Michael Cole Repeatedly Misnamed Candice LeRae on SmackDown
The veteran WWE announcer once again called Candice LeRae by the name Candice Michelle during a live broadcast.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Wrestling
WWE commentator Michael Cole misidentified wrestler Candice LeRae as Candice Michelle during the September 18 episode of SmackDown. This incident marks the second time the announcer has confused the performer with the former WWE star.
Why it matters
The repetition of the error has drawn attention due to the high profile of the broadcast and the announcer's long tenure with the company. It serves as a notable lapse during a high-stakes championship match segment.
Michael Cole misidentified Candice LeRae as Candice Michelle on two separate occasions, first at the 2025 WWE Evolution event and again on September 18, 2026. The match featured interference by LeRae and Johnny Gargano during an Undisputed WWE Championship bout.
The players
Michael Cole
He is a long-time play-by-play commentator for WWE television programs.
Candice LeRae
She is a professional wrestler who currently competes on the WWE roster.
Sami Zayn
He is a professional wrestler who currently holds the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Kevin Owens
He is a veteran professional wrestler and frequent main event competitor for WWE.
CM Punk
He is a professional wrestler known for his lengthy history and championship accolades in WWE.
The details
During the SmackDown main event, Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano interfered in the match between Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. As Gargano pulled the referee from the ring, LeRae distracted Owens, eventually leading to CM Punk striking Kevin Owens with the WWE Championship to help Sami Zayn retain his title.
Timeline
Michael Cole first confused the names in 2025.
The most recent error occurred during the September 18, 2026, episode of SmackDown.
Season Trajectory
This commentary error occurs amid a chaotic period for the Undisputed WWE Championship picture. The interference and subsequent title retention significantly alter the momentum for the championship contenders moving toward future PLE events.
Sami Zayn retains the Undisputed WWE Championship following the interference by CM Punk and the Gargano-LeRae duo. This outcome ensures that the current titleholder remains the focal point for upcoming televised championship defenses.
The takeaway
Live broadcast environments often present challenges for commentators managing complex multi-wrestler storylines. Maintaining consistency in performer identification remains a standard expectation for professional sports broadcasters.
Further reading
For more on the latest storylines, visit the Wrestling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sportskeeda.
