In a surprising turn of events, WWE appears to be gearing up for a major transformation in its weekly SmackDown broadcast, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. The focal point of this change revolves around the departure of Kevin Patrick, the lead play-by-play commentator for the blue brand in recent months.
Kevin Patrick’s Exit: A Delight for Fans
Renowned wrestling author Aaron Varble’s report suggests that Kevin Patrick is set to be removed from the SmackDown commentary team. The reason cited is a straightforward “it just wasn’t working out,” a sentiment echoed by other reliable sources in the wrestling community. Patrick found himself in a “sink or swim” scenario after WWE permanently transferred Michael Cole to RAW, expecting him to rise to the occasion without the seasoned veteran by his side.
Fan Reactions Pour In
The general consensus among fans is that Kevin Patrick failed to truly find his footing as the lead commentator on both RAW and SmackDown. The reported change has elicited a wave of optimism among fans, speculating on potential replacements such as Mauro Ranallo or NXT’s Vic Joseph. As of now, there is no official word on who will fill the coveted role.
Check out some of the reactions from the WWE universe:
Fans express their joy over Kevin Patrick’s reported exit from commentary.
Supportive tweets flood social media as fans react to the anticipated change.
The Challenges of Live Commentary
While Kevin Patrick’s tenure may not have met fan expectations, it’s essential to recognize the formidable challenge that live commentary poses, particularly for a behemoth brand like WWE. There’s speculation that Patrick might revert to his previous role as a backstage interviewer, embracing a different facet of the wrestling world.
What’s Next for WWE SmackDown?
As we await confirmation on Kevin Patrick’s status for the SmackDown preceding Royal Rumble 2024, the upcoming show promises to be a spectacle. WWE has unveiled a lineup of captivating matches for the premium live event:
- Santos Escobar takes on Carlito in a one-on-one showdown.
- The Kabuki Warriors vie for the Women’s Tag Team Championship.
- Carmelo Hayes and Austin Theory engage in a rematch.
- Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits prepare to face The Final Testament in the ring.
Royal Rumble Anticipation Builds
The final build-up to the Royal Rumble is set to unfold, with Nick Aldis potentially interfering with The Bloodline’s plans. Speculation arises that Aldis may ban Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso from Tropicana Field to ensure Roman Reigns faces a fair challenge in his title match on Saturday. The Tribal Chief wouldn’t take kindly to such interference!
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