WWE removes veteran commentator from SmackDown
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett form a new commentary duo on WWE SmackDown, following changes in WWE teams.
The WWE has made changes to its commentary teams. Corey Graves left WWE SmackDown after his last appearance on January 3, with Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett taking over the broadcast for this week’s show.
Tessitore initially joined WWE as the main commentator for WWE RAW. However, with the beginning of the billion-dollar deal for the Monday night show with Netflix, Michael Cole and Pat McAfee took over the roles on the now main show of the company.
Corey Graves returns to WWE NXT
Graves returned to WWE NXT during New Year’s Evil, where he joined Vic Joseph and Booker T on commentary. This move marks Graves’ return to the show where he began his career as a commentator.
Pat McAfee may have another period of absence from his commitments with WWE later this year, due to his responsibilities with ESPN’s College GameDay. This could make room for Graves to join Michael Cole on WWE RAW.
This week’s WWE SmackDown featured significant events, including Paul Heyman’s announcement regarding Roman Reigns’ entry into the 2025 Royal Rumble, aiming to reclaim the WWE Championship lost at WrestleMania 40.