The Wrestling Observer is reporting that the heel gimmick of WWE announcer Michael Cole was actually supposed to end at WrestleMania 28 last month. According to sources, Cole's new character is said to be an "edgy" type who still has respect for John Laurinaitis, who is currently one of the company's top heels in his on-screen role as the General Manager of RAW and SmackDown.

One recent sign of Cole moving away from his heel character to a more neutral version was the fact that he showed sympathy toward John Cena during his recent on-screen feud with Brock Lesnar.