Two-time WWE champion Corey Graves has officially been moved from the main roster back to NXT, where he will now handle commentary duties under Shawn Michaels’ leadership. The move has surprised many fans and insiders, especially after Graves was replaced on RAW by the popular Pat McAfee—a former NFL star and one of WWE’s biggest crossover names.
Corey Graves Replaced by Pat McAfee on RAW
Corey Graves, once a staple voice on WWE’s main roster shows, has now been replaced by Pat McAfee for Monday Night RAW commentary. McAfee’s larger-than-life personality and mainstream appeal appear to be reasons behind the switch.
Speaking on his podcast “Story Time with Dutch Mantell,” wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell commented on Graves’ demotion, saying:
“What is going on with him? If they sent him down to NXT, he’s got some heat from somewhere.”
Mantell and his co-host discussed how McAfee’s entertaining and dynamic commentary style might have played a role in WWE’s decision to choose him over Graves.
Mantell added:
“Pat McAfee is interesting. He says wild stuff, and he knows how to do commentary. Corey Graves tries to be straight-up serious. I’ve tried to listen to him, and to me, it’s just plain commentary.”
Corey Graves’ Commentary Career and WWE Journey
After suffering a career-ending concussion in 2014, Graves transitioned from being a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion to a commentator. He started on NXT before quickly moving to the main roster, where he partnered with Michael Cole and became a consistent voice on RAW and SmackDown.
However, on the same episode of “Story Time”, Mantell questioned why WWE kept Graves in such a prominent role for so long:
“I have tried to listen to him, and I like Corey. But to me, I don’t know what’s kept him up there as long.”
Graves has been with WWE as a commentator for nearly 11 years, but his recent move back to NXT raises questions about his future role in the company.
Carmella’s WWE Status After Corey Graves’ NXT Move
Adding to the Graves family challenges, Corey Graves’ wife, Carmella, a former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion, is no longer under contract with WWE. After going on maternity leave in 2023, reports confirm that Carmella did not receive a contract renewal and has been quietly released from the company.
With Graves back in NXT and Carmella out of WWE, this marks a significant change for the once high-profile WWE couple.
Corey Graves’ move to NXT and replacement by Pat McAfee marks a shift in WWE’s approach to commentary — favoring charisma and mainstream appeal over traditional commentary style. As Graves returns to where he began in NXT, fans are left wondering what’s next for him and how long he will remain in WWE. Additionally, with Carmella’s contract ending, the future of this WWE power couple within the company remains uncertain.
FAQ’s
Why was Corey Graves moved to WWE NXT?
Corey Graves was reportedly moved to NXT after Pat McAfee replaced him on RAW commentary. Some speculate Graves may have heat backstage or that WWE preferred McAfee’s entertaining style.
Who replaced Corey Graves on WWE RAW commentary?
Pat McAfee, a former NFL player and fan-favorite, replaced Corey Graves as the main commentator on WWE RAW.
Is Carmella still with WWE?
No, Carmella is no longer under contract with WWE. After taking maternity leave in 2023, reports say her contract was not renewed.
What did Dutch Mantell say about Corey Graves’ commentary?
Dutch Mantell commented that Corey Graves’ commentary is too serious and plain, suggesting WWE preferred McAfee’s more exciting and charismatic style.
