Home / Sports / WWE's Michael Cole Repeats Candice LeRae Name Error
WWE's Michael Cole Repeats Candice LeRae Name Error
19 Sep
Summary
- Michael Cole misidentified Candice LeRae as Candice Michelle on SmackDown.
- This error mirrors a mistake made by Cole at WWE Evolution in 2025.
- LeRae and Johnny Gargano played key roles in the main event match interference.
Michael Cole, a veteran WWE commentator, repeated a name-calling error on the September 18, 2026, episode of SmackDown. He referred to Candice LeRae as "Candice Michelle" during the Undisputed WWE Championship match between Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. This instance is a recurrence of a mistake Cole made at WWE Evolution in 2025, an error that even LeRae had acknowledged publicly.
The commentator's slip-up coincided with a significant appearance by LeRae and her husband, Johnny Gargano, in the main event. Gargano attempted to interfere in the championship bout, while LeRae successfully distracted Kevin Owens, enabling Sami Zayn to retain his title. The match concluded with CM Punk's appearance, further escalating the night's drama.
For Johnny Gargano, this involvement continues a period of renewed prominence in WWE storylines, following his previous participation in a planking storyline and a challenge for the WWE Championship. Candice LeRae remains an active presence, consistently appearing alongside her husband as his story unfolds.
