Pat McAfee replaced Corey Graves on the WWE RAW commentary team early last year. Graves is talking about how the move affected him more than a year later.
Corey Graves was a staple of WWE commentary for almost a decade before he was replaced by Pat McAfee oncommentary table in early 2025. Graves was demoted to the WWE NXT team following the move., expressing his disappointment.
He claimed he was told he wasn't famous enough for the job he had done for years. He returned toalongside Michael Cole later that same summer, but the demotion had a lasting impact on him.Corey Graves and Michael Cole | NetflixGraves was on his way to blazing his own in-ring career path before suffering a career-ending injury. He turned to commentary following the injury and became one of the most memorable voices of WWE. In an, Graves talked about the mindset he put himself in to work his way back to the main roster commentary table. "This isn’t where I want to be. This isn’t what I want to be doing. I’m going to show them... I will be the hardest worker in the room. I will say yes to stuff people don’t want to do."Graves proved how reliable he was when he immediately replaced Pat McAfee later in the summer of 2025, a role he's held since. Graves went on to explain how he feels he still has room to improve as a commentator.WWE commentator Corey Graves throws out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Pittsburgh Pirates game | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images"I’m coming into NXT and will reinvent myself and show you guys I’m the best in the world at this.” I kind of approached this with that mentality. It was very much a chip on my shoulder situation. I like to think I still have some of that chip on my shoulder because I’m still not quite back to where I want to be."Graves has not only returned to the main roster, but he also now works AAA events. WWE purchased the storied Mexican-based promotion during the week of WrestleMania last year. Graves' value to the company has only increased since returning to the main roster, and it doesn't look like that will change any time soon. Even if McAfee decided to return in some capacity.AIDAN CHACON Aidan has been a contributor to The Takedown since July of 2025. He also currently writes for the Miami Heat & Orlando Magic on SIl. Before joining On SI, he reported for Caplin News and created content individually. He has a bachelor’s degree in Digital Media & Communications at FIU’s School of Journalism. Aidan has spent years producing pro wrestling content on social media and writing about pro sports. He’s a lifelong enthusiast of the business and continues to cover the global wrestling world with an unbiased, but passionate approach. His favorite pro wrestling memory is watching Triple H vs. Undertaker at WrestleMania 28, and legend has it he is still chanting "move the palm trees" to this day.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dawn Staley didn’t want to play for Pat Summitt — ‘she’s too much like my mom’ — but didn’t mind losing to her eitherStaley discussed the the legacy of the former Tennessee coach alongside former Lady Vols stars, including Candace Parker, in ESPN's 'Celebrating Pat Summitt: Live Reunion Special.'
Read more »
Bagley Cartoon: Casino Con ManCheck out Pat Bagley's latest cartoon: Casino Con Man
Read more »
Why Brewers Manager Pat Murphy Refused to Shake His Own Players’ Hands in Pregame IntrosThe back-to-back NL Manager of the Year winner was at it again on Opening Day.
Read more »
Bagley Cartoon: Lesson Not LearnedCheck out Pat Bagley's latest cartoon: Lesson Not Learned
Read more »
Missouri Rep. Sam Graves withdraws plans for 2026 reelection bidGraves has served 13 terms in Congress, arriving on Capitol Hill in 2000. He is the chairman of the House's transportation committee.
Read more »
GOP Rep. Sam Graves joins retirement wave setting Congress up for record turnoverLong-serving Missouri Republican Rep. Sam Graves has decided not to run for reelection. He said Friday in a social media post that he is “making room for the next generation” in Congress. Graves leads the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and has been at the center of discussions about aviation safety.
Read more »