WWE made a big change to the SmackDown announce team when they took Kevin Patrick off of his duties. It was confirmed a short time later that Patrick has been released from the company, but they still needed to figure out a replacement.
Kevin Patrick\'s Replacement on WWE SmackDown
I was the first to report that Kevin Patrick was moved off SmackDown. Now, we know who will replace him on the blue brand\'s desk.
According to PW Insider, Wade Barrett has been moved over to SmackDown to replace Kevin Patrick. The new SmackDown announce team will be Corey Graves and Barrett.
The future broadcast team for WWE SmackDown involves Wade Barrett and Corey Graves. Graves is set to take on the lead announce position, while Barrett will continue in his role as a color commentator.
The reason given to me for Kevin Patrick\'s removal was that it just wasn\'t working out. Now, Barrett is taking that role for him.
WWE RAW\'s New Announce Team
Pat McAfee was revealed as the new full-time announcer on RAW. He will sit alongside Michael Cole every Monday night to call the action in the ring. That helped facilitate this change for Barrett\'s blue brand move.
Wade Barrett\'s Career In WWE
Wade Barrett\'s real name is Stu Bennett, which he has used for several projects outside WWE. He had a notable career in WWE as a Superstar as well.
He joined the company in 2007 as part of the developmental system, Florida Championship Wrestling, and he rose to prominence in the first season of NXT, as he won the competition.
Barrett later led the group known as The Nexus, making a significant impact in storylines. Throughout his WWE tenure, he engaged in various feuds and alliances, including commentator and an authority figure role.
After leaving WWE in 2016, Barrett pursued other ventures, contributing to his diverse career in the wrestling industry. He eventually returned to WWE in 2022, where he was placed on the NXT announce team. He was later placed on main roster commentary, and that is where we find ourselves today.
