WWE Hall Of Famer Understands Corey Graves’ Frustration
WWE Hall Of Famer JBL has shared his empathy for Corey Graves’ current frustration with WWE.
Graves made a surprise return to NXT on 7th January, sparking debate about his future with Michael Cole and Pat McAffee handed commentary duties for Raw following the move to Netflix, whilst SmackDown’s desk will be manned by Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett.
Just days later Graves would take to social media to express his disappointment at the company’s decision to move him to NXT, sensationally claiming he had been told that he was not famous enough for his own job.
Graves’ outburst has been greeted with a mixed reaction within the industry, with legendary announcer Jim Ross unsympathetic to the 40 year-old’s plight. Graves, however, has received supportive words from former WWE announcer JBL.
Speaking during a recent edition of Something To Wrestle‘, the former WWE Champion shared his empathy for Graves’ situation whilst noting his hope that ‘The Saviour Of Misbehaviour’ would return to the announce table soon:
There’s only three commentary spots unless you have two color commentators on a certain show like you’ve had before, with a three-man booth, there’s only three color commentator spots. So you’ve got to move guys around, and that happens.
I can certainly understand Corey’s angst in this. I know only what was read, and certainly, text does not denote tone, so you don’t know what tone this was written in. I think Corey has done an incredible job. I think Corey is an incredible commentator. I think Pat McAfee is, too. I think, look, Pat adds so much to WWE. It’s wonderful that he comes in, and it’s wonderful he has this huge following. He does such an incredible job.
They’re completely different. To me, I think there’s room for both, and I certainly hope they find room for both.”
Corey Graves Still Employed By WWE
Despite his very public outburst, Corey Graves remains employed by WWE.
Graves was pulled from the 14th January edition of NXT following his social media post, although he remains under contract with the company.
Many within the industry believe the situation to be a work whilst some have suggested the post was an attempt to secure his release from the company.
H/T: Fightful for the above transcription.