WWE shakes up broadcast platforms and commentary teams for “Raw” and “SmackDown”
Major changes are coming to WWE’s flagship shows “Raw” and “SmackDown” in terms of where they’ll be broadcast and who will be calling the action. Starting in 2025, “Raw” will move from cable TV to Netflix as part of a 10-year streaming deal. Meanwhile, “SmackDown” is set to switch from Fox to USA Network in just a few weeks.
These moves are bringing about shifts in the announce teams. Starting next week, Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett will be the new voices of “Raw.” For “SmackDown,” Michael Cole and Corey Graves will take over commentary duties beginning September 13, when the show debuts on USA Network. However, these arrangements may be short-lived, as Pat McAfee is expected to join Cole on “Raw” when it moves to Netflix in January, coinciding with the end of McAfee’s commitments to ESPN College Gameday.
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