The WWE Universe might witness something unprecedented on Monday Night Raw – veteran play-by-play announcer Michael Cole calling the action while sporting a tank top. This unusual wardrobe choice stems from a losing wager with his broadcast partner Pat McAfee during the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
The Wager That Started It All
When the Indiana Pacers faced off against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Raw commentary team decided to add some personal stakes to the series. Cole, representing his beloved hometown Knicks, went head-to-head with McAfee, who backed his home state Indiana Pacers.
The terms were simple but entertaining for wrestling fans. McAfee laid out the deal during a Raw broadcast, confidently predicting his team’s success.
“If the Pacers win, Michael Cole would do an entire Raw in a tank top. And if the Knicks win — which they won’t — Pacers [will win] in five, maybe six [games], we’ll see.”
McAfee’s Conservative Counter-Bet
When Cole pressed his broadcast partner about what McAfee would wear if the Pacers somehow lost, the former NFL punter’s response highlighted the confidence gap between the two commentators. McAfee’s penalty would have been far less dramatic than Cole’s fashion predicament.
“I will wear a full suit,” McAfee replied, essentially offering to dress more formally than his usual Raw attire. The stark contrast between a tank top and a business suit perfectly captured each commentator’s confidence level in their respective teams.
Pacers Deliver for McAfee
Indiana proved McAfee’s basketball instincts correct, defeating the Knicks in six games with a 4-2 series victory. This result means WWE fans can expect to see Cole’s arms on full display during an upcoming Raw broadcast – a sight that’s never graced WWE television in the company’s modern era.
The victory also vindicated McAfee’s bold prediction, though he missed his “five, maybe six games” call by just one contest.
WWE’s Growing NBA Connection
This betting storyline reflects WWE’s expanding relationship with professional basketball, particularly through Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. The rising NBA star has become a regular presence in WWE programming, demonstrating his genuine passion for sports entertainment.
Haliburton recently appeared on Raw to promote the WWE 2K25 Dunk & Destruction Pack, with Cole providing commentary for the segment. During that appearance, the guard drew parallels between the Pacers-Knicks rivalry and one of wrestling’s greatest feuds.
Basketball Meets Wrestling Rivalries
Haliburton compared his team’s intense rivalry with New York to the legendary Stone Cold Steve Austin versus The Rock feud. This crossover appeal has created multiple WWE television moments, including a memorable SmackDown segment last year.
That SmackDown appearance featured Haliburton supporting Logan Paul while Knicks guard Jalen Brunson backed LA Knight. The basketball-wrestling connection even extended to social media, with Knicks forward Josh Hart recently referencing the WWE encounter.
When Will Cole Honor the Bet?
WWE hasn’t announced when Cole will fulfill his end of the bargain, leaving fans wondering which upcoming Raw will feature the tank top commentary debut. The timing could align with a significant show or storyline, maximizing the entertainment value of McAfee’s victory.
Will Michael Cole’s tank top Raw become a memorable moment in WWE broadcast history, or will this betting storyline fade into the background? Either way, it’s another example of how the current commentary team’s chemistry extends far beyond wrestling – what other sports bets might these two make as we head into football season?
