patrick left Ireland for the U.S. and has worked for CNN in the past. He has also worked for FOX Sports and was the commentator for Atlanta United home games on Apple TV+.
Kevin Patrick isn’t the only notable member of his family. His father Liam was an All-Ireland-winning Gaelic footballer. While Kevin played for Raheny GAA, an injury would cut his athletics career short.
