Wade Barrett Calls Michael Cole "GOAT", Praises Joe Tessitore

Wade Barrett Praises WWE Broadcasters Michael Cole and Joe Tessitore, Calls Cole the "GOAT"

Current WWE broadcast analyst Wade Barrett has offered high praise for his commentary partners Michael Cole and Joe Tessitore, highlighting his natural dynamic with both play-by-play announcers.

Barrett, who sits alongside Tessitore on WWE SmackDown after having previously called action with Cole and Corey Graves, opened up about his on-air experiences in a recent sit-down with Fightful. When asked to name his favorite broadcast partner, the former Intercontinental Champion pointed toward his effortless chemistry with Cole.

“Chemistry, I think, is automatic with Michael Cole. I love mocking him and prodding him, but he really is the GOAT of professional wrestling commentary,” Barrett said. “So I’m incredibly lucky to have him as a friend and sit under his learning tree, and fit in automatically with him.”

Turning his attention to his current desk mate on SmackDown, Barrett commended Tessitore for adapting to the fast-paced environment of professional wrestling.

“But also Joe Tess, who I work with every week on SmackDown. He has been incredible,” Barrett noted. “He’s been around probably 18 months now in this game. Wealth of experience coming in, but no experience in the wrestling game despite the fact he’s a big fan of it. So him getting up to speed that quickly and me being part of this relationship on air that I have with him has been really cool. So to get to work with Cole and Joe Tess back to back, I’m a very lucky commentator.”

Barrett also highlighted Tessitore’s expanding role across TKO Group Holdings, specifically pointing to his lead commentary work for Zuffa Boxing.

“He’s doing all the Zuffa boxing stuff now, and that’s been a new arc for him under the TKO umbrella and he’s absolutely killing it,” Barrett explained. “I’ve seen two or three of his shows so far, you just feel how excited he is to be watching these guys beating the hell out of each other. He brings that energy to WWE, too. So, yeah, great to work with Tess.”