Michael Cole (wrestling)
Michael Cole | |
---|---|
Born | Sean Michael Coulthard December 8, 1966[1] Syracuse, New York, U.S. |
Alma mater | Syracuse University |
Occupation | Journalist |
Years active | 1988–present |
Employer(s) | CBS Radio (1988–1997) Titan Sports/WWE (1997–present) TKO Group Holdings (2023–present) |
Spouse |
Yolanda Coulthard (m. 1987) |
Children | 2 |
Amenia, New York | |
Debut | 1997 |
Sean Michael Coulthard (born December 8, 1966), better known by his
Coulthard began his career in journalism in 1988 for CBS Radio before being hired by the then-World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1997 (WWF was renamed WWE in 2002). He has performed multiple on-screen hosting and commentary roles across his two-decade-plus-long career.[3]
Early life and education
Sean Michael Coulthard was born on December 8, 1966, in
Journalism career
Coulthard began his career in the media as a journalist, working for
Professional wrestling career
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE (1997–present)
Backstage interviewer and Raw (1997–1999)
Coulthard came to the World Wrestling Federation in mid early-1997 after being recommended to company officials by
SmackDown! (1999–2008)
When the promotion's new SmackDown! television program debuted later that year, Cole was chosen to be the show's play-by-play announcer. His broadcast partner was originally Jerry Lawler, but when Lawler briefly left the WWF in 2001, he was replaced by Cole's WWF Sunday Night Heat broadcast partner Tazz shortly before the WWF vs. WCW/ECW invasion storyline.[3][6] After the WWE Brand Extension, Cole worked exclusively for the SmackDown! brand, cutting down to doing play-by-play on SmackDown!-only pay-per-views, while Raw-only pay-per-views were announced by Raw's announce team.[6]
Cole was rarely involved in storylines; however, he has had minor roles in storylines involving Heidenreich, Stephanie McMahon, Vito, and D-Generation X (Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chyna, and Rick Rude).[3] His 2004 angle with Heidenreich became infamous due to an implied scene where Heidenreich "Heidenraped" him in the arena restroom; in a 2008 interview, Heidenreich explained that the Cole rape angle was McMahon's idea and that Pulp Fiction came to mind when Stephanie McMahon approached him with the idea.[8] He called play-by-play at the 2006 Royal Rumble match because Jim Ross, who had commentated the last two Royal Rumble matches with Tazz, had been (kayfabe) "fired" and replaced by former ECW play-by-play man Joey Styles, reuniting the original SmackDown! team of Cole and Jerry Lawler. On February 3, 2006, it was announced that Cole and Tazz were starting a radio show on Howard Stern's Howard 100 on Sirius Satellite Radio, but the show was a trial run that only lasted a couple of weeks.[9]
On the June 9 episode of SmackDown!, Cole's broadcast partner Tazz left SmackDown! to ECW, leaving Cole at that moment without a broadcast partner.[10] At ECW One Night Stand, John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) announced he would replace Tazz as color commentator. This proved true five days later when JBL appeared on that week's episode of SmackDown! as Cole's new broadcast partner.[3] After JBL left the broadcast booth and returned to wrestling action on Raw, Jonathan Coachman became Cole's new partner on the January 4, 2008 episode of SmackDown!. Coachman was then replaced by Mick Foley beginning at Backlash on April 27, 2008.[3]
Return to Raw (2008–2009)
As a part of the
Heel turn and feud with Jerry Lawler (2010–2012)
Cole was the lead commentator for
On the November 29, 2010 episode of Raw, Cole interfered in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match for the
Cole continued to wrestle sporadically after this and still favored most heels while questioning the actions of the faces to regain control in matches. On the July 25 episode of Raw, Triple H placed Cole in a match against
On the July 9 episode of Raw, Cole was
Face turn (2012–present)
Cole was lauded for his handling of his fellow commentary partner Jerry Lawler's legitimate on-air heart attack on the September 10, 2012 episode of Raw. Despite being a heel commentator for two years, Cole provided updates to television viewers on Lawler's condition throughout the episode and was described as "classy and professional".[27] He was also praised for his handling of the emergency, turning face as he began favoring the face wrestlers and began receiving cheers.[14][28] Cole also joined in commentary during Raw and pay-per-view events, including Night of Champions and Hell in a Cell by Jim Ross and John "Bradshaw" Layfield. Cole cemented his face turn when he hugged Lawler in the ring when Lawler returned on the November 12 episode of Raw.[29]
On the March 30, 2015, episode of Raw, Cole, along with JBL and Booker T, was attacked by Brock Lesnar after Seth Rollins refused Lesnar his WWE World Heavyweight Championship rematch.[30] Cole did not appear on commentary the following week as part of a storyline injury. On June 8, Cole welcomed Byron Saxton as the color commentator for Raw, replacing Booker T.[3] On the January 15, 2018 episode of Raw, Cole was attacked by Braun Strowman due to Strowman's anger at being fired by General manager Kurt Angle and was subsequently replaced by Tom Phillips for the remainder of the broadcast.[31]
Three days later after Raw, on September 26, 2019, WWE announced as a part of their "WWE Premiere Week" that a new commentary team would be on SmackDown.
On August 5, 2023, WWE went with more on-air commentary changes as Cole returned to Raw on August 7, 2023, with
From 2020 onwards, Cole has engaged in longstanding feuds on commentary against Bayley, with whom he has had issues in storyline over the past few years,[38] Top Dolla, whom Cole called out for a botched top rope spot on an episode of SmackDown,[39] and Dominik Mysterio, whom Cole sides against in Dominik's feud with his father Rey Mysterio.[40]
Reality of Wrestling (2013)
In December 2013, Cole served as a special guest announcer for fellow WWE employee Booker T's professional wrestling promotion Reality of Wrestling, along with Rich Brennan (formerly known as Anthony Pratt and Rich Bocchini).[41]
Legacy
Arn Anderson has praised Cole stating, "I think he does a very good job. I think he is very professional. He can call a wrestling match very well".[42] Legendary professional wrestling commentator, WWE Hall of Famer and former broadcast partner colleague Jim Ross has also praised Cole stating, "Michael works his ass off. He's a good family man, he's a company man, he works diligently to do his job. I respect him for all those things. I've always liked him, he's a good dude, and folks won't understand that. They only judge him for his television persona, rightly or wrongly. It's kind of frustrating".[43]
Other media
Cole has appeared as a commentator in numerous
Cole appeared on the September 12, 2012 episode of Fox & Friends to address fellow WWE commentator Jerry Lawler's heart attack that occurred during the September 10 live broadcast of Raw.[46]
Personal life
Coulthard has been married to Yolanda since 1987 and together they have two sons.[
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2014 | Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery | Himself | Voice performance; direct-to-video |
2016 | Scooby-Doo! and WWE: Curse of the Speed Demon | Himself | Voice performance; direct-to-video |
2017 | Surf's Up 2: WaveMania | Seagull, himself | Voice performance; direct-to-video |
2017 | The Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania! | Himself | Voice performance; direct-to-video |
Web series
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2012–2015 | The JBL & Renee Show | Himself | Series regular (2012–2014), recurring (2014–2015) |
2013–2016 | Michael Cole's Weekly Sit-Down Interviews | Himself | Host |
WWE Network
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2016 | WWE 24: Thank You Daniel | Himself | Guest |
2016 | WWE 24: WrestleMania Monday | Himself | Guest |
Awards and accomplishments
- The Baltimore Sun
- Non-Wrestling Performer of the Year (2010)[49]
- World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
- Slammy Award (4 times)
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Worst Gimmick (2011)[50] Heel turn
- Worst Television Announcer (2001, 2009–2012, 2020)[50][51][52]
- WrestleCrap
- Gooker Award (2011) Antics throughout the years[53]
References
- ^ "Michael Cole Considers when He'll Retire from WWE, Wants Another Run with Pat McAfee". May 3, 2023.
- ^ https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1125
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Michael Cole profile". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ Davis, Lynsey (May 12, 2020). "51 Days: An Insider's Look at the Waco Siege". Recoil. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
- ^ Boccacino, John. "Three passionate alumni play key roles in success of WWE". Syracuse University Alumni Association. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Michael Cole bio on USA Network". USA Network. Archived from the original on December 18, 2008. Retrieved July 8, 2008.
- ^ Melok, Bobby (October 16, 2012). "Where Are They Now?: Todd Pettengill". WWE.com. Retrieved April 8, 2013.
- ^ "Jon Heidenreich discusses his "Heidenrape" angle with Michael Cole and says it was inspired by Vince McMahon's dream". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. August 2, 2008. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ "Tazz And Michael Cole Get Sirius Show". Inside Pro Wrestling. February 2, 2006. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ Martin, Adam (June 9, 2006). "SmackDown Results - 6/9/06 - Wheeling, WV (Rey Mysterio - Finlay)". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ Clark, Ryan (June 23, 2008). "Full 2008 WWE Draft Results Inside Here, More". Wrestling Inc. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ Golden, Hunter (July 7, 2008). "Raw Results - 7/7/08 - New Orleans, LA (New #1 Contender, & more)". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ Martin, Adam (December 15, 2009). "Full list of 2009 Slammy Award winners". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ a b c Konuwa, Alfred (August 2, 2013). "WWE's Best There Never Was: Heel Michael Cole Went Too Soon". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Nemer, Paul (October 1, 2010). "Smackdown Results – 10/1/10". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Nemer, Paul (November 29, 2010). "Raw Results – 11/29/10". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Adkins, Greg (March 9, 2011). "Michael Cole def. Jerry "The King" Lawler". WWE. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ "Michael Cole & Jack Swagger def. Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler (Country Whipping Match)". WWE. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
- ^ Caldwell, James (May 22, 2011). "Caldwell's WWE Over the Limit PPV Results 5/22: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Cena vs. Miz I Quit, Orton vs. Christian, Cole vs. Lawler". PWTorch. Retrieved June 19, 2011.
- ^ Nemer, Paul (May 23, 2011). "Raw Results – 5/23/11". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Nemer, Paul (July 25, 2011). "Raw Results – 7/25/11". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Nemer, Paul (October 17, 2011). "Raw Results – 10/17/11".
- ^ Nemer, Paul (November 14, 2011). "Raw Results – 11/14/11". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
- ^ Martin, Adam (June 4, 2012). "Raw Results – 6/4/12". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Benigno, Anthony (December 1, 2014). "The Anonymous Raw General Manager returned". WWE. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
- ^ Mitchell, Houston (September 11, 2012). "Jerry Lawler suffers heart attack during live 'Monday Night Raw'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 8, 2013.
- ^ Caldwell, James (April 3, 2013). "WWE NEWS: Cole acknowledges heel run went too long, says "voice of reason" was missing, details WWE's decision to turn him face post-Lawler heart attack". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
- ^ Caldwell, James (November 12, 2012). "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 11/12: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Lawler returns, Cena-Punk, final PPV hype". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
- ^ Paglino, Nick (March 30, 2015). "WWE Provides Storyline Update on Michael Cole's Injury, Rock Talks Ronda Rousey, Notable Names Attend Raw". Wrestlezone. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
- ^ Tedesco, Mike (January 15, 2018). "WWE RAW Results – 1/15/18 (Asuka vs. Nia Jax, Royal Rumble hype in San Antonio)". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Tedesco, Mike (September 26, 2019). "Commentary team changes announced for Raw and SmackDown ahead of "Premiere Week"". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ "WWE Premiere Week features unprecedented eight hours of primetime coverage".
- ^ "Pat McAfee joins Friday Night SmackDown announce team". WWE. April 16, 2021. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ a b Otterson, Joe (August 5, 2021). "WWE Commentary Shakeup: Michael Cole, Wade Barrett Move to 'Raw,' Cole to Also Remain on 'SmackDown' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
- ^ "Michael Cole Will Become 'The Face' of WWE's Product Going Forward". August 5, 2023.
- ^ "WWE Changing The SmackDown Commentary Team". PWMania.com. January 1, 2024. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
- ^ Breisch, Matty (June 14, 2023). "Bayley is already getting sick of Michael Cole on SmackDown". ClutchPoints. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ Adamson, Dave (April 20, 2023). "WWE Star Hilariously Heats up 'Feud' with Michael Cole". WrestleTalk. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ Black, Matt (April 22, 2023). "Watch: Michael Cole gets hysterical watching Dominik Mysterio attack on SmackDown". Sportskeeda. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ "Reality of Wrestling – Christmas Chaos 8". Archived from the original on January 28, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
- ^ Sachdeva, Shiven (July 21, 2020). "Arn Anderson gives details on Michael Cole being screamed at and cussed out; talks about the pressure on him". Sportskeeda. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Fannin, Pat (April 3, 2018). "Jim Ross Defends Michael Cole Against Fan Criticism". Fightful. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Melok, Bobby (January 10, 2012). "Cole in "WWE '12": The pleasure's all yours". WWE. Archived from the original on January 14, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
- ^ "Michael Coulthard profile". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ "WWE News: Michael Cole Tweets Update and Sends Message to Fans from Lawler". Bleacher Report. September 12, 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ Mcafee, Pat. "✂️ Michael Cole Mets Fan". Youtube.
- ^ @StuBennett (August 30, 2023). "I told the voice of @WWE (and recent convert to the beautiful game) @MichaelCole he could pick any soccer ⚽️ team in England to support. Any at all. His response" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Eck, Kevin (February 14, 2011). "2010 Awards". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
- ^ ISSN 1083-9593.
- ISSN 1083-9593.
- ^ Meltzer, Dave. "March 1, 2021, Wrestling Observer Newsletter 2020 awards issue, Elimination Chamber". Figure4Weekly. Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved February 26, 2021.
- ^ "2011 Gooker Award". wrestlecrap.freepolls.com. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
External links
- Michael Cole on WWE.com
- Michael Cole at IMDb
- Michael Cole's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database