Reason behind Michael Cole missing his THIRD WWE show in his 26-year career

Michael Cole's absence from Raw has been a buzzing topic among fans, who have been wondering the reason behind it.

Reason behind Michael Cole missing his THIRD WWE show in his 26-year career

Michael Cole (via WrestleTalk)

The 26-year lustrous career of Michael Cole has been a wholesome treat for the WWE Universe. The fans have become accustomed to watching WWE shows with Cole’s commentary all the time. He has been an essential part of Raw and SmackDown for decades, with monthly contributions at the premium live events too.

But this week’s Monday Night Raw saw his absence after nearly six years since his last leave from the company, marking his third overall absence. The October 16, 2023 episode of Raw saw Wade Barrett joined by Kevin Patrick to fill up Cole’s spot. As the show went on-air, PWInsider reported within minutes the reason behind the veteran’s absence.

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PW Insider said, “Cole had requested for this week off some time ago due to a personal commitment. It is not an illness or anything similar.” Although it didn’t reveal the exact cause of his leave, it relieved the WWE Universe. However, fans are certain to miss his energetic voice this week.

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The report by PWInsider further stated that Michael Cole will be returning next week alongside Kevin Patrick. This week was the Season Premiere of Raw and his instant absence made the audience feel skeptical of his status. But the report cleared the air for everyone and hyped his short-term return next week.

A few weeks ago on Raw, Seth Rollins learned an astounding fact that was equally shocking for the fans. During his in-ring interview held by Michael Cole, the latter revealed that he missed only two shows in his 26-year career. This shows the passion Cole has for his job and the company by balancing it with his personal life.

Related: Michael Cole recalls the greatest moment he’s ever called in his 25-year WWE career

Last two WWE shows that Michael Cole missed

Michael Cole has been one of the most consistent WWE figures. The quintessential commentator has been with the company for 26 years and has undoubtedly had a remarkable career in WWE. Another commendable thing comes from the fact that he has only missed three shows, with the first two being in 2015 and 2017.

Brock Lesnar's F5 on Michael Cole
Brock Lesnar’s F5 on Michael Cole (via WWE)

His first ever absence happened as a part of storyline on April 6, 2015, episode of Raw. This came as an aftermath of Raw after WrestleMania 31, when frustrated Brock Lesnar attacked Cole. The WWE commentator received an F5 from The Beast Incarnate and missed the next episode to sell the injury by having a day off to rest.

The next leave was so far, but yet so close, as this time he took a leave for personal reasons. The October 2, 2017, episode of Raw saw his attendance at his son’s wedding, as reported by WWE themselves. This dedication has made Cole a safe bet for WWE to look up to in needful situations with utmost dependability.

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