WWE Announces Commentary Shifts for Raw and SmackDown in 2026

WWE has announced significant changes to its commentary teams for Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown, effective at the start of 2026, as the company prepares for a new broadcast year on Netflix and USA Network. The shifts, reported by industry sources, reverse a mid-2025 adjustment made to accommodate one announcer's external commitments and coincide with the return of an expanded format for SmackDown.

Beginning with the January 5 episode of Raw from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, veteran play-by-play announcer Michael Cole will pair with color commentator Corey Graves. This marks their return to the red brand after spending several months on SmackDown. The episode also celebrates the one-year anniversary of Raw's transition to Netflix streaming and features high-profile matches, including world heavyweight champion CM Punk defending his title against Bron Breakker, Becky Lynch challenging Maxxine Dupri for the women's Intercontinental Championship, and Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY facing Asuka and Kairi Sane for the WWE women's tag team titles.

On SmackDown, Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett will take over commentary duties starting with the January 2 episode from...