How Does WWE Really View Corey Graves?

WWE bosses had sympathy with Corey Graves.

Corey Graves kicked off 2025 by publicly calling out WWE after he was switched from the main roster to NXT to make way for the return of Pat McAfee to Monday Night Raw.

The star later missed an NXT taping after promising to share more details, but he subsequently returned. There had been brief but intense speculation that Graves could leave the company altogether following the bust-up, but nothing came of it.

Graves returned to main roster commentary on the June 16 edition of Raw after Pat McAfee went on hiatus. The former NFL star had also missed the show the week before and has yet to return to his post. On his podcast, McAfee cited mental exhaustion as the reason he needed to step away.

Corey Graves Remains Popular Within WWE

Following his move back to the commentary table on Monday Night Raw, a new report from Fightful Select has given an insight into Graves’ standing within WWE.

According to the report, at least one WWE “higher up” had sympathy for Graves and his frustrations earlier in the year. One source added that the star’s versatility is a “gift and a curse,” as the company is well aware that he can be plugged into any situation and make it work.

It was also confirmed that Graves was always expected to return to the main roster by the end of the summer due to Pat McAfee’s college football commitments. The relationship between McAfee and the company remains positive, and he’s welcome to return when his schedule allows.

Graves is set to call the action at SummerSlam alongside Michael Cole.