What’s Happening with Corey Graves?
Corey Graves has recently expressed his dissatisfaction with his current standing with WWE. He has been part of the organization since 2011 as a performer but had to retire in 2014 due to concussion issues. Graves then transitioned to a commentary role, where he quickly gained recognition as both a preshow analyst and a color commentator for NXT. Fans and analysts have praised his skills, and by 2016, he became part of the main roster commentary team, alternating between Raw and SmackDown as well as being part of almost every Premium Live Event.
However, Graves' recent changes in commentary roles have left him feeling undervalued. In early 2024, he briefly served as a play-by-play commentator for SmackDown before returning to color commentary later in the year. The tip of the iceberg was when he was replaced on the Netflix debut episode of Monday Night Raw by Pat McAfee, who is now the permanent color commentator. He returned to NXT at the New Year’s Evil special the night after, joining Vic Joseph and Booker T, and that has not been well-received by Graves.
Graves took to Twitter to voice his disappointment, sharing a heartfelt message about his journey and the struggles he has faced. He expressed how dedicating his life to the wrestling commentary scene felt futile when he was told he wasn't "famous enough" for his role. His candid remarks resonated with many fans, who sympathize with his current state, feeling as if this talented commentator is being demoted for calling the developmental territory.
Adding to the speculation, Graves was not present at last night’s episode of NXT, fueling rumors about his discontent. While some believed his frustration was part of a storyline, sources from Fightful confirmed that many close to him say his feelings are genuine. Per PWInsider, Graves was actually spotted at TSA before the show, leaving Orlando. As Graves navigates this challenging chapter in his career, fans are left hoping for a resolution that allows him to reclaim his rightful place in WWE commentary.