Dave Meltzer shared details about WWE’s internal response to Corey Graves’ recent social media posts regarding his commentary role changes. The situation developed after Graves learned of alterations to previously discussed broadcasting assignments.
According to Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer Radio report, WWE had initially planned different commentary arrangements in late 2023.
When Michael Cole had moved to SmackDown, but it was only gonna be temporary, and Joe Tessitore was starting with Raw, and we were told it’s only temporary, he’s gonna be moved to SmackDown. At the time I was told that the RAW announce team would be, in January, Michael Cole and Pat McAfee, and the SmackDown team would be Corey Graves and Joe Tessitore
Plans changed when Graves discovered Wade Barrett would replace him on SmackDown. This revelation reportedly occurred weeks before his social media response.
Now I guess it was a couple of weeks ago when Corey Graves got the word that Wade Barrett was gonna replace him on that show, and he wasn’t happy
Some WWE personnel interpret Graves’ Twitter posts as a potential attempt to prompt his release. However, Meltzer noted the company’s reluctance to terminate his contract due to competitive considerations.
Recent Absences Follow Deleted Social Media Posts
Graves has been notably absent from recent WWE broadcasts since the controversy. He missed the January 14 episode of NXT and did not appear for his regular commentary duties on the January 15 edition of WWE Speed, where Blake Howard called the match between Chad Gable and Charlie Dempsey.
The announcer has since removed his social media posts criticizing the commentary team changes. These deletions coincided with his absence from scheduled appearances, suggesting potential developments in the situation.
The changes to WWE’s commentary teams now feature Michael Cole and Pat McAfee on RAW, while Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett handle SmackDown duties.