Jimmy Smith addresses shock WWE exit as Kevin Patrick joins Raw commentary team in major shakeup-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro

Jimmy Smith joined the Raw announce team in May 2021 (Picture: WWE)

Jimmy Smith has confirmed his WWE exit as the company announced a major shakeup to its Raw, SmackDown and NXT commentary teams.

The former Bellator and American Ninja Warrior broadcaster joined the Monday Night Raw announced desk in May 2021 alongside Byron Saxton and Corey Graves, but now only Graves remains as Kevin Patrick gets promoted.

Shortly after the teams were revealed, Smith took to Twitter to tank WWE fans for ‘accepting’ him in a brief but classy statement.

He tweeted: ‘Just wanted to say, now that the story is officially out, that my time with the WWE is officially done.

‘Had a lot of fun and met some great people. Really and truly blown away by the acceptance from the WWE fans! You folks make it work every week and your enthusiasm was amazing!’

As part of the changes, Graves – who had been filling in for Pat McAfee on SmackDown – will focus on the red brand, while he and veteran announcer Michael Cole will helm premium live events.

Speaking of Cole, he remains the lead voice on the blue brand with former Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett moving over from NXT to land his first main roster commentary job.

As for NXT, WWE’s developmental brand retains Vic Joseph as the play by play, and he’ll be calling the action on Wednesday nights alongside Hall of Famer Booker T.

There are also some on camera changes when it comes to the interview teams, with fan favourite Cathy Kelley back in the fold, while Byron Saxton takes up the same role after a spell as Raw commentator.

Kayla Braxton and Megan Morant will be the SmackDown interview team, while McKenzie Mitchell continues her role on NXT.

Meanwhile, the company also gave a firm Pat McAfee update after his shock SmackDown exit last month, noting that he ‘will return to the WWE announce booth following his commitments to ESPN’s College GameDay’.

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