HeelByNature.com is reader-supported. When you click on links or make purchases through our site, we or our affiliated partners may earn a commission. Additionally, our site features Sponsored Content, which helps us maintain and operate the website.
Michael Cole Speaks On Dealing With Vince McMahon On Headset
Veteran commentator Michael Cole has been a staple with the WWE announce team for over 20-years, working closely with the Chairman Vince McMahon.
Ahead of this weekend’s Survivor Series, Cole was interviewed by The Gorilla Position podcast, reminiscing on working with The Undertaker, and his role on the WWE announce team.
Michael Cole also spoke on working directly with Vince McMahon, who regularly speaks to the commentary team on their headset during WWE shows.
“You know, it’s so funny how this myth has taken on a life of its own over the past two decades. Listen, Vince runs the company. He’s the boss. He’s the chairman. He turned a small regional wrestling promotion into a multi-billion dollar international conglomerate. It is his sandbox. He can do with it whatever he wants. Honestly, he gives me a lot of leeway and allows me to do a lot of things because he believes in me after so many years. He’s the boss and just like any producer of any television show, he’s going to tell me what he wants. I may not agree with that direction a lot of the time, but I have to do it. He’s my boss. Yes, he is very active in your ears. During WrestleMania season, he is very active. But, I have a great relationship with Vince. He believes in me or I wouldn’t be here as long as I have. I think a lot of that stuff that Vince screams in your ear gets really blown out of proportion. I think there are some people that say that because they want to save face because they weren’t successful in what they did. He’s emotional just like all of us are when it comes to this product. He’s so close to it. It’s his family. It’s in his blood. He wants what he wants. On certain days, you’re going to draw the ire of McMahon and on other days, he’s going to tell you that you are the greatest thing in the world and that’s the way Vince is. I wouldn’t trade my working with Vince and what he has meant to my family and my career for anything.”
Michael Cole also praised his SmackDown broadcast partner Corey Graves, who is a close friend outside the broadcast booth.
“Corey and I are really good friends. We hang out outside of the SmackDown booth. We have a lot of the same interests. We do a lot of things together. I think Corey is a once in a generation performer. We’ve tried so many people over the years in those endless roles and there were dozens and dozens who tried it and they didn’t make it. Corey is a natural. He has the instincts. He is a natural heel. He knows exactly how to protect heels. I know how to protect babyfaces. The two-man booth works great. I think it is something we stumbled upon and got lucky with and now I hope I am going to be working with Corey for the next decade because he’s the best in the business.”
Check out the full interview below.
Thanks to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.