WWE NXT announcer Vic Joseph has a ton of respect for Michael Cole.
First signed to the company in 1997, Cole would begin his career as a backstage interviewer before making the transition to the commentary desk. Still calling the action in 2024, the commentator is the longest-tenured announcer in the company and one of the longest-serving employees in all of WWE. Although Cole has announced some of the biggest matches in company history, some of his calls and catchphrases have not been fondly remembered, such as being forced to yell “It’s boss time” every time Sahsa Banks appeared onscreen.
In the modern era, Cole has been praised for his work by fans online as he now feels much more authentic than he has in years past, which is in large part due to the fact that he no longer has Vince McMahon shouting instructions in his ear every 30 seconds. Recognising what Cole has done for the industry, the voice of NXT hailed the veteran as an all-time great.
While being interviewed by TV Insider, Joseph praised Cole for his work and how he has been a massive influence on his own announcing career:
“Michael Cole is the greatest of all time. I’ll say it again. He is the greatest of all time. I’ve learned so much from him. Here’s the thing about Michael Cole. He doesn’t want me to be Michael Cole. He doesn’t want Corey Graves to be Michael Cole. We all have our own distinct voices. It’s how you as a listener hear it.
When I went to NXT, I didn’t want to be Mauro [Ranallo]. I don’t want to be Michael Cole. I want to be myself. But if you’re the greatest of all time why would you not want to pick a few things from them? There is no quarterback in the world that’s not looking at Tom Brady’s mechanics or Patrick Mahomes’ footwork. If you don’t study people who are the greatest, I think it’s foolish if you don’t. I will take as much as I can from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, for that matter, and mold it into my own. Then hopefully get to their level.”
WWE Champion Praises Michael Cole
During the pandemic era of WWE, Cole was regularly targeted by Bayley, who took her opportunity to shout insults at Cole wherever possible. This would continue when crowds were allowed back in arenas and Bayley returned alongside Damage CTRL. Looking back on her interactions with Michael Cole, Baykey admitted that he deserves all the credit.