AJ Francis (Top Dolla) Says He & Michael Cole Wanted To Have A Match, ‘That Was The Endgame’

AJ Francis says that he tried to push for a match with Michael Cole.

Throughout both of Francis’ stints in WWE, where he went by the name Top Dolla, he primarily performed on the SmackDown brand. At the time, Michael Cole was the lead commentator for just the SmackDown brand. In August 2023, Cole became the lead commentator for Monday Night Raw as well.

While speaking to Fightful for a new interview, Francis said that both him and Cole tried to get a match between the two of them set up. Francis was also quick to note that Cole would win that match, which would mark his first win (and match) in WWE since 2012.

“I love Cole. Me and Cole tried so hard to get a match set up between the two of us. That was the end game, for sure. Yes, Cole was going over. Yes, he was going to win that match. That’s the whole story. That’s the whole point. People don’t understand the fact that, the night that I lost to Sheamus in the tag team gauntlet, I lost in like eight seconds. I slid in the right, he gave me a Brogue Kick, one-two-three, and Cole says, ‘Thanks for coming, Flop Dolla.’ Me and Michael Cole trended all weekend. I was in the match for eight seconds. We knew what we were doing. Cole was trying to get me more opportunities. Cole is a genius. He’s the best. I wish nothing but the best for Michael Cole. I love that man. When the release happened, he was one of the first people who reached out to me. We have a conversation. Me and Cole are cool, I love Cole. The fact that people think that was real beef shows how good he is at his job and shows that kayfabe is not dead, brother. It’s real to them still, brother. It’s funny the way that worked about, but I’m very grateful for my time in WWE and very grateful I got to work with guys like Cole. I didn’t want to leave, but they didn’t want me there. Now, I can go anywhere, and I plan on it. I’m going to be everywhere in 2024 and I’m very much looking forward to it. Right now, my main focus is this food drive.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Francis chatted about his free agency. Fans can learn more by clicking here.

AJ Francis is set to host his annual canned food drive at the University Of Maryland on Saturday, November 18. Fans can learn more about the drive by clicking here.