Did anyone else feel that Michael Cole toughed it out tremendously on RAW?

Well...playing Devil's Advocate here, Cole himself has admitted publicly to being a "puppet". In this context, "puppet" means incapable (or not allowed) of being able to form thoughts and opinions on his own and he's just the moving lips reciting dialogue fed to him from another source (no secret that that source is Vince). Vince had a life or death damn serious situation on his hands and could not devote his attention to Cole. So, he just told Cole to stop talking altogether. He gave him that "tribute to Jerry" stuff to explain the no commentary to the fans.

But, irritating little troll or not, Cole IS human and his long-time co-worker (and friend, I'm assuming; I don't buy that company PR stuff about everybody being friends "we're only acting" stuff but you can't work alongside someone as long as those two have without developing some friendship and respect for each other) basically died right in front of him. He did drop his "act" and tried to report as himself about the situation, I give him his due for that. But men are not supposed to panic and break down in crises, especially those in authority positions (and Cole as the "lead commentator" does have an authority position) who are tasked with providing strong leadership and keeping those around him from panicking. Cole did a good job there. He kept himself together afterward and tried to convey a sense that "yeah, we got a situation here, but the right people are on it" to keep everybody focused (as much as possible) and not panicking.

The no commentary thing was rather unsettling. If Cole wasn't able to continue commentating then he should have excused himself to attend to his friend, and the WWE should have sent Josh or Striker or Booker T out to finish the show. That "tribute to Jerry" thing was unnecessary. So was seeing Cole slumped in his chair, looking worried. The WWE is supposed to be about fun and having a good time watching the antics of our favorite (and not-so-favorite) wacky characters. The "wacky characters" did their job (props to them) but the WWE knows damn well the internet and news media were all over the story, so there was no need for Cole to sit there like that to convey the seriousness of Lawler's condition. The WWE (being the "social media" supporter it claims to be) knew damn well that people were jumping on the internet to find out what was going on, even the fans in the stands with their smartphones. It wasn't Cole's fault he was left at the commentator's table; he was just doing what he was told. This was a command decision (Vince or Triple H) and it wasn't necessary. The performers continued putting on the show we paid to see but the gloomy little black cloud (Cole) stuck out like a festering sore thumb. What exactly did the WWE want from the fans? How did Vince want them to react? Gloomy like Cole, in which case why continue the festivities of the show? Or cheering and hollering at the antics of the performers, in which case why was Cole still out there? Cole could have just as well gave his reports from backstage. I'm not trying to be a dick here, but if you're trying to tell me how to react, don't give me two opposing choices, pick one or the other.

It also kinda made the performers who came to the ring after Lawler collapsed look bad. They came off as either oblivious to the situation or just not caring that one of their co-workers might have just died. Because the WWE did continue the show, Cole should not have been at ringside slumped in his chair, silent and worried.

Michael Cole had a hard time keeping it together you can tell few times he wanted to break down a cry and during the Rey Mysterio vs Rhodes match you can see Cole with his head down which i am sure he was shocked since his partner and friend basically had a heart attack next to him i do give him props to break character to show compassion and loved how WWE showed class by not having commentary rest of the night i hope King has a speedy recovery

I am very proud of Michael Cole. He showed some class as well as the many other mentioned. They put on a show, but i think at the end of the day they're a quality group of guys.I really hope Lawler recovers soon! I felt bad but he will be back on TV soon! Get well King!

Well it goes to show that Cole isn't just your average joe, sure his on-screen character isn't the best but the way he handled the situation with Lawler's removal was exceptional and that's how you know that he's is indeed a professional.

He was visibially shaken and I don't blame him, anyone in that situation would have probably done the same thing, props to the man.

That night, was one of the scariest nights ever for me, with regards to hearing on TV about Jerry's sudden heart-attack. Michael Cole handled it like a pro, I must agree! Jerry, we're thinking of you sir! Get well! Not to put a joke on this tragic situation but it seems a bit freaky, Raw in Montreal, the same night Bret Hart comes to the ring to talk about the infamous 15-year-old "Montreal Screwjob" involving Bret and Shawn Michaels at Survivor Series and then this happens. :( Freaky, I tell ya!

Micheal Cole handled the situation extremely well and I give him major props for that! And I hope that Jerry is ok.

Michael Cole is a class act.

I Have Always Liked Cole .

I agree and TV hasn't been the same since Buffy went off the air.

Micheal Cole is usually a jackass, but apparently a jackass with a heart, and some class.