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The WWE made a major move recently when it took its flagship show, Monday Night RAW, off of television and onto Netflix, becoming the first regularly streaming “sports” event on the platform. But the debut episode had one major change that caught fans off guard.
WWE’s announce team for the debut (and subsequent) episode of RAW on Netflix featured longtime commentator Michael Cole paired with ESPN and former NFL star Pat McAfee. While WWE SmackDown on USA Network featured former ESPN commentator Joe Tessitore and partner Wade Barrett (real name Stu Bennett). This meant that longtime announce Corey Graves (Matthew Polinksy) was relegated to NXT on The CW. And Graves isn’t very happy about it.
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,…
— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) January 14, 2025
“Imagine chasing your dream. Then being TOLD (not deciding) that you’re no longer physically able to pursue your dream,” Graves tweeted. “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.“
Graves began his career with WWE as a wrestler. But after suffering a neck injury, he was forced to pivot into a commentary role. He excelled in that role and quickly moved his way up the ranks. But with the introduction of McAfee and Tessitore, two big names in the sports word, it appears he’s been kicked back down the ladder.
Fans also seem to be on Graves’ side of the matter.
“This is some bulls—,” one fan tweeted. “Sorry but Graves is way better than Pat or Wade at commentator job. For as many good moves Triple H and WWE have made. This was a bad move. Graves has been a reliable go to for the company for nearly a decade. I hope they [wwe] rethink this huge mistake.”
“This is so messed up, imo. @WWEGraves is the best announcer that that company has.. dude deserves a top spot and another chance to go in the ring if he’s able to,” wrote another.