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Backstage reaction to Corey Graves replacing Pat McAfee
🕑 Added 2025-07-31 21:00:04 +0000 UTCCorey Graves is back in the fold at WWE Raw in the commentary booth, as Pat McAfee is taking time off.
McAfee cited burn out, noting that he was eyeing the start of college football season. When Corey Graves publicly noted his frustration regarding being sent down to NXT earlier this year, a WWE higher up sympathized with him. One source said Graves’ versatility was a gift and a curse, because WWE knew he could be slotted in anywhere, on any show and make things work. Even then, a WWE higher up told Fightful they expected him back on Raw or Smackdown by Spring or Summer because of the revolving door on commentary.
McAfee is very well liked within WWE circles, and is said to always approach the work there with respect. WWE sources said they expect the relationship between the two sides to continue, and we’ll likely see him back again, they just don’t know how regular of a role it will be.
Those we spoke to in WWE already expected to lose Pat McAfee around August or September, whether planned or not, as they understood football season was big for he and his team.
Comments
Megan Loves Professional Wrestling
I'm glad he's not doing commentary alone with Cole anymore. Having 2 faces on commentary made commentary irritating to listen to. Graves being the heel commentator with Cole works the best, imo. I am not a Pat fan, but if he only did like the big 4 PLEs, or just PLEs I think I'd be okay with that, as long as there was a heel to commentate as well.
Andrew Bates
Never let Pat back again. Fuck he’s the worst.
