WWE’s Shake-Up: Why Corey Graves is Moving Out of His Recent Role
In an sudden twist, WWE has announced huge modifications to its statement teams, with Corey Graves being shifted out of his maximum latest position. This flow, which has sparked giant dialogue amongst wrestling fanatics, highlights the continued evolution within WWE’s broadcast lineup.
For most of 2024, the WWE Universe has grown conversant in hearing the dynamic duo of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee calling the movement from ringside on Raw, whilst Corey Graves and Wade Barrett have lent their voices to the SmackDown remark booth. However, in July, WWE sent shockwaves thru the wrestling network through revealing upcoming adjustments to its observation teams, with ESPN’s Joe Tessitore joining one of the broadcast groups.
Initially, reviews advised that Tessitore might spearhead a three-man announce group alongside Graves and Barrett. This plan appeared like a clean, exciting direction for WWE’s broadcast approach, aiming to bring in a new voice even as retaining the chemistry that Graves and Barrett have evolved through the years. However, as WWE enthusiasts have come to recognize, nothing inside the global of expert wrestling is about in stone.
A supply near the scenario has confirmed that the plans have on account that shifted. Tessitore is now set to become a part of the Raw announce team, in which he could be becoming a member of forces with Wade Barrett starting September 2d. This pairing is predicted to carry a fresh dynamic to the Raw statement, mixing Tessitore’s sports expertise with Barrett’s in-depth wrestling knowledge.
The shift has also caused a super change for Michael Cole and Corey Graves. On the August 26th version of Raw, Cole introduced that he and Graves would be shifting to SmackDown. The duo will take over as the announce team for the blue brand when it returns to the USA Network on September 13th. This switch marks Graves’ return to the color commentary role, a position he excelled in prior to his recent stint as a play-by-play commentator on SmackDown.
The decision to return Graves to color commentary raises questions about WWE’s motivations. According to a report from source, WWE is not happy with Graves’ recent performance on the show. In contrast, Graves has been praised for his flexibility and ability to bring a different perspective to the commentary team. But Lee Fitting, WWE’s head of media and production, seems to have been the driving force behind the shake-up.
A longtime friend of Joe Tessitore, Fitting is reportedly a big supporter of the ESPN veteran. After Tessitore was hired by WWE, Fitting praised a more important role for him in the company. Tessitore, who reportedly attended WrestleMania and left a strong impression as a knowledgeable WWE fan, seems to be the centerpiece of WWE’s vision of qualifying for a future broadcast team.
This decision underscores WWE’s commitment to continuity, not only in the ring but also in how it is presented to the audience. By bringing in Tessitore, WWE is signaling its desire to appeal to a wider audience, potentially attracting viewers who are familiar with Tessitore’s work in other sports but may not yet be fully committed to WWE.
While the wrestling world waits for these new commentary teams to debut, fans are left wondering how these changes will affect the overall delivery of WWE’s flagship shows. Will Tessitore and Barrett form a solid partnership on Raw? How will the chemistry between Cole and Graves translate to SmackDown? These questions add an extra layer of interest as WWE heads into the fall season, a season usually filled with surprises and twists.
For Corey Graves, the move represents a new chapter in his WWE career. with sharp intelligence and deep understanding of the business, Graves has consistently proven his versatility, whether he’s providing color commentary or taking on play-by-play duties. His return to SmackDown and to color commentary is likely to be welcomed by fans who have long appreciated his insights and on-air persona.
As WWE continues to evolve, so too does its approach to storytelling, both inside and outside the ring. The introduction of new voices and the reshuffling of established ones are part of this ongoing process. While the reasons behind these changes may be rooted in personal relationships and corporate strategies, the ultimate goal remains the same: to deliver the best possible experience to the WWE Universe.
