Veteran WWE announcer Michael Cole recently discussed Corey Graves’ controversial demotion during an appearance on Impaulsive, admitting that he still doesn’t fully understand the circumstances surrounding the decision.
“I love Corey,” Cole said. “Beside McAfee, he’s probably the best partner I’ve ever had. But I still don’t understand all the dynamics of what happened.”
Graves was reportedly removed from a key commentary position after making critical remarks about WWE on social media. According to Cole, the intent behind Graves’ comments may have been misunderstood.
“He put something out there,” Cole explained. “He said he was just trying to generate interest in a storyline, but I don’t think the company saw it that way.”
Endorsement and Uncertainty
Michael Cole and Corey Graves (Photo: WWE, Illustrated)
Cole did not confirm whether Graves’ demotion was permanent but hinted that ongoing discussions might be taking place.
“I think he and the company are working it out,” Cole said.
While WWE has embraced more personality and creative freedom among its announcers, Cole acknowledged that boundaries still exist.
“We’re given more freedom now, but that doesn’t mean you can say anything you want,” he noted.
Despite the situation, Cole remains a strong supporter of Graves’ work.
“He’s an unbelievable commentator,” he said. “I hope he stays with us, because he’s one of the best.”
For now, Graves’ future with WWE remains uncertain, but Cole’s remarks confirm that the situation was not part of a scripted storyline.
Watch Michael Cole’s full interview on Impaulsive with Logan Paul:
Booker T has opened up about working with Corey Graves in NXT after the recent controversy.
Graves who is the second longest-tenured commentator in WWE after Michael Cole found himself in a discouraging situation after WWE made changes to their commentary team earlier in the year. The broadcast star who had been working on SmackDown was sent down to NXT when his partner Cole was moved to Raw on Netflix to join Pat McAfee.
Booker T who has been part of the NXT commentary team since 2022 was asked about working with Graves in a new interview with TV Insider. He first joked that he ‘hates’ Corey Graves before claiming that they’re all team players:
“That’s what people want me to say. We’re team players. We felt like last week we got into a groove. We see the vision of where we can go and take this thing. I’ve always been a team player.”
Booker T who previously criticized Graves for venting his frustrations publicly discussed how he started his broadcast stint working with the announcing veteran on pre-show panels. He expressed the belief that with Vic Joseph directing traffic, the three of them can become the best team in all of WWE:
“For me, that’s where I started. Working with Corey during the kick-off shows down in Connecticut. We used to go to the Capital Grille every week and get that sea bass. Working with Corey is cool.
Working with Vic [Joseph], being that guy in the middle who can direct that traffic the way he does. I really think we can turn this into something really cool where people may say, “Wow, this team may be the best team in all of WWE.”
While Corey Graves has not made any more public comments since being reinstated on NXT, WWE officials don’t seem to have forgotten his previous remarks. When Joe Tessitore missed this week’s episode of SmackDown due to an ESPN commitment, it was Joseph who was brought in as a replacement instead of Graves.
Corey Graves may have put speculation about his WWE future to rest, but Booker T has made clear he isn’t pleased with how Graves handled things. During a recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker adressed Graves’ recent outburst following his move to the NXT brand.
“Certain things shouldn’t be in the Twittersphere, just because I don’t think it’s their business, especially when it comes to your jobs.”
Booker added that while he hasn’t confronted Graves directly, a conversation with his NXT broadcast partner could come in the future.
“We’re not cool, not cool at all—I didn’t like the tweet. I didn’t tell him I didn’t like it, but I’m sure there perhaps will come a time when I might say it.”
Graves’ took to X in January 2025 to express his frustration with changes to the commentary teams that resulted in him being moved to NXT. While Graves missed the following edition of WWE NXT after his post on X, he was back the following week and declared that he was “right where I want to be.”
The situation with Corey Graves has yet to be referenced on TV, and with it being weeks later, it’s unlikely fans will see it brought up on WWE NXT programming. Nevertheless, Booker T isn’t a fan of how Graves handled business, and it remains to be seen if the NXT commentator confronts Graves about his attitude towards the silver brand.
Corey Graves made his return to the NXT commentary desk during tonight’s broadcast, ending a brief hiatus tied to recent public controversy. Graves had missed the January 14 episode after voicing dissatisfaction on social media regarding his transition from the WWE main roster to NXT. During his return, Graves addressed viewers indirectly, saying:
“I am right where I want to be. Where passion is everything and only the hungry survive and pro wrestling never stopped being cool.”
Graves’ return comes amid ongoing changes in WWE’s commentary lineup. Raw commentary is now handled by Michael Cole and Pat McAfee, while Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett call the action on SmackDown.
Graves sparked widespread attention with a social media post implying frustration over his move, claiming he was told he wasn’t “famous enough” for his prior role. Many interpreted this as a pointed remark referencing current Raw commentators Pat McAfee and Joe Tessitore.
Corey Graves appears to be returning to a regular routine after a tumultuous few weeks in WWE. The commentator sparked attention last week with a tweet expressing frustration over his recent move to NXT. Graves claimed he was told he wasn’t “famous enough” for a spot on Raw or SmackDown, leading to his assignment on NXT.
According to Corey Brennan of Fightful Select, Graves is scheduled to be back on television at tonight’s WWE NXT and is expected to attend afternoon rehearsals at the WWE Performance Center.
“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**ing 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.”
He was reportedly scheduled to be at last week’s WWE NXT broadcast, but did not appear.
AEW commentator Jim Ross recently weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding WWE commentator Corey Graves and his recent comments on social media. Speaking on his Grilling JR Podcast, Ross, considered by many to be the greatest commentator of all time, shared his perspective, offering both empathy and candor regarding the situation.
Ross began by reflecting on his own experiences in the industry, drawing parallels to Graves’ current predicament. “How many times has that happened to me? Several,” Ross said, acknowledging the nature of the broadcasting business. “And here I am—jolly, happy, and healthy as an old horse. I’ve got nothing to complain about; it’s just part of the life we choose.”
While Ross did not delve into the specifics of the controversy, he was understanding for anyone feeling left behind in such a competitive environment. “I feel bad that someone feels left behind—maybe he has been,” Ross said.
In his now deleted post, Graves took issue with being declared not famous enough for the role of a main roster commentator, seemingly a dig at Pat McAfee. Ross didn’t shy away from comparing Graves to McAfee, who is a major name in broadcasting both in and out of WWE.
“Would you trade Pat McAfee and his massive broadcast platform for Corey Graves? I wouldn’t, to be honest.”
Ross’ comments serve as a reminder of the tough realities of broadcasting, particularly in the highly-competitve world of WWE. Graves did not appear on this week’s WWE NXT or WWE Speed, further raising questions about his future with the promotion.
According to Wrestling Observer Radio, Graves learned weeks ago that Wade Barrett would be replacing him on SmackDown. Sources backstage have reported that Graves was unhappy when informed of this decision.
Some within WWE speculate that Graves’ recent post, which has since been deleted, may be an attempt to get himself fired. However, insiders suggest that if this is Graves’ goal, WWE is unlikely to comply with this tactic.
In his post, Graves recalled being told that he could no longer wrestle, and dedicating his life to his “dream adjacent” and becoming a “pretty f***ing awesome” commentator. Graves shared that he was told “you’re not famous enough for your job,” that some have seen as a nod to Joe Tessitore and Pat McAfee. Both Tessitore and McAfee had established high-profile careers outside WWE before joining, unlike Graves, who has been a dedicated part of WWE but now feels relegated to NXT.
Corey Graves has been a crucial voice on WWE programming for years, but his future with the promotion continues to remain uncertain. This week, Graves took to X to share his frustrations with his current position in WWE, and has now missed multiple events.
Graves was missing from the latest episode of WWE Speed, which saw Chad Gable facing NXT star Charlie Dempsey. Though Graves has been the sole voice of the X-exclusive show since its launch last year, Blake Howard filled in as the play-by-play commentator for the match. His absence comes after he missed this week’s WWE NXT, a show that Graves had previously stated he’d be a part of.
Charlie Dempsey and @WWEGable battle it out to see who will advance in the No. 1 Contender's Tournament. Who will punch their ticket to the #WWESpeed Semifinals? ? pic.twitter.com/CtVOZLtJOF
Graves posted on X on Tuesday, January 14, that he’d spent years working hard only to be told “you’re not famous enough for your own job.” Though the Savior of Misbehavior didn’t name names, many saw this line as a dig at Joe Tessitore and Pat McAfee, both of whom are established names in broadcasting outside WWE. McAfee was brought back as a Raw commentator last week while Tessitore has replaced Graves on SmackDown. Graves has since deleted his post.
WWE has yet to give a public update on Graves’ standing with the company but fans are eager to learn what the future looks like for him and if a return to the main roster is viable. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Corey Graves and his journey in WWE.
Corey Graves recently sparked discussion on X after voicing his frustration over being moved from WWE’s main roster commentary team to NXT. In his post, Graves took issue at “not being famous enough for your own job,” in what many have seen at a dig at Pat McAfee and Joe Tessitore.
Former WWE commentator Jonathan Coachman weighed in on X with a post of his own. Coachman, who held many roles in WWE, including as a commentator, suggested that Graves could have handled things better and ‘played nice’ with others.
“So Corey is upset for being bumped from the main announce roster. Happened to JR 5 times. Happened to Cole multiple times. Happened to me multiple times. He is right, he is really good at his job. But playing in the sandbox a little bit better might not hurt next time. Embrace whatever role you have and understand that you are lucky to have it. There are only 3-5 of these jobs at the highest level. Who knows, maybe they asked him to be a part of a 3-man booth. We know he doesn’t like that. Lol. Sorry had to. Last line a joke. The rest, it’s the wrestling business. It happens.”
So Corey is upset for being bumped from the main announce roster. Happened to JR 5 times. Happened to Cole multiple times. Happened to me multiple times. He is right he is really good at his job. But playing in the sandbox a little bit better might not hurt next time. Embrace… https://t.co/Qp50P6xlxM
Following his outburst, Graves teased that he’d have plenty more to say on this week’s WWE NXT though that didn’t transpire. Instead, Graves was seen heading to Orlando aiport and this week’s edition of the silver brand went ahead without the veteran broadcaster. Stay tuned to SEScoops as the situation with Graves continues to develop, even with his on-screen future currently unclear.
WWE broadcaster Corey Graves will no longer appear on tonight’s episode of NXT to address recent frustrations, as he had announced.
Graves took to social media last night, expressing anger over being told he wasn’t “famous enough” to join the new Raw and SmackDown broadcast teams. Following the post, he claimed he would clear the air during tonight’s NXT.
However, PWInsider reports that Graves was seen boarding a flight at Orlando Airport on Tuesday afternoon and will not be present for the broadcast. Sources indicate that Graves felt genuinely insulted by being relegated to the NXT commentary team as the ‘third wheel’ alongside Vic Joseph and Booker T.
Never has a man looked more dead inside than Corey Graves when Vic gave him a pat on the back for being sent back to NXT last week. pic.twitter.com/dKbIQtXOtJ
Adding legitimacy to the situation, Graves’ brother, Sam Adonis, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the matter is “not a work,” suggesting it’s not part of a WWE storyline.
WWE broadcaster Corey Graves will appear on tonight’s WWE NXT on The CW, and he’s got some things to get off his chest.
Graves has been the odd man out of the commentary rotation as Joe Tessitore has been paired with Wade Barrett for SmackDown, and Pat McAfee is back with Michael Cole as they take the reins for WWE Raw on Netflix.
As Raw made its second run on Netflix, Graves took to social media to air his grievances—claiming that he’s been demoted in favor of his co-workers who are more famous than him. Wrestling fans immediately debated if Graves was legitimately upset, working a storyline, or a combination of both.
The Pittsburgh native will clear the air tonight with a live mic and a head full of steam.
Graves shouldered a great deal of the broadcasting responsibilities throughout 2024 as, for the first time, he took the lead role behind the booth for the SmackDown brand. Corey worked with Wade Barrett as well as Michael Cole and, in the past, has teased a friendly rivalry with McAfee, who, for the past couple of years, would take a leave of absence due to his ESPN College GameDay duties. It should be noted that Graves ultimately hasn’t ruled out an in-ring return, and his umbrage with his “forced out” role could lead to physicality between him and his Steel City commentary comrade.
It’s fitting Graves took to socials on Monday, considering Tessitore made his SmackDown debut with Barrett this past Friday as the blue brand hailed from Portland, OR.
Last week, WWE shifted its commentary teams with Michael Cole and Pat McAfee moving to Raw while Wade Barrett and Joe Tessitore are now calling the action on SmackDown. These changes resulted in Corey Graves being moved from the blue brand to NXT, a move that has seemingly frustrated the veteran commentator.
On X, Graves reflected on his journey in WWE, including being told his in-ring career was over due to injuries. Though Graves stopped short of mentioning the move from the main roster to NXT, the commentator took issue at “being told you’re not famous enough for your own job.”
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***ing 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.
On last week’s NXT, which served as the New Year’s Evil show, Graves addressed his appearance, saying The Rock being on the show was good enough reason for him to show up. It remains to be seen if Graves will be a part of tonight’s episode of WWE NXT, especially after his comments on social media.
Corey Graves has returned to the NXT Commentary booth.
The new calendar year comes with a lot of big changes for WWE including a shake-up to their existing commentary teams.
This change apparently includes Corey Graves who made his return to the NXT brand during Tuesday’s New Year’s Evil special. He joined Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary for the show:
Corey Graves originally started his broadcast career in NXT back in 2014, after he was forced to retire from in-ring competition due to concussion-related issues. He was promoted to the main roster as part of the 2016 Draft.
Graves had most recently been assigned to the SmackDown brand alongside Michael Cole. Cole was shifted to the Raw brand with the show’s Netflix premiere on January 6, being accompanied by the returning Pat McAfee.
The Raw commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on the other hand, were moved to SmackDown, leaving Graves’ status up in the air.
It’s unknown if Graves will be sticking around the Black & Silver brand or if his appearance at the NXT special was a one-night thing.
In recent years we have seen a number of main roster stars having extended runs with the brand and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Savior of Misbehaviour becomes the first commentator to do so as well.
Corey Graves has reflected on the 10-year anniversary of his retirement from active competition and thanked the fans for their support.
The WWE personality was a rising star of the early NXT, feuding with the likes of The Shield and The Wyatt family during his time with the brand. After suffering two close concussions in late 2013 and early 2014 however, Graves was forced to retire from active competition.
While The Iron City Superstar had not wrestled a match since April 2014, he officially announced his retirement on December 11. Looking back at the date, Corey Graves said that he misses being in the ring every day:
10 years.
I still miss it every day.
There was no “backup plan.”
Not bad for an audible.
Thanks to everyone for taking the ride with me. 🙏@WWE
After being forced to retire from wrestling, Graves transitioned to a broadcasting role. He started off as a color commentator for NXT, later being added to pre-show panel for main roster shows.
Graves has become one of the leading broadcast personalities of WWE TV after being called up to the main roster in 2016. He currently does color commentary on SmackDown alongside Michael Cole.
The 40-year-old revealed last year that he has actually been cleared to compete again if he chooses to, though he has no immediate plans for the same. Graves has since started helping out with the production of the shows, suggesting that he is more interested in that aspect of the industry rather than an in-ring return.
WWE has announced significant shakeups to the commentary teams of its two flagship shows, WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown. The changes take effect over the next couple weeks, starting with next week’s Raw and completing the following Friday, when SmackDown returns to the USA Network after a 5-year run on FOX.
WWE Raw
WWE SmackDown
Joe Tessitore
Michael Cole
Wade Barrett
Corey Graves
Starting Sep. 2
Starting Sep. 13
Michael Cole Shifts to SmackDown
Corey Graves filled in for Pat McAfee at the commentary booth for this week’s WWE Raw. McAfee is on hiatus and is returning to his other gig hosting ESPN College GameDay. Graves and Cole will reunite on September 13 for WWE SmackDown’s big homecoming on the USA Network. The duo has worked extensively together over the years and is regarded as one of WWE’s strongest teams.
Enter Joe Tessitore
With today’s “Voice of WWE” changing brands, WWE has tapped veteran broadcaster Joe Tessitore to serve as the new lead announcer for Raw starting next Monday, September 2, 2024. Tessitore has decades of experience in broadcasting, including working with ESPN doing play-by-play for Monday Night Football and coincidentally College Game Day.
Wade Barrett joins Tessitore on Monday nights. Former Nexus leader has proven himself to be an asset in recent years; calling action on Raw, SmackDown and NXT.
WWE is boosting up it’s commentary bullpen in a big way with famed ESPN announcer Joe Tessitore. In a press release sent in to SEScoops, the company touted him as, “one of the most versatile and veteran voices in sports television.
He join the company as a play-by-play broadcaster beginning this summer working alongside analysts Wade Barrett and Corey Graves. Michael Cole and Pat McAfee will remain teamed up.
Tessitore has been a lifelong wrestling fan. He’s been gearing up for this opportunity and expresses the utmost respect for the WWE Superstars and broadcasters he’ll be working alongside.
“It’s an honor to be a part of WWE. The recent success and trajectory are undeniable,” said Tessitore. “Being there at WrestleMania XL, one could feel it – from Cody, Seth, Roman and The Rock, to creative and production, these are some of the very best storytellers in TV. Corey and Wade are absolute stars and it is my privilege to join their team. Pat and Cole are just magical together and Cole is the greatest to ever sit in that chair. As a lifelong viewer, I’m humbled to join this team and to serve our fans.”
Triple H on Joe Tessitore Joining WWE
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque had this to say in the press release:
“Whether it’s a world title fight that’s got the globe buzzing or a college football rivalry that’s grabbed the nation’s attention, Joe’s voice provides that big event feel each time he is behind the microphone.
We’re excited for Joe to join legendary WWE broadcaster Michael Cole and our esteemed announce team, bringing his signature energy and meticulous preparation to our WWE telecasts each week.”
Over the past few months, Graves has steered the SmackDown ship as the lead play-by-play man with Barrett being on color commentary. Graves didn’t miss a beat in the new role as his usual broadcast partner Michael Cole joined up with Pat McAfee on WWE RAW.
Tessitore has a notorious commentary past in the fight game. He’s been the go-to voice for boxing on ESPN, led their Monday Night Football coverage and called College Football Playoff games.
If you peel back the relationship layers, Tessitore signing with WWE makes plenty of sense has he has a long history with WWE CEO Nick Khan. Khan actually used to be the super agent for Tessitore and now the two will be under the WWE banner together.
Experienced sports commentary names outside of WWE haven’t always been successful when they sit behind the pro wrestling commentary table. Mike Adamle and Adnan Virk both assumed play-by-play roles on WWE RAW and unfortunately, both didn’t last long.
CM Punk is known for creating controversy, and it’s a label he wore with pride for a majority of his career. That attitude led to falling out of friendship with a few people, but we are happy to report that things are okay between Punk and Corey Graves now.
Although there was some animosity between Corey Graves and CM Punk for several years, things are okay now. Punk shut out so many of his old WWE friends, and Graves was in that group. Now, things are much better after they mended their broken friendship.
Graves and Punk Patch Things Up
While speaking to the Wrestle Binge podcast, Corey Graves explained that he patched things up with CM Punk on the day of the Royal Rumble event. The two came to a real understanding, and Graves said it feels good to have that friendship back.
“So the day of the Royal Rumble, at Tropicana Field, I actually got to pull him aside for a few minutes, and we cleared the air. Had a nice, long chat. We got apologizes for some things over the years and realized that this is where we both belong, this is where we both want to be, and it’s been a really exciting time for me personally to be able to rekindle a friendship that meant so much to me over the years.”
CM Punk and Corey Graves’ Falling Out
Punk and Graves have known each other for over 20 years. They were once close friends and occasional colleagues in the wrestling ring. Despite not facing each other in WWE due to Graves’ career ending in NXT and Punk’s departure from the company in 2014, they bonded on several things outside pro wrestling.
Despite their previous friendship, Punk cut ties with Graves and other WWE associates after leaving the company, seemingly due to their continued employment there. Graves, in turn, publicly expressed his disappointment and sense of betrayal through Twitter posts following Punk’s departure and subsequent legal victories against WWE.
Now, it’s all water under the bridge for CM Punk and Corey Graves. The Second City Savior has needed to bury a few hatchets since returning to WWE, and things seem to be okay between the two now.
SEScoops will have more on this story, and so many more, in the pro wrestling world if we get any additional information. Keep checking back throughout the day for more headlines!
WWE has three working brands right now, but they are about to add another show to their weekly lineup. That new show will also come with another championship.
The new WWE Speed show will make its debut on Twitter/X on April 3. The new innovative show format will also come with a new championship.
WWE Speed’s New Title
WWE commentator Corey Graves provided a few new details about WWE Speed. The new show will exclusively premiere on Twitter/X on April 3.
WWE Speed will introduce three-minute matches, showcasing wrestlers in intense competition, aiming for a new prize. Graves seemed excited to explain the format of the new show, as each match will be like a finish, to further up the intensity. With only three minutes per match, each Superstar must enter every contest like they are looking to close things quickly.
Additionally, it was confirmed that WWE will introduce a new WWE Speed Championship. Fans will see the first-ever champion crowned through a unique tournament format on the upcoming show.
WWE did not reveal what their new Speed Championship will look like.
EVERY SECOND COUNTS ?@WWEGraves is here to introduce #WWESpeed! Your favorite Superstars will go head-to-head in 3 minute matches, where the WWE Speed Championship is the ultimate prize.#WWESpeed premieres April 3rd, exclusively on @X! pic.twitter.com/JTx2o9CNBi
Some fans are getting WWE Mixed Match Challenge vibes from the new WWE Speed show, and they have a reason to feel this way. Much like how the mixed tag team show was exclusively on Facebook, the new WWE Speed show is being produced through a deal with Twitter/X.
These are not the only digital programs that WWE has going. WWE The Bump still airs every Wednesday, with interviews and recaps from the week. Some older fans may also remember WWE’s original venture into the digital space with Byte This that streamed through their website from 1997 to 2006.
SEScoops will have more on this story as additional information is available.
A new trailer for Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire has a WWE feel to it, thanks to the promotion’s commentary duo of Corey Graves and Michael Cole.
Taking to Instagram, Graves shared the new trailer that features himself and Cole providing a voiceover for the action. In the caption, Graves said that it’s an “amazing thrill” to have his voice in the trailer considering that he grew up obsessed with monster movies.
The new film is a sequel to 2021’s Godzilla vs. Kong and the fifth film in the MonsterVerse franchise that began with 2014’s stand-alone Godzilla film. While the two behemoths were adversaries in the previous film. Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire sees the pair forced to team up to defeat a powerful, climate-changing Titan from destroying the Earth’s surface.
Graves & Cole in the Movies
While neither Corey Graves nor Michael Cole appear in Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire, the pair have featured in films in the past. Graves playedGunnar in 2011‘s Kingdom of Gladiators and played himself in 2020’s The Main Event, a WWE Studios production.
Cole has been in four films from WWE Studios which were all animated features. He made his acting debut in 2014’s Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery as himself. He would appear in the film’s sequel ‘Curse of the Speed Demon‘ as well as Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania and The Jetsons & WWE: Robo-WrestleMania!
Fans should get used to hearing Michael Cole on commentary for years to come, at least if Michael Cole is to be believed.
Cole has been with WWE for close to three decades after joining the promotion in 1997 on the recommendation of Todd Pettengill. A former war correspondent, Cole’s career in WWE has seen him call the action at countless events, enjoy a brief heel run, and even get a win at WrestleMania 27.
The Heir Apparent
With decades in the industry, Cole has developed a keen eye for what works and what doesn’t at the commentary table. In a recent interview with Awful Announcing, the veteran spoke about Corey Graves’ journey in WWE thus far and teaching him the proverbial ropes.
“[It was] a matter of giving him the opportunity to sit side by side for many years, to watch, learn, study, and see how I do things.”
Cole added that he is pleased that Graves was given the opportunity and sees a very bright future for the SmackDown commentator.
“And at the end of the day, when we gave him the shot? He’s been killing it. I believe he’s the heir apparent.”
Corey Graves
While Cole sees Graves as his heir, the 40-year-old is hardly a newbie to the commentary desk. After his in-ring retirement in 2014, Graves joined the NXT commentary team before being moved to the Raw desk in 2016. Graves current calls the action on SmackDown alongside Wade Barrett.
Vince McMahon’s aggressive control of WWE programming was infamous during his time as Chairman of the Board. Now that he’s gone, things are very different.
Triple H is now in control of WWE’s programming. As Chief Content Officer, he has also decided not to berate his announcers with constant directions. Corey Graves can attest to this fact, because he lived through the transition and is very much enjoying The Game’s time in charge.
Corey Graves Speaks On Triple H
Corey Graves is a prominent figure in WWE, particularly as part of Friday Night SmackDown’s commentary team. He remembers the days when Vince McMahon was in his ear all night, commanding him to hit certain lines on commentary. That is not the case anymore.
With experience both as a wrestler and announcer in NXT, WWE’s developmental brand overseen by Triple H, Graves expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by Paul “Triple H” Levesque. He sees the King of Kings are one of the primary reasons he was so successful in the company.
While speaking to Short and to the Point podcast, Graves highlighted Triple H’s supportive approach and acknowledged the creative freedom afforded to announcers under his leadership.
“Triple H is another guy I owe a great deal, if not everything in my career, to. He was the one that took a chance on me as a wrestler in NXT. If I need something, I’ve never hesitated to go to him and ask. He’s cool and refreshing in the sense that he gives us [announcers] space.”
Differences Between Triple H & Vince McMahon
Graves continued to explained that Triple H recognizes the importance of allowing announcers to express themselves authentically as fans.
“Instead of being directed to adhere to specific instructions or language, Triple H understands that we’re all fans. As the industry progresses, you have to loosen the reins a bit. I still have boundaries, but they feel more flexible now.”
In contrast to Vince McMahon’s notorious habit of shouting at announcers through their headsets, Triple H doesn’t take that tactic at all. Instead, The Game has a much more cerebral approach to things.
“I’ve been on TV for seven years between RAW and SmackDown. In the last few months, communication through my headset has been exceptionally quiet and clear. I only receive feedback if I’m making a significant mistake or if a joke lands. If I say something that resonates, he’ll build on it or enhance the joke in my headset.”
Vince McMahon’s WWE Exit
Vince McMahon initially retired from WWE in 2022, amid allegations of sexual misconduct. At the time, WWE announced a special committee would investigate McMahon. However, his retirement didn’t last long, and he returned to the company to help usher in a sale/merger era for the company.
McMahon made creative adjustments remotely for a long time during that period. The whole time Triple H was still acting COO of the company.
That misconduct for Mr. McMahon was later detailed in gruesome ways with Janel Grant’s earth-shattering lawsuit. After Slim Jim pulled their sponsorship right before the Royal Rumble, Vince had no choice but to totally resign from the company.
In more recent memory, Vince announced his intention to sell over $400 million in TKO stock, leaving him with around 8% of the company in his control, which is not enough to secure his place back in the company once again if he ever tried another return.
The climactic finish to Super Bowl LVIII that saw the Kansas City Chiefs emerge supreme once again has had the wrestling world talking.
At the end of the fourth quarter, the Chiefs were tied 19-19 with the San Fransisco 49ers. In overtime, it looked like the 49ers were going to win. That was until the last second when the Chiefs scored, earning them the lead and their latest Super Bowl championship.
Former AEW Women’s World Champion Nyla Rose didn’t watch the game live but felt it would’ve been better had it taken place in the legendary Tokyo Dome used for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom.
The Super Bowl was good I hear, would have been better if it were at the Tokyo Dome tho
Rose would also use an image of Travis Kelce at the game to tease Mercedes Mone’s expected arrival in AEW. The Boss will reportedly debut at the upcoming Big Business event in her hometown of Boston next month.
It’s called @AEW BIG BUSINESS! And it’s in Boston on March 13! But they spelled it “BOSSTON” and I’m pretty sure one of the “S’s” was a dollar sign and that’s not even remotely close to how you spell Boston. Anyway it’s gonna be at @tdgarden stadium which is a really nice venue!… pic.twitter.com/j5qO3Nk8rs
Music icon Taylor Swift was at the big game, rooting for her boyfriend Travis Kelce of the Chiefs. In a tweet, WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus drew comparisons between herself and the Shake It Off star.
Corey Graves is a veteran in WWE at this point, and his willingness to extend his roles in the company haven’t stopped. He is now lending his expertise and opinions to different facets of the WWE production process.
Corey Graves’ New Unofficial Role In WWE
Corey Graves is best-known today as a member of WWE’s commentary team. He has also recently taken on additional responsibilities within the company.
During a conversation with Bill Apter on Wrestle Binge, the former WWE 24/7 Champion shed light on his expanded role in WWE, diving into unofficial tasks within the television studio.
Those new responsibilities for the Savior of Misbehavior involve contributing to the production of various elements. Graves is definitely showing off his versatility beyond his usual commentary duties.
“I have kind of unofficially taken on some responsibilities in the television studio, and as far as producing little bits and pieces. I don’t have an official role doing any of that, but I kind of get to lend my expertise. or opinion at least on a lot of different things.”
Corey Graves Has A Good Life
Graves won’t shut down an in-ring return of some kind. He has been medically cleared from the concussions that ended his career as an NXT Superstar.
WWE is starting out a new year, and that will come with a change to commentary. Some WWE fans don’t remember a day when Michael Cole wasn’t a full-time announcer for the company, but he may be moving out of that role.
WWE Changing Commentary Team
Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Kevin Patrick have made up the SmackDown commentary team for some time. Now, that may change as WWE enters into 2024.
According to a recent report from PW Insider, WWE is making a change to their commentary teams, with two-man teams starting this week. That means that Michael Cole is no longer on SmackDown.
The word making the rounds in WWE is that starting in the new year, the announce teams will all consist of two men booths.
That means that Michael Cole’s time on Smackdown ended last month.
WWE’s Future In 2024 Could See More Changes
With Kevin Dunn’s departure from WWE, some are wondering who will leave next. Vince McMahon’s old guard may be exiting, but this report did not indicate that Michael Cole will be totally leaving WWE with this move.
Michael Cole holds other backstage responsibilities, and he has hinted in the past about leaving the commentary table eventually. This new development could open the door for Michael Cole to pursue other opportunities as SmackDown becomes a two-man team.
Corey Graves is best-known for his quick wit on WWE commentary. He was a talent in NXT years ago, a contemporary of Bray Wyatt, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, but Graves’ in-ring career was stopped short due to concussions. He honed his commentary skills, and the rest is history, but The Savior of Misbehavior isn’t saying no to a WWE in-ring return.
Corey Graves May Wrestle Again
In the world of professional wrestling, injuries are a common occurrence, often leading to premature retirements. Interestingly enough, Corey Graves has recently received medical clearance for an in-ring return, and he’s expressed openness to the idea of a one-off match.
During a recent interview with Steelers Takeaways, Corey Graves revealed that he has been medically cleared for an in-ring return for quite a while now. He made it clear that he is open to the idea of returning for a one-off match, drawing a parallel to the occasional returns we’ve seen from individuals like Pat McAfee in the past.
“I have a clean bill of health now, thanks. I actually got medically cleared a couple of years ago to perform in the ring again. I flirted with the idea and am waiting for a potential opportunity if it presents itself. More of a one-time thing like [Pat] McAfee has done – not as a full-time in-ring performer.”
It remains to be seen whether Corey Graves will take this opportunity to step back into the ring. He may want to knock off the ring rust and try his hand in the squared circle to see if that wrestling bug bites him once again.
Corey Graves’ Career as an NXT Superstar
Corey Graves actually started his wrestling career in 2000. He worked his way through the indies, and eventually landed in WWE, where he was an active in-ring star in NXT.
Graves participated in matches on a weekly basis, even capturing the NXT Tag Team titles alongside Adrian Neville, who is now PAC in AEW. However, Corey Graves’ wrestling journey took an unexpected turn in 2014 when he had to retire due to concussions.
Corey Graves’ final match took place nine years ago at WrestleMania Axxess against Troy McClain. 2023 was a very unpredictable year, so it’s anyone’s guess whether 2024 will see Corey Graves’ in-ring return.
