Corey Graves was upset by being replaced as SmackDown’s color commentator by Pat McAfee, the WWE broadcast veteran has revealed.
In April 2021, McAfee joined Michael Cole as part of the blue brand while Graves was moved to Monday Night RAW, joining Byron Saxton and Adnan Virk.
On a recent edition of “The Kurt Angle Show” podcast, Graves admitted to being upset after McAfee replaced him. He said,
“I think the world of Pat (McAfee). He, again, is such a strong persona, it’s easy for me play off of and rib him and get under his skin. I was a little upset professionally, that I found out, hey, you’re going from Friday Night SmackDown on FOX, the network show that you kicked off with Michael Cole and then, I took it a little personally (when McAfee replaced me).
“Not because of Pat but it was sort of, I’ve paid my dues here. I’m the guy that shows up week after week. I’m the guy that did both Raw and SmackDown for two years straight, never complained and this is how you do me?
“And again, I remember I was talking to my wife and just going, ‘This isn’t right. I have to do something about this. This isn’t fair.’ I really took it hard. It had nothing to do with Pat being Pat. It was just sort of a professional issue and she talked me off a ledge and I had a few conversations with Cole. Michael Cole is my boss slash therapist.“
“So he talked me off the ledge as well and looking back, it’s business. Kurt (Angle), you know better than anybody here. Sometimes you gotta do the stuff you don’t wanna do so you can do the stuff that you do… It was a shock that I didn’t see coming but, you know what? I dealt with it. We’re all better off for it I think.”
Graves has since returned to SmackDown, where he commentates alongside Kevin Patrick, while McAfee last appeared for WWE during the September 15, episode of SmackDown.
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Corey Graves, a former color commentator for SmackDown, recently revealed his disappointment at being replaced by Pat McAfee. In April 2021, McAfee joined Michael Cole on the blue brand, while Graves was moved to Monday Night RAW.
During an episode of “The Kurt Angle Show” podcast, Graves expressed his feelings about McAfee taking his spot. He stated that he had a great deal of respect for McAfee and enjoyed working with him. However, professionally, Graves felt upset and took it personally when he found out he was being replaced.
Graves explained that he had been dedicated to his role as a commentator, showing up week after week and never complaining. He felt that he had paid his dues and deserved to continue in his position. The news of McAfee replacing him came as a shock, and Graves initially struggled with the situation.
He confided in his wife about his frustrations and contemplated taking action. However, after having conversations with Michael Cole, who Graves referred to as his boss and therapist, he was able to gain a different perspective. Cole helped him understand that sometimes in business, one has to do things they don’t want to do in order to achieve their goals.
Graves eventually accepted the situation and moved forward. He has since returned to SmackDown, where he commentates alongside Kevin Patrick. McAfee, on the other hand, last appeared for WWE during the September 15 episode of SmackDown.
The podcast episode featuring Graves’ discussion can be found on YouTube. In it, he reflects on his initial reaction and how he has come to terms with the change. Graves acknowledges that although it was a difficult experience, it ultimately made him stronger.
As wrestling fans, we can appreciate the dedication and passion that commentators like Corey Graves bring to their roles. Their presence enhances our viewing experience and adds depth to the storytelling in the ring. While changes in the commentary team can be surprising and even disappointing, it’s important to remember that it’s all part of the ever-evolving nature of professional wrestling.
For the latest wrestling news and updates, you can visit eWrestlingNews.com or follow them on Twitter and Facebook. Stay tuned to see what the future holds for Corey Graves and the world of WWE commentary.