Ranking The Subsequent Success Of Every NXT Champion

Given how quickly he has become the most well-regarded member of the current WWE broadcast team, it's easy to forget that Corey Graves first came into the company as a wrestler, and that his transition to the booth came through unfortunate circumstances.

With NXT from the start, Graves was quickly established as one of the brand's leading performers and partnered with Neville (after original partner Kassius Ohno picked up an injury) to win the Tag Team championships, eventually dropping them to the Ascension. The dissension that followed their loss led to the obligatory feud between ex-partners, with Graves embracing his 'saviour of misbehaviour' character and playing the heel.

A subsequent program with Sami Zayn in early 2014 was cut short by concussions - and the stringent company policy against them meant that he'd never be cleared to wrestle again. The timing was cruel, as NXT began its stratospheric rise around this time, but Graves nevertheless seized the opportunity to become a part of the brand in another capacity.

After working alongside Rich Brennan throughout 2015, 2016 saw Graves develop an entertaining partnership with Tom Phillips, with highlights including his blind adoration of Eva Marie and sheer loathing of Elias Samson. Promoted to Raw as part of the brand split, he has since thrived at offering his insight to a wider audience. And, though Nigel McGuinness has proved an apt replacement, something has definitely been missing from the NXT desk since his departure earlier this year.