Corey Graves Discusses Losing WWE Raw Gig to Pat McAfee

The veteran commentator opened up about the impact of being demoted to NXT and his drive to reclaim his spot on the main roster.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:08pm

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Corey Graves was a longtime fixture on WWE's main commentary team before being replaced by Pat McAfee on Raw in 2025. Graves expressed disappointment over the move, claiming he was told he wasn't famous enough for the role he had held for years. After being demoted to the NXT team, Graves worked to reinvent himself and prove he deserved to be back on the main roster, eventually regaining his spot alongside Michael Cole. Graves discussed how the demotion motivated him to become an even harder worker and how he still carries a 'chip on his shoulder' as he continues to improve as a commentator.

Why it matters

Graves' story highlights the competitive nature of the pro wrestling industry, where even established on-air talents can be replaced. His willingness to adapt and prove his worth after a setback serves as an example of the dedication required to succeed in the high-stakes world of WWE commentary.

The details

Corey Graves was a staple of WWE commentary for nearly a decade before being replaced by Pat McAfee on the Raw broadcast in early 2025. Graves was then demoted to the NXT team, a move he expressed disappointment over on social media. Graves claimed he was told he wasn't famous enough for the role he had held for years. Later that summer, Graves returned to the Raw team alongside Michael Cole, but the demotion had a lasting impact. In an interview, Graves discussed how he approached the NXT gig with a renewed determination, vowing to be the hardest worker in the room and saying yes to tasks others didn't want. This mindset helped Graves eventually regain his spot on the main roster, and he continues to carry a 'chip on his shoulder' as he works to improve his craft.

  • In early 2025, Corey Graves was replaced by Pat McAfee on the WWE Raw commentary team.
  • Later in the summer of 2025, Graves returned to the Raw team alongside Michael Cole.

The players

Corey Graves

A veteran WWE commentator who was a staple of the main roster commentary team for nearly a decade before being replaced by Pat McAfee in 2025.

Pat McAfee

A former NFL player who replaced Corey Graves on the WWE Raw commentary team in 2025.

Michael Cole

The lead play-by-play commentator for WWE who worked alongside Corey Graves on the Raw team.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't where I want to be. This isn't what I want to be doing. I'm going to show them... I will be the hardest worker in the room. I will say yes to stuff people don't want to do.”

— Corey Graves, WWE Commentator

“I'm coming into NXT and will reinvent myself and show you guys I'm the best in the world at this.' I kind of approached this with that mentality. It was very much a chip on my shoulder situation. I like to think I still have some of that chip on my shoulder because I'm still not quite back to where I want to be.”

— Corey Graves, WWE Commentator

What’s next

Graves' continued success on the main WWE commentary team and potential future opportunities, such as calling matches for the newly acquired AAA promotion, will be worth monitoring.

The takeaway

Corey Graves' story serves as a reminder of the competitive and high-stakes nature of the pro wrestling industry, where even established on-air talents can be replaced. His willingness to adapt and prove his worth after a setback is an example of the dedication required to succeed in the world of WWE commentary.