Female WWE personality wanted to be introduced as Michael Cole’s niece

WWE commentator Michael Cole is the voice of the company and has been part of many storylines over the years. Recently, a female employee of the promotion revealed that she wanted to be introduced as Cole’s niece.

When Cathy Kelley signed with the Stamford-based promotion in 2016, she was not pleased with their decision to use her legal name. She had a name in mind, which was Cathy Cole.

In an interview with the Lightweights Podcast, WWE’s backstage interviewer Cathy Kelley revealed that she wanted to come in with a different name, much like most other talents in the company. However, they preferred her real name, choosing to retain it. Although she wanted to be introduced as Michael Cole’s niece, she noted that with the benefit of hindsight, it was a good call by the company to use her actual name.

“I was actually really bummed when I got to WWE. I was fully prepared to change my name and they were like, ‘No, we love it.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, my legal name, Cathy Kelley?’ ‘Yeah, you’re not changing it.’ I had a list of names. I was going to be Cathy Cole, I was going to be Michael Cole’s niece or something, in my mind. They shot it down and were like, ‘No, you get to keep your name,’ which in retrospect is actually pretty cool,” she said. [From 1:08:36 to 1:09:04]

Michael Cole may miss a few WWE shows in 2025

Michael Cole has been with World Wrestling Entertainment for nearly three decades and has become one of the company’s top commentators. During his career, Cole has only missed a few WWE shows, but he recently revealed that he will take some time off this year.

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Cole revealed that this year, he might take some time off. He did not explain the reason for his likely absence.

“28 [years] in June. [How many missed shows?] Three. But I’m going to have a little bit more going forward, I think,” he said. [From 0:56 to 1:07]

Former WWE Superstar A.J. Francis, who is currently signed with TNA Wrestling, recently singled out Cole as “The Voice of WWE” before pushing for his promotion to the General Manager position.

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