While Michael Cole remains an important voice in the world of wrestling, currently working as WWE’s long-time commentator, he began his career in WWE back in 1997, a witness to other phases when it began to take over the world. Recently, Cole was in the news for major career changes, shifting commentary, and renewing his contract with WWE.
Signing a new contract with WWE in 2024
In spring 2024, Michael Cole extended his contract and will, therefore, continue being the voice of WWE for the foreseeable future. While the actual terms of his new deal have not been disclosed, it certainly cements his standing within WWE, where he’s been a type of repeater for more than 25 years. His tenure, which started in 1997 and became most notable during his rise to play-by-play duties in 1999, has called him calling many iconic matches since then; his voice became synonymous with the biggest events in WWE.
Commentary Shake-Ups: The Shake-Up from Raw to SmackDown
One of the more recognizable changes coming in 2024 is WWE’s commentary team shake-up. Michael Cole moves from being the lead commentator for WWE’s Raw to taking over on SmackDown. This was all part of broader organizational shifts, as WWE secured new TV deals, including SmackDown’s move back to the USA Network.
This reshuffling in commentary also brought in ESPN’s Joe Tessitore to join WWE Raw, while a new era dawns on the red brand, Cole returns to lead the blue brand. Cole’s move to SmackDown reunites him with his previous commentary partner in Corey Graves, and one can expect that the duo will resume business as usual, with the potential of Pat McAfee joining them in the future
Legacy as WWE’s Leading Commentator
Michael Cole’s career is impressive not only because of its longevity but also for the versatility of what he has done and been a part of. He’s been behind the microphone for some of WWE’s most memorable matches, including classic encounters at WrestleMania. Once thought to be a very polarizing figure due to his portrayal of a “heel” commentator, his legacy now is considered one of the greatest in the business. Fellow commentators and wrestlers give praise to what he’s brought to the table.
Not only has he called the action for WWE’s flagship shows like Raw and SmackDown, but he has also provided commentary for WWE’s pay-per-view events and international broadcasts, further showcasing his importance to the global WWE brand.
Retirement Rumors and Plans for the Future
Contrary to speculation that he may leave active service, Cole has come out to deny such a possibility, insisting that he indeed has no immediate plans to step down from his role as lead commentator in the WWE anytime soon. He still loves his job and is ‘graced’ to continue doing what he is doing. The fact that recently he extended his contract with the WWE should be an indication that WWE also values his contributions to air his voice at ringside for the foreseeable future.
Rich Piana: Cause of Death and Legacy
The untimely and tragic death of bodybuilder and social media influencer Rich Piana on August 25, 2017, saw him die at just 46 years. His death came as quite a shock to the bodybuilding community, familiar with him for his extraordinary structure and open heart regarding steroid consumption, which he shared across his social media platforms.
Events That Caused His Death
Rich Piana suddenly collapsing in his home in Florida during his haircut given by his then-girlfriend. He was immediately driven into the hospital, where he eventually induced under a coma after going medically into an emergency. The hope for his recovery later led to his death two weeks later.
Cause of death: heart disease and drug use
The autopsy report listed the cause officially as heart disease, exacerbated by drug use. Piana had publicly discussed steroid use for over 30 years, maintaining it was part of creating his extreme size and physique in the highly competitive world of bodybuilding. His death brought fresh calls for greater awareness over the dangers of long-term steroid use within the fitness community. The heart of this great figure weighed 670 grams when the autopsy was done, nearly double the average size of a human heart and thus had been under much strain for years. His liver and lungs were enlarged too, common signs of prolonged steroid use. A plastic bag containing white powder, suspected to be crushed pills, was also found in his house.
Piana’s Legacy: A Mixed Reaction
Rich Piana left behind a very extremely controversial yet striking legacy. On one hand, he was regarded as quite honest in regard to steroid consumption in fields that most often avoid open discussions of this nature. He took some of the mystery off using performance-enhancing drugs with his candor, but he also brought attention to the significant risks associated with them. To this day, 5% Nutrition, Piana’s bodybuilding company, continues to promote his philosophy of hardcore fitness dedication.
Despite all the controversies, Piana was incredibly popular, and people did look up to him for his candor and the motivational factors emanating from his social media posts. Ironically, his tragic death became the talking point pertaining to health, longevity, and the stresses imposed by an extreme body type in competitive bodybuilding. Michael Cole’s career in WWE remains strong, with new moves putting him and a contract extension, cementing him as the voice of WWE, while the untimely death of Rich Piana reminds one of the extremities professional bodybuilding can pose upon an individual. It has been a wild ride for both men, leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields, each representative of a bit of the bigger world of physical entertainment.
