Following WWE Raw’s move to Netflix, Corey Graves was reassigned to NXT commentary alongside Vic Joseph and Booker T, as Michael Cole and Pat McAfee took over Raw duties, while Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett were assigned to SmackDown.
Prior to his second scheduled NXT appearance, Graves shared his perspective on social media:
Imagine chasing your dream. Then being TOLD (not deciding) that you’re no longer physically able to pursue your dream. Then you dedicate your life to something ‘dream adjacent’ and being pretty f**king awesome at it. And then, when it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, being told you’re not famous enough for your own job. Just in case you’ve wondered where I’ve been.
Graves did not appear on the following NXT broadcast despite promoting his appearance. Fightful Select reports Graves has two years remaining on his current WWE contract, with sources indicating hope for his continued presence with the company.
For tonight’s WWE Raw, Wade Barrett replaces Pat McAfee alongside Michael Cole due to McAfee’s ESPN commitments.
Jim Ross Comments on Graves’ Commentary Situation
WWE Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross addressed Corey Graves’ recent commentary reassignment during his Grilling JR podcast. Ross, reflecting on similar experiences throughout his career, shared his perspective with Conrad Thompson:
Conrad, how many times has that happened to me? And here I am jolly, happy, healthy as the old horse, and I got nothing to b***h about.
Graves transitioned from in-ring competition to commentary in 2014 due to concussion issues and served on Raw and SmackDown’s broadcast teams from 2016 until 2024. PWInsider reports his recent social media statements stemmed from genuine frustration rather than storyline developments.
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