WWE picks their announcers carefully, as they are responsible for providing a soundtrack for the action in the ring. Everyone has their own voice, and Michael Cold has helped the company in significant ways.

Michael Cole entered WWE in 1997, and he has remained a part of the company since then. First as a backstage interviewer, he eventually made his way to the commentary table, where he never left.

WWE NXT commentator Vic Joseph spoke with SEScoops correspondent Scott Fishman for TV insider, where he revealed that Michael Cole wants to help each WWE commentary team member discover who they really are.

“Michael Cole is the greatest of all time. I’ll say it again. He is the greatest of all time. I’ve learned so much from him. Here’s the thing about Michael Cole. He doesn’t want me to be Michael Cole. He doesn’t want Corey Graves to be Michael Cole. We all have our own distinct voices. It’s how you as a listener hear it.”

“When I went to NXT, I didn’t want to be Mauro [Ranallo]. I don’t want to be Michael Cole. I want to be myself. But if you’re the greatest of all time why would you not want to pick a few things from them? There is no quarterback in the world that’s not looking at Tom Brady’s mechanics or Patrick Mahomes’ footwork. If you don’t study people who are the greatest, I think it’s foolish if you don’t. I will take as much as I can from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, for that matter, and mold it into my own. Then hopefully get to their level.”

WWE Commentary Teams

The company has several television shows, with different commentary teams on each program.

• WWE’s RAW: Michael Cole and Pat McAfee. 
• WWE SmackDown: Corey Graves and Wade Barrett  
• NXT: Vic Joseph and Booker T 
• NXT Level Up: Blake Howard and Byron Saxton 
• Main Event: Blake Howard and ‘Road Dogg’ Brian James

WWE will switch around their commentary teams occasionally. The last change came when Kevin Patrick was fired, and that caused the change to what we have today.

The WWE Draft is coming on the April 26th episode of Friday Night SmackDown. The draft will then continue on the April 29th episode of Monday Night Raw. We will have to see how the commentary teams look when the next roster shake-up goes down, but each show has a strong team already.

WWE has secured even more trademarks to make sure that nobody else uses their intellectual property. Those new trademarks span Superstars and on-air personalities from WWE and the NXT brand as well.

WWE filed trademark applications for several names on March 29. Now “Andrade,” “Chase U,” “Vic Joseph,” “Alicia Taylor,” “Blake Howard,” and “Erik” are one step closer to being WWE property.

WWE’s New Trademark Filings

On March 29, WWE took legal action by filing trademark applications for several names including “Andrade,” “Chase U,” “Vic Joseph,” “Alicia Taylor,” “Blake Howard,” and “Erik.”

These trademark filings cover a wide array of categories, primarily focusing on entertainment services related to wrestling exhibitions and performances by professional wrestlers. It is the usual language found in those type of trademark filings.

The trademark registration is intended to cover the categories of entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered and through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; providing information in the fields of sports and entertainment via an online community portal; providing a website in the field of sports entertainment information; fan club services, namely, organizing sporting events in the field of wrestling for wrestling fan club members; organizing social entertainment events for entertainment purposes for wrestling fan club members; providing online newsletters in the fields of sports entertainment; online journals, namely blogs, in the field of sports entertainment.

WWE’s History Of Trademarking Names

WWE locking down Andrade’s name is interesting, because he used Andrade el Idolo in AEW. Now, he is back in WWE and they are locking down his name.

The company has a history of trademarking names, and that is why they have a proclivity to change someone’s real name once they enter WWE. They have also been known to alter ring names, just so they can make sure nobody has any claim to a moniker.

SEScoops will keep an eye for any updates, and check back throughout the day for more headlines!

One former recently-released WWE performer is taking a novel approach to getting hired back by the company.

WWE fans were pretty shocked to see that the company fired McKenzie Mitchell from her job earlier this month. She was assigned to host the company’s digital media content, but her time came to an end. That being said, she hasn’t lost hope that she may return to that job.

Following their merger with UFC to form TKO Group Holdings, WWE terminated several individuals, leading fans to anticipate additional releases. Many had questions when McKenzie Mitchell was recently released from WWE. In response, Mitchell urged fans to express their desire for her WWE return by reaching out to the company on social media.

McKenzie Mitchell makes her case for a WWE return

While speaking during a virtual signing hosted by RDP Promotions, McKenzie Mitchell advised her supporters that if they genuinely wish to see her return to WWE, they must vocalize their support on social media. She also said how nice it has been to receive so much love and support after her release.

”It’s been really nice to see all the love and support from you guys online. I guess I can say this. If you want me back in WWE, you better put it on Twitter because that’s the only way they’re gonna see it.”

McKenzie Mitchell was known for her on-screen role as a host across various WWE media outlets and NXT, disclosed her departure from the company. She had a lot of fans who loved seeing her on their screens as well, but she doesn’t seem too upset over this latest career development. 

Despite this development, McKenzie Mitchell conveyed only positive sentiments about her former employer. Hopefully, she can land on her feet somewhere, because her WWE release certainly came out of left field.

We will keep an eye on this story, here at SE Scoops, just in case WWE takes back McKenzie Mitchell’s firing. She is married to WWE announcer Vic Joseph, so she still has very close ties to the company.

What’s your take on WWE releasing McKenzie Mitchell? Why do you think they decided to do that? Let us know that you think by engaging on social media! 

The landscape of WWE has changed dramatically across all three of the company’s brands, at least at the commentary desk.

This week, WWE will begin their ‘season premiere’ week of programming, starting with tomorrow night’s SmackDown on FOX. Next week’s Raw and NXT will also serve as the season premieres of the red and gold brand.

The following three shows of WWE programming will be stacked for the season premieres and will feature brand-new commentary teams.

Wrestle Votes were the first to report that changes were expected to Raw’s commentary team before more information was provided by Variety. Their report, later confirmed by WWE, announced that the company is returning to two-person commentary teams across all three of its brands.

Smackdown

For tomorrow night’s SmackDown, Michael Cole and Wade Barrett will be calling the action, with the former Intercontinental Champion moving from NXT.

Raw

Next week’s Raw will see Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves behind the table, with Patrick being promoted as a full-time member of the Raw commentary team.

The Irish announcer had previously served as a backstage interviewer and provided commentary on the July 24, 2022, Raw.

Byron Saxton, who had been on commentary for Raw, has been moved to a role as an onscreen interviewer.

NXT

For NXT, the new commentary team will see Vic Joseph returning to the role, now working with Booker T.

The two-time WWE Hall of Famer has previously served as a commentator for Raw and SmackDown, and regularly makes appearances on kick-off show panels.

Premium Live Events

For major WWE events such as WWE Premium Live Events, Cole and Graves will be the commentary team.

WWE NXT power couple Vic Joseph and McKenzie Mitchell tied the knot this past week in a ceremony in Italy.

The couple announced their engagement last November and flew to Europe to exchange their vows.

Former WWE Superstars John Morrison and Taka Valkyrie (aka Franky Monet) in NXT attended the ceremony.

Fellow WWE alum Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green were also in attendance.

On social media, Mitchell shared some images from the big day.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by McKenzie Mitchell (@mckenzienmitchell)

Vic Joseph

Joseph signed with WWE in 2017, replacing Tom Phillips on WWE Main Event.

A month after joining, Joseph would also begin work commentating 205 Live, while still calling the action on Main Event.

In October 2018, Joseph joined the commentary desk for NXT UK, and in September 2019, joined Raw’s announce team after a shakeup saw Corey Graves be moved to SmackDown.

Months later, Joseph was removed from the Raw commentary team and would return to 205 Live in July 2020.

That August, Joseph would join the NXT commentary team, where he remains to this day.

McKenzie Mitchell

Before making it to WWE, Mitchell had been covering sports for years, having worked with Fox Sports West and Fan Girl Sports.

In 2016, Mitchell joined Impact Wrestling as a backstage interviewer but found her way to WWE three years later.

Since signing in 2019, Mitchell has primarily worked on the NXT brand but has also served as a backstage interviewer on select episodes of Raw and SmackDown. 

Mitchell has cited interviewing Keith Lee after his NXT Championship win in 2020 as the proudest moment of her career.

We here at SEScoops would like to offer our congratulations to the happy couple.

Vic Joseph and McKenzie Mitchell have announced their engagement. Mitchell posted to social media to announce the news.

Joseph, real name Victor Travagliante, is the current play-by-play commentator for NXT and the 205 brands in WWE. Previously he has worked on NXT UK, RAW and Main Event as well. Before WWE, Joseph worked for the Cleveland Browns Radio Network covering Cleveland Browns games. He started with WWE in 2017.

McKenzie Mitchell was with Impact Wrestling from 2016 until 2019 when she signed with WWE. She works on the NXT broadcast team in addition to numerous digital media hosting roles with the company.

The couple went public with their relationship a year ago on social media.

Earlier this year, Jospeh appeared on After the Bell and spoke about advice John Cena gave him on his commentary.

“I happen to see Cena and I went up and said, ‘Mr. Cena, I’m Vic Joseph, I’m new and I’m doing 205 Live tonight and I wanted to introduce myself.’ He goes, ‘You’re new? I’m going to watch the show.’ I’m thinking he’s not going to watch the show. We do the show and I’m leaving, he’s still in the locker room area or wherever and I walk by and I said, ‘John, nice to meet you.’ He says, ‘Vic, come here.’ He walked me over and sat and talked with me about what I did for that hour. ‘Know the stories, know the transitions, you had this, don’t say this, lay out here.’ He ran through it all.”

WWE has made another change to the Raw commentary team. Former 205 Live announcer Vic Joseph will no longer be calling the action on Monday nights, according to reports.

Joseph was absent from The Royal Rumble PPV yesterday and Tom Phillips along with WWE Hall Of Famer Jerry Lawler called the bouts associated with the Red Brand.

Per PWinsider, Vic Joseph has been removed from the Raw commentary team for good. Tom Phillips will be replacing him on the show moving forward. Joseph remains with the company

It’s unknown why the former 205 Live announcer has been removed from the position but the site is reporting that the decision was made sometime in the past week.

This the second big change the company has made to the Raw commentary team after they shuffled the announcers for both Raw and SmackDown for the Blue Brand’s move to Fox Network last year in October

Both Michael Cole and Corey Graves who were part of the Raw commentary team at the time were moved to SmackDown and Jerry Lawler was brought back to do the play by play of the Red Branded Show.

Vic Joseph and Dio Maddin were moved up from 205 Live to the brand to aid Lawler and it was reported at the time that it was the Executive Director Paul Heyman’s call to bring them on the show.

Both Triple H and former NXT UK commentator Vic Joseph have shared their excitement ahead of this weekend’s NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool II event.

Taking to Twitter, “The Game” Triple H reflected on how the event takes them back to where it all began. He shared how NXT UK’s mentality gave fans and Superstars a place to rally behind and claim “THIS IS OUR BRAND.”

“Back to where it all began. Where fans and Superstars alike joined together to say THIS IS OUR BRAND. Before we return to Blackpool for #NXTUKTakeOver: Blackpool II, see how we got there. See the latest #PrimeTarget on this week’s episode of @NXTUK on @WWENetwork. #WeAreNXTUK”

Vic Joseph’s First Opportunity

Joseph, who previously worked on the NXT UK brand before being moved to RAW, added his thoughts on the event. He expressed how it was difficult for him to convey how much NXT UK means to him as a brand, given that it provided him with his first opportunity. He also shared his gratitude in how it allowed him to learn from and work closely with Nigel McGuinness.

“Hard to put into words what @NXTUK means to me. It’s where @TripleH gave me my first opportunity, where I learned from @McGuinnessNigel, where I was part of the foundation that grew into an empire! Don’t miss #NXTUKTakeOver: Blackpool II THIS Sunday on the @WWENetwork #WeAreNXTUK”

NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool II takes place this Sunday, January 12th from the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool, England. It will be main evented by WALTER against Joe Coffey for the NXT United Kingdom Championship.

WWE’s Performance Center YouTube channel has debuted a new digital web series entitled WWE Fandom. 

The first episode followed WWE NXT Superstars Johnny Gargano and his wife Candice LeRae. They were joined by WWE Host Vic Joseph as they visited the Cleveland Browns’ Training Center in Berea, Ohio. 

During the video, the Superstars got a first look at the 2019 Cleveland Browns NFL team. They also had the opportunity to interact with fans as well as to meet and interview NFL Quarterback Baker Mayfield. 

At the end of the video, Joseph encouraged the WWE Universe to comment with their favorite sports team, teasing that “down the line on WWE Fandom, we’ll be able to take your favorite WWE Superstar to talk about your favorite team.”

From Superstar To Fan

The show introduces WWE Superstars to their favorite sports team, granting them unique access as they get to embrace the role of being a fan.

It’s not clear, however, whether the show is exclusively centered around American Football or if the show will open up to other sports or fandoms entirely.

It’s worth noting that Vic Joseph introduced the video with the following:

“We’re getting ready to step on the gridiron as so many fans from across America are getting ready for their favorite football team.”

Although not confirmed, Joseph’s words indicate that the series will be focused purely around American Football.

WWE Announcer Set To Cover NFL Draft

WWE’s 205 announcer Vic Joseph is set to cover the upcoming NFL Draft this weekend for SiriusXM and a few other networks. Prior to coming to WWE Joseph worked as a host and reporter for the Cleveland Browns. WWE posted the following regarding Joseph’s Draft Coverage schedule:

• Sunday, April 22: SiriusXM Fantasy Football Franchise Mode — airing on Sirius channel 210 or XM channel 87 (10 p.m. ET)
• Thursday, April 26: SiriusXM Post Draft Show — airing on Sirius channel 210 or XM channel 87 (following that evening’s coverage of the 2018 NFL Draft)
• Thursday, April 26 – Saturday, April 28: the Cleveland Browns Network
• Monday, April 30: Joseph joins NFL players Matt Finkes and Zach Boren to break down all seven rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft — airing on the EBSN Network

WWE’s Authority Figures Gallery

WWE has posted a gallery looking back at the authority figures in the company’s history. The list features figures from WWE, NXT, WCW, and other promotions. You can check it out here:

When it came to these bosses, Superstars had no choice but to RESPECT THEIR AUTHORITY! https://t.co/A3GobBS9lL

— WWE (@WWE) April 21, 2018