'Getting fired': WWE caller slammed over awkward on-air gaffe
Wrestling commentator Michael Cole has been savaged by fans after an embarrassing on-air gaffe during the SmackDown women’s championship at WrestleMania 37.
The veteran caller made a mess of his commentary duties during Bianca Belair’s main event victory over Sasha Banks.
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Cole's voice is synonymous with some of the WWE's most memorable moments but the experienced caller would surely love to have his time again with regards to the finish to the thrilling women's main event match.
Belair sealed the win against Banks with a signature Kiss of Death finisher, with the crowd erupting after the referee's '1, 2, 3' count.
Good morning everyone
I’ve just realized that Michael Cole just said that Sasha Banks kick out 💀💀💀pic.twitter.com/kW4yDNvN3v— Ayo Its Jojo ♥️ ジョジョ🇨🇦 (@AyoItsJojo10) April 11, 2021
However, Cole seemed to see things differently to most other viewers after initially claiming that The Boss had kicked out to stave off defeat.
“Kiss of Death, wraps up Banks,” Cole shouted out during commentary. “And a kick out! A kick out by Sasha!”
Cole's SmackDown co-caller Corey Graves quickly interjected to point out his colleague's embarrassing error.
“No! She won!” he said as WWE ring announcer Greg Hamilton revealed that Belair was the new champion.
An awkwardly long silence followed before Cole finally piped up again to announce Belair as the winner.
“Bianca Belair shocked the world!” he said. “Bianca Belair with the win!
Viewers took to social media to stick the boot into Cole for "botching" what was otherwise a thrilling main event match.
That wasn't the only botch in that match, good Lord what a trainwreck, the main event went on first, that was something else and deserving of a main event.
— AM09 (@sword180) April 11, 2021
Vince hearing Michael Cole after he botched a clear pin....#WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/oXQDSxh4AE
— Shawn Gibson🍵 (@nobleloonlodge) April 11, 2021
Oh and Cole is a complete melt half ruined belair winning by screaming Sasha kicked out 😂 just finished it now
— Axel Jaymo (@Axel_Jaymo) April 11, 2021
Don't let the Michael Cole botch ruin what was a incredibly historic moment in professional wrestling history ❤#WRESTLEMANIA
— Wrestling Jebus (@WrestlingJebus) April 11, 2021
Michael Cole botched the finish. Rewatch it when you can. He thought Banks kicked out when Belair’s music started playing.
— CLIPS SZN (@NYGFans10) April 11, 2021
Lol he is getting fired 😂😂
— MRWhite2432 (@MrWhite2432) April 11, 2021
Female wresters share in history
Belair and Banks made wrestling history as the first black women to face each other in a WrestleMania title match.
The win for Belair saw her become champion for the first time in her WWE career, making it even more special.
Over 25,000 fans attended the live event in Florida, while millions more watched from home through streaming platforms.
“I love the fact that this is not just something that’s just about me and it’s not just about making history,” Belair, 32, told the Tampa Bay Times last week.
“It’s about going out and representing for women and for Black women. It’s going to be amazing.”
Belair won the right to choose her opponent after she won this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match.
In February, she announced that she would take on Banks, 29, for the SmackDown Women’s Championship title.
“But this is the first time ever that two African American women will be headlining at WrestleMania,” Banks, whose real name is Mercedes Varnado, said on the podcast Token CEO.
“So this is crazy because it’s bigger then me and I think that’s what the beautiful thing is.”
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