Michael Cole interviewed the Universal Champion and WWE superstar Goldberg in SmackDown earlier this week.
Follow Us
Former WWE veteran Dutch Mantell has severely criticized this week’s SmackDown segment where Michael Cole sat down with the longest-serving Universal Champion Roman Reigns and his challenger Goldberg for an interview. The stalwarts are ready to face off in the summit clash of the Elimination Chamber 2022. Mantell felt that Cole looked out of touch in the interview with the WWE stars and the segment could be conducted in a better manner.
“Well, I didn’t like it. Michael Cole looked out of place. He looked totally out of place. You’re used to him behind the desk, and I know he used to go out an interview guys, but I don’t think he conducted the interview well. It was an odd interview especially with Roman,” Mantell said on Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Smack Talk.
“Now the thing with Goldberg was a little better but not that much. At least Goldberg tried to take control of it. So you can imagine if Goldberg takes control of anything, how messed up it will be. But I didn’t like either interview. I guess it served it’s purpose but I don’t know.”
READ MORE: WWE SmackDown recap and reactions: Elimination Chamber build intensifies
Reigns who was an important part of The Shield set a new record as WWE Universal Champion by maintaining his position for over 500 days. Reigns has, thus, become the longest reigning Universal Champion. In fact, he surpassed Brock Lesnar’s previous record of 503 days from 2017-2018 which came to an end at the hands of none other than The Head of The Table himself.
Reigns made a comeback at the SummerSlam last year with Paul Heyman to claim the Universal title for the second time after overcoming WWE legends Edge, John Cena and The Beast in a No Holds Barred Triple Threat Match.
Following the fallout, Reigns continued to team-up with Ambrose. But, he started embarking as a singles contender and challenged for the world title.
Reigns and Rollins were earlier supposed to clash in 2014. But the former developed a hernia which had to be addressed and he was unable to compete at the event. He was also awarded the Slammy Award for the Superstar of the Year in 2014.
Reigns has seen significant growth at the company since then. He also completed 500 days as WWE Universal Champion after defeating Braun Strowman and The Fiend at WWE Payback in 2020.
