WWE SmackDown introduced a new temporary voice at the commentary desk on September 26, as Hall of Famer Booker T stepped in for Corey Graves. The broadcast aired live from the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. It was announced during the show that Graves will be off television for several weeks.
Booker T joined Michael Cole at the announce table after Graves was written out of storylines the previous week. The injury angle followed an on-air attack by Brock Lesnar, who targeted Graves as part of an escalating feud.
The kayfabe assault occurred when Graves attempted to intervene during Lesnar’s attack on Michael Cole. Lesnar responded by delivering two F5s to the announcer. The segment added fuel to Lesnar’s rivalry with John Cena leading into Wrestlepalooza.
This change marks the third straight week of adjustments for the SmackDown commentary team. The Miz appeared as a one-night guest commentator last week immediately after the Lesnar angle.
Booker T’s presence on September 26 was his second appearance on the program this month. Two weeks earlier, he called the show alongside NXT’s Vic Joseph when both Cole and Graves were absent for the Worlds Collide event. WWE has not confirmed if Booker T will remain in the role for the full length of Graves’ absence.