WWE News: WWE gearing up for the departure of a long-tenured employee?

What's the story?

Michael Cole has been calling the shots on WWE TV for more than two decades, but it appears that WWE could be preparing for his departure.

In case you didn't know...

Michael Cole is one of WWE's longest-tenured stars and has been calling the shots on WWE TV as a commentator and backstage interviewer ever since 1997. Cole has been seen as an in-ring performer on numerous occasions as well and worked as a legitimate journalist before he was signed to WWE more than 20 years ago.

Cole has most recently been allowed to perform exclusively on the Raw brand alongside Renee Young and Corey Graves, but WWE has seemingly been grooming a number of announcers to take his place when the veteran decides to leave his post.

The heart of the matter

Michael Cole has a lot of influence backstage in WWE and it appears that this could be something that becomes much more prominent in the future when WWE move him out of his commentary position.

Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer recently noted that the change could be much sooner than many fans expected.

“That’s why they’re hiring so many announcers too. I guess Tom Phillips will probably get the job, so then people I don’t want to say they’ll wish for Michael Cole, but they probably wouldn’t like Tom Phillips in that spot either.”

What's next?

WWE has signed a number of new announcers recently and if the company is able to train them up then it's inevitable that Cole could be leaving his familiar position to move into a much more comfortable role backstage.

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Do you think Michael Cole's time behind the commentary desk should come to an end? Have your say in the comments section below...