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Michael Cole (wrestling)

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For other people named Michael Cole, see Michael Cole (disambiguation).
Michael Cole
Born (1968-12-08) December 8, 1968 (age 56)[1]
Syracuse, New York[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Michael Cole
Sir Michael Cole
Billed height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[1]
Billed fromAmenia, New York
Debut1997

Michael Sean Coulthard (born December 8, 1968) better known by his ring name Michael Cole, is an American professional wrestling commentator and occasional wrestler currently signed to WWE where he serves as a commentator. He is also a former news journalist.

Journalist career

Coulthard began his career in the media as a journalist, working for CBS Radio. His first high-profile assignment was to cover the failed 1988 US presidential campaign of Democratic Party nominee Michael Dukakis.[3] In 1992, he reported on the presidential campaign of Bill Clinton.[3] Coulthard covered the 51-day siege at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, in 1993. The following year, he spent nine months covering the Yugoslavian civil war.[3] In 1995 he was also selected to cover the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing.[3] He returned to the presidential campaign trail in 1996 to cover the campaigns of Steve Forbes and Sen. Bob Dole.[3]

Professional wrestling career

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment / WWE (1997–present)

Backstage interviewer and Raw (1997–1999)

Cole came to the World Wrestling Federation in mid-1997 and started using the stage name "Michael Cole." He provided voice-overs for promotional videos and later became the host of LiveWire show alongside Jim Cornette. Coulthard first appeared on screen at SummerSlam, and replaced Todd Pettengill as a backstage interviewer, who left the WWF after the event. In late 1997, Cole became one of the three announcers for the first hour of Monday Night Raw, alongside Jim Ross and Kevin Kelly. Eventually Cole was permanently replaced by Jerry Lawler later in the year. In 1999, Cole became the regular play-by-play announcer for Monday Night Raw subbing for Jim Ross when Ross was devastated by Bell's palsy.

SmackDown! (1999–2008)

When the promotion's new SmackDown! television program debuted later that year, Cole was chosen to be the show's play-by-play announcer. Originally his broadcast partner was Jerry "The King" Lawler, but when Lawler briefly left the WWF, he was replaced by Cole's Heat broadcast partner Tazz shortly before the WWF vs. WCW/ECW invasion storyline. Cole also had a stint doing commentary on SmackDown!'s former sister show WWE Velocity. As an announcer, Cole was rarely involved in storylines; however, he has had minor roles in storylines involving Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, Heidenreich, Stephanie McMahon, Vito, and D-Generation X (Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chyna, and Rick Rude). His 2004 angle with Heidenreich became infamous due to an implied scene where Heidenreich "Heidenraped" him in the arena restroom. In a 2008 interview, Heidenreich explained that the Cole rape angle was McMahon's idea, and that Pulp Fiction came to mind when Stephanie McMahon approached him with the idea. He also appeared in the Taxi Driver parody trailer in promotion of WrestleMania 21.

Cole called play-by-play at the 2006 Royal Rumble match because Ross, who had commentated the last three Royal Rumble matches with Tazz, had been "fired" in the storylines and replaced by former ECW play-by-play man Joey Styles, reuniting the original SmackDown! team of Cole and Lawler. On February 3, 2006, it was announced that he and Tazz were starting a radio show on Howard Stern's "Howard 101" radio station on Sirius, airing Thursday through Sunday at 8 pm, but the show was a trial run that only lasted a couple of weeks.

On April 26, 2006, WWE announced that Cole would become the Managing Editor of WWE.com. Shortly after, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon told shareholders in a meeting held on September 14 that he believes that the website "sucks". In response, Cole replied on WWE.com about updated content for the website: a broadband network with original web-only shows have been scheduled for October, with a new mobile offering, a re-vamped subscription site and more exclusive videos and photos. Cole went on to say, "So in summary, the web site does suck, compared to where we are going to take it, but it won’t suck for long. Wish I could say the same for the boss."

On the June 9 episode of SmackDown!, Cole's broadcast partner Tazz left from SmackDown to ECW on SciFi, leaving Cole at that moment without a broadcast partner. At ECW One Night Stand 2006, John "Bradshaw" Layfield announced he would replace Tazz as color commentator. This proved true five days later when he appeared on that week's episode of SmackDown! as Cole's new broadcast partner. After JBL left the broadcast booth and returned to wrestling action on Raw, Jonathan Coachman became Cole's new partner on January 4, 2008. Coachman was then replaced by Mick Foley beginning at Backlash on April 27, 2008.

Return to Raw, brand switches and various feuds (2008–present)

As a part of the 2008 WWE Draft, Cole was drafted to the Raw brand as Jim Ross was drafted to the SmackDown brand. This effectively ended Cole's near 10 year run as play-by-play commentator on Smackdown in which he called every episode except for two. (The two episodes were the series premiere and the 9/11 Tribute show, both of which were called by Ross.) On the July 7, 2008 episode of Raw, Cole was attacked by Kane. He repeatedly asked Cole "Is he alive or dead?" before Cole was saved by Jerry Lawler. Cole made his in-ring debut as Lawler's partner against the tag team of Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase; a match for the World Tag Team Championship. Cole and Lawler lost after Cole inadvertently tagged himself in, and was quickly pinned by Rhodes after a lariat. On the December 14, 2009 episode of Raw, which was the 2009 Slammy Awards, Cole won The "Oh My God" Moment of the Year award for vomiting on Chris Jericho at SmackDown's 10th Anniversary show on October 2.

Cole with fellow SmackDown commentator Josh Mathews

Cole became the color commentator for WWE NXT when the show debuted on February 23, 2010. Cole started to show early signs of a heel turn when he began to belittle certain rookies on the show, mainly Daniel Bryan. Cole began showing a liking to The Miz, who was Bryan's pro on that season, and who was becoming a significant heel on Raw. On the May 18 episode of WWE NXT, Bryan attacked Cole as a result of Cole's comments to him over the preceding weeks. The following week, Cole called Bryan out and demanded an apology from him, or else he would sue him for the assault. Bryan insulted Cole instead. Cole retaliated by calling Bryan a "loser" and slapping him, which caused Bryan to be restrained by security as Cole left the ring.

After his rivalry ended with Bryan, Cole would begin to belittle on other rookies from other seasons of the show. In the second season of WWE NXT, Cole would do this to Kaval and in the third season with A.J., calling them all "internet darlings". During third season of WWE NXT, Cole would criticize the who competition after a challenge, which required him to ring a gong, where he then walked out, "quitting" the show. The following week, Cole would return half way through the show, returning to the show. In the fourth season of WWE NXT, Cole would be replaced by Todd Grisham, but would make an appearance on the December 28 episode of WWE NXT, helping Brodus Clay in a talent competition.

On the June 21, 2010 episode of Raw, Cole was made the official spokesman for the Anonymous Raw General Manager, where he had to address the crowd what he had sent to him by e-mail. Cole would then debut his new catchphrase, "and I quote....", before reading each e-mail. On the October 1 episode of SmackDown, Cole returned to the show to join Matt Striker and Todd Grisham on commentary. On that same episode, Cole told Striker and Grisham that the reason he was on the show was that he was the new "Voice of the WWE" and that he should be on all WWE shows.

On the November 29, 2010 episode of Raw, Cole interfered in a Tables, Ladders & Chairs match for the WWE Championship between Lawler and The Miz, costing Lawler the match and helping Miz retain his title. A week later, Cole apologized, only to take it back and demand one from Lawler. After Lawler threatened to attack Cole, the anonymous Raw General Manager issued a "cease and desist" order, which barred any physicality between them and that if either of them violated the order, that individual would have their contract terminated immediately.

Cole continued to argue with Lawler on commentary, telling him he was "stealing the spotlight" and to "stop putting his nose in other people's business". After Lawler unsuccessfully challenged for the WWE Championship again at Elimination Chamber, Cole interviewed him about his match on the following Raw. When Cole mentioned Lawler's recently deceased mother, Lawler stole the microphone from Cole and challenged him to a match at WrestleMania XXVII. Cole responded by throwing water into Lawler's face and then running backstage.

Cole at WrestleMania XXVII.

A week later, Cole accepted Lawler's challenge to a match at WrestleMania, on the conditions that he could have his own personal trainer at ringside with him and if he could choose the special guest referee for the match. Cole then revealed his trainer to be Jack Swagger. On the March 7, 2011 episode of Raw, Cole announced that he had chosen John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) as the referee for the match, but before he could sign the contract, Stone Cold Steve Austin interrupted and delivered a Stone Cold Stunner to JBL, and then signed the contract himself. Beginning on the March 14, 2011 episode of Raw, Cole began announcing both Raw and SmackDown inside a glass booth which he called the "Cole Mine". Later that night, Cole invited Brian Christopher, Lawler's son, to the ring to reveal some dirt about Lawler. Christopher confronted his father and told him he was ashamed to use the name "Lawler" and accused him of being absent from most of his life. Jim Ross then interrupted and confronted Cole and called him a "rat bastard". Jack Swagger attacked Ross and put him in an Ankle Lock. Cole followed suit with an Ankle Lock of his own. During following weeks he criticized the divas saying they should not be in WWE.

At WrestleMania, Lawler won the match using the Ankle Lock submission hold. While celebrating his victory with Stone Cold, the anonymous Raw General Manager reversed the decision, due to Stone Cold physically getting involved in the match by pushing Cole, making Cole the winner by disqualification.[4] A month later at Extreme Rules, Cole teamed with Swagger to defeat Jim Ross and Lawler in a Country Whipping match.[5] Lawler challenged Cole to one last match at Over The Limit. Cole initially declined, but Swagger was provoked into agreeing to the match on Cole's behalf.

A week later, Cole announced that the match would be a "Kiss My Foot" match. During the signing, Cole and Swagger's alliance ended when Cole insulted Swagger, causing him to walk out on Cole, who then tried to beg Lawler for forgiveness. At Over The Limit the pay-per-view, Lawler defeated Cole. After the match, Eve and Jim Ross would come out and get their retribution on Cole. Eve delivered her signature moonsault to Cole and Jim Ross covered his face in barbecue sauce. Bret "The Hitman" Hart would then return and put Cole in his signature submission move, the Sharpshooter, to help Lawler make Cole kiss Lawler's foot.[6]

The following night on Raw, Cole made an apology to the fans and Lawler, which Lawler accepted. Cole continued to favor most villains and question the actions of the fan favorites to regain control in matches.

On the May 30, 2011 episode of Raw, during an in-ring interview with Alex Riley, Cole would insult him, which resulted in Riley pushing Cole, leading The Miz to attack Riley from behind, with the two then beginning to brawl. On the June 20 episode of Raw, Cole was voted as the opponent for Vickie Guerrero in a dance-off, hosted by Matt Striker, with Cole winning the contest from receiving the most boos from the crowd. On the July 25 episode of Raw, after Triple H announced the return of Jim Ross to commentary, Cole would protest to Triple H about it, where Triple H gave Cole the choice to stay or quit. After Cole decided to stay, Triple H would place Cole in a match against Zack Ryder; a match which Cole lost quickly.

On the October 17, 2011 episode of Raw, Cole and Alberto Del Rio lost a tag team match to John Cena and longtime Raw announcer Jim Ross.[7] This prompted Cole to challenge Ross to the "Michael Cole Challenge" (a series of three contests) the following week; Cole said that if Ross won each challenge, Cole would quit his job.[8] The two met on November 14 -- the "challenge" had been postponed twice due to Ross being (legit) ill[9][10] -- and after Ross won the first two challenges (arm wrestling and dancing), Cole then declared the third contest was who weighed less, which Cole won. After Ross was "fired," CM Punk came out and attacked Cole, putting him in the Anaconda Vice submission hold and injuring his arm; Cole vowed revenge and said he would sue Punk for injuring him.[11]

Cole reignited his NXT rivalry with Daniel Bryan on the November 25, 2011 episode of SmackDown, in response to Bryan cashing in his "Money in the Bank" contract and pinning an incapacitated the Big Show to win the World Heavyweight Championship; Cole called Bryan a "hypocrite" who wouldn't stay true to his beliefs. Several weeks later, Cole began taunting Bryan over his feud with Henry; when Bryan went to confront Cole, Cody Rhodes (who was providing color commentary) attacked Bryan.[12]

On January 29, 2012, Cole was a surprise entry in the 2012 Royal Rumble match. He was eliminated by Lawler and Booker T and the returning Kharma.[13] On the June 4, 2012 episode of Raw Cole was put in a match with John Cena which he lost, and was forced to make a apology for all of his wrongdoings.

At No Way Out when Vince McMahon fired John Laurinaitis, Cole said that Laurinaitis was doing a terrible job as general manager of both Raw & Smackdown & that he never supported him. The next night on Raw, after Mick Foley introduced John Laurinaits for a farewell address, Cole admitted he was 'never a Big Johnny fan to begin with', and during the John Cena vs. David Otunga and John Laurinaits handicap match Cole began to praise Theodore Long who was on commentary, calling him the greatest general manager ever. Also that same night on Raw, during the Triple H & Paul Heyman segment after Triple H punched out Heyman, Cole said Heyman had that coming especially after Heyman made a comment about Triple H's wife Stephanie. However, Cole switches back & forth from heel to face every now and then, making him a Tweener.

On the July 9 episode of Raw, Cole against Jerry "The King" Lawler in a WrestleMania XXVII rematch, which he quickly lost, the anonymous Raw General Manager reversed the decision and Cole won by disqualification following interference by Booker T. Santino Marella came out to reveal that Hornswoggle as the anonymous Raw General Manager who was pulled out hiding underneath the ring.

Cole has been widely lauded for his handling of his fellow commentary partner Jerry Lawler's heart attack (legit). On the September 10 episode of Raw, Lawler (who wrestled a match earlier in the night and who wrestles twice every week) suffered a heart attack while on the air, announcing a tag team match between Kane, Daniel Bryan against The Prime Time Players. Midway through the match, only Cole could be heard commentating on the match at widely separated intervals before things fell completely silent, though snoring sounds could reportedly be heard. In the background of one TV shot, Lawler could briefly be seen, slumped over in his chair, with Cole hunched over in his direction, attending to him. The majority of the people in the stands could be seen turning their attention away from the match to the announcers' table. Lawler began shaking before collapsing from his chair. Cole hit the mute switch on his headset and quickly flicked his hand clockwise, signalling cameramen to get away and get help. At that point, medical personnel at ringside immediately started CPR on Lawler, whose heart had stopped beating. Action continued in the ring as Lawler was taken backstage on a stretcher. A visibly distraught and heartbroken Michael Cole would later provide updates to television viewers on what happened and Lawler's condition, informing the audience throughout the night: that Lawler had been administered CPR backstage, was being taken to the hospital by ambulance, and was being administered oxygen and was breathing on his own, as well as responding to light. Furthermore, he decided to remain silent during the rest of the Raw telecast, except only to provide the aforementioned updates on Lawler. Cole, a long-time on-air heel commentator, has been described as "classy and professional", among other positive reviews, for his handling of the emergency. [14] [15] [16]

In other media

Cole has appeared as a commentator in numerous WWE video games, providing his own voice. He has also appeared as a non-playable character in several and is a playable character in SmackDown 2: Know Your Role. and WWF No Mercy as an unlockable character and WWE '12 being a DLC.

Cole appeared on the September 12 edition of Fox & Friends to address fellow WWE commentator Jerry Lawler's heart attack that occurred during the September 10 live broadcast of Raw.

In wrestling

  • Nicknames
    • "The Voice of WWE"[17]
  • Catphrases
    • And I quote....
    • Can I have your attention please....
    • Vintage (Wrestler's Name)!
    • ...through the table! (during matches involving tables)
    • Off the skull of (Wrestler's Name)! (when somebody is hit by a chair)

Championships and accomplishments

Cole with one of his Slammy Awards in 2011.

References

  1. ^ a b c Michael Coulthard - Biography
  2. ^ "Weekend ramblings from the "Baron of Bar-B-Q"". J.R.'s Bar-B-Q. 2008-06-27. Retrieved 2008-07-27.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Michael Cole bio on USA Network". USA Network. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
  4. ^ Ring Posts: Live blog from WrestleMania XXVII: Michael Cole vs. Jerry Lawler – WWE Raw, Smackdown and TNA pro wrestling news, analysis from Kevin Eck – baltimoresun.com. Weblogs.baltimoresun.com (2011-04-03). Retrieved on 2011-04-17.
  5. ^ "Michael Cole & Jack Swagger def. Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler (Country Whipping Match)". WWE. Retrieved 2011-05-02.
  6. ^ Caldwell, James (2011-05-22). "Caldwell's WWE Over the Limit PPV Results 5/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Cena vs. Miz I Quit, Orton vs. Christian, Cole vs. Lawler". PWTorch. Retrieved 2011-06-19.
  7. ^ "WWE RAW 10/17/11".
  8. ^ "WWE RAW 10/24/11".
  9. ^ "WWE RAW 10/31/11".
  10. ^ "WWE RAW 11/7/11".
  11. ^ "WWE RAW 11/14/11".
  12. ^ "WWE Smackdown Spoilers 12/9/11".
  13. ^ Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 30 January 2012.
  14. ^ http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-jerry-lawler-20120911,0,4384050.story
  15. ^ http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-09-11/sports/bal-eyewitness-account-of-jerry-lawler-s-heart-attack-collapse-at-wwe-raw-20120911_1_cm-punk-collapse-wwe
  16. ^ http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1334646-wwe-michael-coles-face-turn-vince-mcmahon-cant-be-happy
  17. ^ "SmackDown Recap 08/10/2010". WWE.com. Retrieved 24 July 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ a b Meltzer, Dave (January 30, 2012). "Jan 30 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, CA. ISSN 1083-9593. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |month= (help)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Michael Cole.
Preceded by Monday Night Raw Lead Announcer
1998 - 1999 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Inaugural
 Friday Night SmackDown Lead Announcer
1999 - 2008 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Monday Night Raw Lead Announcer
2008 - 		Succeeded by
Current

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