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.

Corey Graves had an odd start to 2025. Plans were set for him to move from RAW to SmackDown, but that all changed when WWE decided to put Wade Barrett with Joe Tessitore instead. Sources within WWE say they shifted Graves to NXT, and he wasn’t exactly thrilled about it.

Things escalated when Graves started sending out messages on social media blasting the move. Some WWE officials thought he was trying to get out of his contract, but people close to the broadcaster say he was just working the fans by mixing reality with storyline.

The situation took another turn when WWE told Graves to stay home from Tuesday’s NXT show, even though he’d been telling everyone he’d address what was going on. He also didn’t show up for his usual spot doing commentary on WWE Speed on Wednesday.

In today’s Newsletter, Meltzer shed some light on it, and one thing is sure: this wasn’t planned as a storyline at all. But there’s always a possibility WWE might work it into their shows down the line if they can patch things up with Graves.

Corey Graves has removed his social media posts that criticized WWE’s recent commentary team changes. The announcer’s posts disappeared following his absence from NXT’s January 13th broadcast, where he was originally scheduled to appear.

The situation began after Graves’ January 3rd SmackDown appearance, followed by a brief stint on NXT. His removal from SmackDown coincided with Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett becoming the brand’s commentary team, while Michael Cole and Pat McAfee took over RAW duties.

Graves missed the January 15th edition of WWE Speed, where Blake Howard called the match between Chad Gable and Charlie Dempsey.

Jonathan Coachman Offers Perspective on Graves’ Situation

Former WWE announcer Jonathan Coachman shared his thoughts on Graves’ position, drawing from his own experience in the industry. Coachman advised Graves to maintain a positive outlook despite the recent changes.

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.

Coachman referenced the career of Jim Ross, noting how even legendary announcers faced similar situations throughout their tenure with WWE.