Corey Graves, who has been a part of the WWE commentary team for years and has worked under Vince McMahon and Triple H, discussed the support he receives from Triple H during a recent episode of the “Short and to the Point” podcast.
He said, “Triple H is another guy that I owe a great deal if not everything in my career to. He was the one that took a chance on me as a wrestler in NXT and I know we’ve had a few conversations since that him having to shut me down broke his heart as much as it broke mine and he’s always been sort of silently supportive. He’s always been in the back. If I need something, I’ve never hesitated to go to him and ask. He also is really cool and sort of refreshing in a sense that he gives us space. When he’s in Gorilla, where the old boss sat, and instead of being told and prompted, ‘Hey, you gotta say this, you have to do it this way, you have to use this verbiage.’ I think he understands that we are all fans and we all love this in different ways and as the business grows and evolves, you kind of have to let go of the reins a little bit. I still have my guide rails. I just feel like they are a little bit wider on each side now where rather than trying to stay on a particular path and walking a certain rhythm and do things a certain way, I have a little bit more leeway to be me and develop my own style as long as all the boxes that need check continued to be checked, I don’t have to do them the same way that the six guys before me have done or that Michael Cole does or etcetera… I’ve been on TV for I think seven years on Raw and SmackDown and in the last few months, I think my headsets have been as quiet and lucid as they have been, ever. I only hear from him if I’m doing something terribly wrong, which knock on wood, doesn’t happen too frequently. Or the other time I hear from him pretty regularly is if, much like Michael Cole, if a joke lands. If I say something and it gets to him, I go, oh, that was really good or he’ll double down. He’ll follow up on my joke in my headset and sometimes I’m like, oh man, I wish I could tell the people this but it just doesn’t fit.”
Corey Graves, a prominent member of the WWE commentary team, recently opened up about the support he receives from Triple H, one of the key figures in the wrestling industry. Graves, who has worked under Vince McMahon and Triple H for several years, expressed his gratitude towards Triple H during a recent episode of the “Short and to the Point” podcast.
Graves acknowledged that Triple H played a significant role in his career, stating, “Triple H is another guy that I owe a great deal if not everything in my career to. He was the one that took a chance on me as a wrestler in NXT.” This statement highlights the trust and belief that Triple H had in Graves, which ultimately paved the way for his success.
Furthermore, Graves mentioned that despite their professional relationship evolving over the years, Triple H has always been silently supportive. He explained, “I know we’ve had a few conversations since then, and him having to shut me down broke his heart as much as it broke mine.” This demonstrates the empathy and understanding that Triple H possesses as a mentor and leader within the WWE.
Graves also praised Triple H for his management style, emphasizing that he gives the commentary team space to express themselves. Unlike the previous boss, who would dictate specific verbiage and instructions, Triple H allows the commentators to develop their own style. Graves stated, “I have a little bit more leeway to be me and develop my own style as long as all the boxes that need to be checked continue to be checked.” This approach fosters creativity and individuality within the commentary team.
Moreover, Graves highlighted the positive impact of Triple H’s minimal interference during broadcasts. He mentioned that his headsets have been quieter and more lucid in recent months. Graves only hears from Triple H if he is making a significant mistake or if one of his jokes lands well with the audience. This level of trust and autonomy allows Graves to focus on his performance without unnecessary distractions.
In conclusion, Corey Graves expressed his deep appreciation for Triple H’s support throughout his career. From taking a chance on him as a wrestler in NXT to providing guidance and space for creative expression as a commentator, Triple H has played a crucial role in Graves’ success. This insight into their professional relationship sheds light on the positive impact that mentors and leaders can have on an individual’s career trajectory.