Corey Graves, the familiar voice behind WWE commentary, recently shed light on the autonomy he feels under the leadership of Paul “Triple H” Levesque. Speaking on the Short and to the Point podcast, Graves delved into the supportive environment fostered by Levesque, allowing announcers to cultivate their own commentary styles.
Graves expressed gratitude towards Triple H, attributing much of his WWE success to the opportunities afforded by him. From his inception as a wrestler in NXT to his transition to commentary, Graves acknowledged Triple H’s instrumental role in his career trajectory.
One significant aspect of Levesque’s leadership, according to Graves, is the space he provides announcers to develop their unique voices. Unlike previous regimes characterized by rigid guidelines, Levesque’s approach encourages announcers to express themselves within established parameters. This flexibility has allowed Graves and others to deviate from the norm and infuse their personality into their commentary, creating a more engaging viewing experience for fans.
In the podcast interview, Graves emphasized Triple H’s understanding of the ever-evolving wrestling landscape. Levesque recognizes the need to adapt to changing audience preferences and has facilitated an environment where announcers can embrace innovation while staying true to the essence of WWE programming.
Gone are the days of constant micromanagement, replaced by a more collaborative atmosphere where announcers are trusted to deliver compelling commentary without constant oversight. This shift has been welcomed by Graves, who feels empowered to explore new approaches to his craft.
Regarding his interactions with Triple H during broadcasts, Graves noted a significant change in communication dynamics. Levesque’s presence in the headset has become less intrusive, with feedback primarily focused on course correction or acknowledging standout commentary moments. This hands-off approach has allowed Graves to focus on delivering his best performance without feeling stifled by excessive direction.
I’ve been on TV for, I think, seven years on Raw and SmackDown. And in the last few months, I think my headsets have been as quiet and lucid as they have been ever. I only hear from him if I’m doing something terribly wrong, which knock on wood doesn’t happen too frequently, or the other time I hear from him pretty regularly is if a joke lands. If I say something and it gets him, ‘Oh, that was really good.’ Or he’ll double down. He’ll follow up on my joke in my headset. And sometimes I’m like, ‘Oh man I wish I could tell the people this but it just doesn’t fit.’
Graves, alongside Wade Barrett, forms part of the commentary team for SmackDown, with Graves recently assuming the lead play-by-play role. This transition signifies a new chapter in his commentary career, made possible by the trust and support extended by Triple H.
As WWE continues to evolve, Triple H’s leadership philosophy has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s broadcasting landscape. Under his guidance, announcers like Corey Graves have been empowered to push boundaries, resulting in a more dynamic and engaging viewing experience for fans worldwide.
In conclusion, Triple H’s influence on WWE commentary has been instrumental in fostering a supportive and collaborative environment that empowers announcers to showcase their individuality while staying true to the essence of WWE programming. This approach has enabled Corey Graves and others to thrive in their roles, contributing to the overall success of WWE’s broadcasting efforts.