WWE: Vince McMahon would fine veteran for very small detail

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By Sam Pearce

Published Oct 2, 2022

Vince McMahon would fine Michael Cole every time he used a specific word on air...

Vince McMahon was head honcho in the WWE for a long period of time, ruling the roost and controlling practically every aspect of the business.

He had final say on all things WWE and wanted to put his stamp down on every part of the company, making the show exactly how he wanted it.

That means that certain aspects such as the live commentary and announcing had to be spot on for McMahon, something he made sure to enforce.

Vince McMahon fined Michael Cole

Michael Cole is one of the biggest announcers the company has had and is still at the top of his game now, becoming a staple of SmackDown after working for both blue and red brands of the business.

There was one particular aspect of his announcing though which clearly grated on the former boss, with McMahon slapping a fine on him every time he used something he didn’t like.

That was when Cole ended a sentence with the word ‘now’ during announcing. Every time he used that, McMahon would fine him for it, so it’s no surprise to see Cole work it out of his vocabulary, because he’d end up as a volunteer for the business if not!

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: WWE commentator Michael Cole speaks at a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Vince McMahon’s control

Former WWE writer, Brian Gerwitz, worked closely with many Superstars and bosses during his time covering the organisation, and he has documented his version of events.

Writing in his book, Gerwitz stated: “We all have our personal verbal tics, announcer Michael Cole used to say 'now' at the end of every sentence. 'Jeff Hardy, into the ropes now...' Vince took it upon himself to fine Cole every time he ended a sentence with the word 'now,' and sure enough, Cole stopped doing it.”

It’s no surprise to see McMahon taking control over every micro-detail and to see Cole stop using the word to end his sentences whilst on air. He would reportedly be shouting instructions down earpieces to announcers whilst they were on air talking to the camera.

Where is Michael Cole today?

Cole is still a stalwart of the business, being promoted to Vice President of Announcing in 2020, outlasting many of his co-workers and becoming a staple of every show, it just wouldn’t be the same without him now.

It just goes to show how all of Cole’s hard work paid off massively, with the announcer still at the very top of his game now as the business enters a new era.