What is Michael Cole's Net Worth and Salary?
Michael Cole, a renowned professional wrestling commentator and former journalist, boasts a net worth of $4 million. Currently signed with WWE, he serves as the play-by-play commentator for the Raw brand and the color commentator for the SmackDown brand. Before his wrestling career, Cole worked for CBS Radio.
Early Life and Education
Born as Sean Michael Coulthard on December 8, 1966, in Syracuse, New York, Michael Cole pursued higher education at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism in 1988.
Journalism Career
Post-graduation, Coulthard joined CBS Radio. His prominent coverage included the 1988 US presidential campaign of Michael Dukakis and the victorious 1992 campaign of Bill Clinton. He reported on significant events such as the Branch Davidian siege in Waco, Texas, the Yugoslav wars in 1994, and the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. In 1996, he covered the presidential campaigns of Bob Dole and Steve Forbes.
Professional Wrestling Career
Coulthard joined the World Wrestling Federation in 1997 as Michael Cole. Initially, he did voiceovers for promotional videos and later made his first appearance on "Raw is War" in June. He replaced Todd Pettengill as a backstage interviewer and subsequently became one of the three announcers for the first hour of "Monday Night Raw," alongside Kevin Kelly and Jim Ross. In 1999, he became the play-by-play announcer for the WWF's new SmackDown program. During his SmackDown tenure, he was occasionally involved in on-screen storylines, featuring Heidenreich, Vito, and D-Generation X. When John Layfield replaced his broadcast partner Taz in 2006, and later Jonathan Coachman and Mick Foley, Cole adapted seamlessly.
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During the 2008 WWE Draft, Cole was shifted to the Raw brand, ending his SmackDown commentator role. He debuted in the ring as Jerry Lawler's partner against Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase. In 2010, Cole became the lead commentator for "WWE NXT." His transformation into a heel commentator began this year along with an intense feud with Lawler. Despite his heel persona, he displayed professionalism during Lawler's heart attack on a September 2012 "Raw" episode by maintaining composure and providing timely updates to viewers.
Return to SmackDown and Raw
In 2019, Cole returned to SmackDown as a full-time commentator with Renee Young and Corey Graves. By 2021, he was joined by Pat McAfee, and later by Wade Barrett. Michael Cole returned to the Raw brand in summer 2023, continuing his dual roles with both Raw and SmackDown.
Personal Life
Married to his wife Yolanda since 1987, they have two sons together. Outside wrestling, Cole enjoys supporting the New York Jets, New York Mets, and Boston Celtics.
