Corey Graves Pulled From NXT Tonight, Unhappy With WWE Role (WWE News)

Corey Graves is OFF tonight's NXT and seemingly upset at being pulled from Raw and SmackDown.

by Andy H Murray
Corey Graves
WWE

Corey Graves will not be appearing on tonight's WWE NXT, reports PWInsider's Mike Johnson.

The commentator was reportedly seen going through airport security in Orlando, Florida, where NXT is filmed. Graves had returned to the developmental announce team last week, sitting alongside Booker T and Vic Joseph, as WWE dissolved his partnership with Michael Cole.

On Monday evening, Graves tweeted that he'd been told he wasn't famous enough to keep his main roster announcing gig, posting:

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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 fucking 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.

WWE has reshuffled its commentary teams in 2025. Michael Cole and Pat McAfee comprise the Raw team as of 6 January's Netflix premiere, with Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett calling SmackDown. McAfee's return after completing College GameDay obligations for ESPN left Graves as the main roster's odd announcer out. Thus, WWE sent him back to NXT.

PWInsider had previously reported that Graves wasn't happy at being bumped from Raw and SmackDown to become NXT's third man.

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A few hours ago, Corey tweeted urging viewers to tune into NXT. Clearly, as of that posting, he believed he was still on the show.

Graves' brother, Sam Adonis, confirmed the situation isn't a work:

There is currently no word on what this means for Graves' WWE future. The 40-year-old has been with WWE since 2011, initially joining as a wrestler until concussion issues forced him into a 2014 retirement, after which he began announcing.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.