Corey Graves Reassigned From Raw Commentary Team

In a shocking shake-up to WWE’s broadcast lineup, long-time company commentary staple Corey Graves has been moved from his post on Monday Night Raw amid a broader set of changes to WWE’s programming and talent assignments in early 2025.

Background on Corey Graves

Corey Graves is a ring name for Matthew Polinsky, who has been part of WWE’s on-air talent for more than a decade. Born on February 24, 1984, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Graves started his professional wrestling career in 2000, competing on the independent circuit under the name Sterling James Keenan. He made appearances for various promotions, including Ring of Honor and International Wrestling Cartel, before signing with WWE in 2014.

Initially working for Florida Championship Wrestling, the then-WWE developmental territory, was rebranded into NXT in 20124. Graves shifted to NXT, where he had already worked as an in-ring competitor. In NXT, he managed to be really successful as an in-ring competitor, gaining the NXT Tag Team Championship along with Adrian Neville, now known as Pac. Concussions have shortened his career inside the wrestling ring, which led him to announce his in-ring retirement this month of December 20149.

Transition to Commentary

Upon retiring from in-ring action, Graves didn’t waste any time getting back into the fray. He joined the NXT commentary team in December 2014 and quickly started making waves as one of the more successful new faces behind the microphone, thanks to his unique perspective as a former wrestler, quick wit, and distinctive voice.

Over the years, Graves worked his way up the ladder of WWE’s programming. He would go on to become a staple on WWE’s main roster shows, including Raw, SmackDown, and pay-per-view events. His ability to provide insightful analysis and deliver memorable one-liners made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of WWE’s presentation26.

Recent Commentary Assignments

Graves has been a fixture of Raw commentary since April 2021. Over that period of time, he’s shared the desk with an array of different broadcast partners, most recently Michael Cole, with whom he told the story of WWE’s flagship show up until his reassignment. In addition to his Raw work, he also contributed, at times, to the SmackDown show, along with occasionally other WWE programming throughout his 2021-2024 years of service.

The Shakeup

WWE, in January of 2025, had massive movements on the commentary crews, with massive changes across each brand. Said shifts arrived on the cusp of changes between Raw’s switch to Netflix, among other movements¹ by the wrestling entertainment leader on media partnerships. Of the revamped crew that has since taken the helms on RAW, Graves wasn’t part of this set of announcers.

They later made this announcement, listing the new team for Raw commentary: Michael Cole and Pat McAfee. The veterans’ experience within that of Cole found a perfect mixture with McAfee, being super energetic and one of the unorthodox style fittings that worked impressively on SmackDown in prior sets.

Reassignment of Graves to NXT

Instead of going to SmackDown or staying in Raw, Graves was transferred to WWE’s NXT brand. Shockingly enough, this was against the expectations of most fans because Graves had been on the main roster shows for WWE for quite a while. There, he joined the new three-person commentating booth of NXT with Vic Joseph and Booker T11.

Graves’ Reaction

Graves did not take this lying down. On January 14, 2025, he decided to vent his frustrations about the decision on social media. In a touching and candid post, Graves wrote to say:

“Imagine chasing your dream. Then being TOLD (not deciding) that you’re no longer physically able to pursue your dream. Then you dedicate your life to something ‘dream adjacent’ and being pretty f**king awesome at it. And then, when it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, being told you’re not famous enough for your own job. Just in case you’ve wondered where I’ve been.”113

This statement really showed just how disappointed Graves was with the move. He spoke about a journey from in-ring performer to commentator and took much pride in his role on Raw. The reference to being told he’s “not famous enough” suggests WWE’s decision to have been swayed by having more recognizable names on their main broadcasts.

Speculation and Analysis

The decision to send Graves to NXT has caused quite a stir in the wrestling world. Some within the industry have speculated that the move is somehow related to Pat McAfee’s increased involvement with WWE programming. McAfee, a former NFL punter turned media personality, brings a significant following and mainstream appeal that WWE may be looking to capitalize on.

Others have even speculated this could be a temporary move, with the idea that it would only last up to the end of the NFL season, when his other commitments may require McAfee to step away from duties with WWE on a weekly basis. This would be in keeping with reports suggesting Graves should return to the main roster once the football season is over.

A portion of fans are even speculating it could be the precursor to his in-ring return since he was medically cleared in 2022 to compete, now with him being reassigned to NXT; Graves has seemingly clarified on one or two occasions that that is no longer what his interests have shifted to these days; that’s commentary over being in-ring competition.

Impact on NXT

Graves’ addition to the NXT commentary team is likely going to bring another dynamic to this brand’s presentation. He has experience in the main roster and a history in NXT, both as a wrestler and commentator; thus, the unique perspective he holds could enhance storytelling on the show.

For NXT—which has positioned itself as a distinct third brand rather than a strictly developmental system—having a commentator of Graves’ caliber might be seen as a boon to its profile. His experience with main roster storylines and performers could also continue to help develop better narrative connections between NXT and WWE’s other programming.

Industry Reactions

News of Graves’ reassignment saw varied reactions among fans and those within the industry. Many were in surprise and disappointment to see Graves removed from the main roster commentary team, citing his chemistry with Michael Cole and the presentation he brought to Raw20.

This decision of WWE has been criticized to some extent because many have felt that Graves’s experience and skill as a commentator should have kept him at either Raw or SmackDown. Many speculate on unrevealed factors behind the scenes that could be attached to the move20.

Possible Scenarios of the Future

While the immediate future for Graves appears with NXT, here are a few ways it could play out in the coming months:

Return to Main Roster: It is possible that Graves returns to Raw or SmackDown once the NFL season ends and Pat McAfee’s schedule opens up considerably.

NXT Run Extended: This could become long-term if Graves does his job of appearing over on the NXT brand and making great use of himself with the product given.

In-Ring Return: While improbable, taking into consideration Graves’ previous comments, his medical clearance to compete could very well open the door for an in-ring comeback, especially in NXT, where he has history as a performer.

Expanded Role: WWE further extends Graves’s role beyond commentary, perhaps with him being involved in on-screen storylines or with broader responsibilities behind the scenes.

Conclusion

The reassignment of Corey Graves from the Raw commentary team to NXT is a significant shake-up in the WWE broadcast landscape. It not only represents a new career trajectory for Graves but also reflects broader changes in how WWE approaches its programming and utilizes talent.

While the move has left Graves disappointed and many fans, it also opens up new avenues of opportunity. That experience and unique voice could add something different to NXT, perhaps helping the profile of the brand and aiding its storytelling.

As WWE continues to evolve its product and adapt to new media landscapes, the roles of its on-air talent—which include commentators like Graves—are likely to remain fluid. The coming months will reveal whether this reassignment is a temporary measure or the beginning of a new chapter in Graves’ WWE career.

Whatever the outcome may be, Graves’ road from independent wrestler to NXT competitor to main roster commentator and now back to NXT really just shows how wild of a ride the professional wrestling world can be. The fact that he was able to adapt to such a multitude of roles in WWE and find success in those said roles says loads about his versatility and value as a performer and will most undoubtedly continue to make Corey Graves a name to be heard in WWE programming no matter where he lands.