Corey Graves Vs WWE? Michael Cole Reveals the Truth

Last year, WWE made big changes teams for Raw, SmackDown, and NXT after signing new media deals. As part of this shuffle, Corey Graves, who had spent nearly a decade as a commentator on Raw and SmackDown, was moved to NXT.
At first, some people thought this might lead to Graves returning to the ring, but later reports suggested that he was genuinely upset about the move. WWE, on the other hand, did not seem to see it as a storyline at all.


On a recent episode of Impaulsive, Michael Cole, who previously worked with Graves, shared his thoughts on the controversy.
"That's a strange situation," Cole said. "I love Corey, love him to death. I still don't understand all the dynamics of it. I know that he said something out on social media that was pretty critical of the company. He tried to explain to everyone that he was trying to generate some interest and maybe a type of a storyline. I don't think the company saw it that way. So I think him and the company are working that out. I love Corey to death. He is an unbelievable commentator. Beside [Pat] McAfee, he is probably the best partner I've ever had."
Michael Cole’s comments suggest that WWE did not appreciate Graves’ statement. While Graves claimed he was just trying to build excitement and turn the situation into a storyline, WWE seemed to take his criticism seriously.

Graves didn't like the change made on the commentary panel. After his first night on NXT, he missed his second scheduled appearance. He also posted a message on X/Twitter criticizing WWE’s decision and how they handled the switch. His post made many fans wonder if his frustration was real or part of a storyline meant to shake things up.
After missing the January 14 episode of NXT, speculation grew about whether Graves was truly unhappy or if he was being written into a larger storyline. Many fans thought his absence could lead to something bigger, but reports later confirmed his frustration with WWE was real.
Despite the drama, Graves returned to commentary on January 21, joining Booker T and Vic Joseph. Since then, he has continued working on NXT without further issues. WWE has not publicly explained why he was removed from commentary for a week, and it is unclear if this situation will impact his long-term role in the company.

For now, Graves remains part of the NXT commentary team, but his brief absence and social media posts have left fans wondering if WWE will use him differently in the future. Only time will tell what’s next for Graves in WWE.
Also Read : WWE Rumor Roundup: Corey Graves’ Potential Return, Jade Cargill’s Training, and More