Major shakeup to Raw, Smackdown, and NXT commentary teams

[Liz]

Ahead of the season premieres, Variety is reporting that WWE has done a major shakeup to the commentary teams of Raw, Smackdown, and NXT.

Starting with tomorrow's Smackdown, the new commentary team will consist of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett, who moves over from NXT. Joining Cole and Barrett will be Samantha Irvin as ring announcer, Kayla Braxton, and Megan Morant who will be backstage interviewers.

On Monday Night Raw, Kevin Patrick takes the lead commentary role and will be joined by Corey Graves. Raw goes back to a two-man commentary team as Jimmy Smith has called his last show. Mike Rome will be the ring announcer while Bryon Saxton will move to backstage interviews along with the returning Cathy Kelley.

NXT will have Vic Joseph as the lead play-by-play and will be joined by WWE Hall of Famer Booker T. Alicia Taylor remains the ring announcer while McKenzie Mitchell stays as backstage interviewer.

Pat McAfee is expected to return to Smackdown once his College Gameday duties are over in January.