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It looks like Corey Graves might make his return to NXT this week.
Graves re-joined the NXT commentary team at New Year’s Evil, a move he later expressed his frustrations with on social media. In a now-deleted post, Graves implied his move from RAW to NXT was because he wasn’t “famous enough for [his] own job.” He later encouraged fans to tune into last week’s NXT because he had plenty to say, but he ultimately didn’t appear on the show.
“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, being told you’re not famous enough for your own job. Just in case you’ve wondered where I’ve been,” Graves originally wrote on Twitter.
Corey Graves has not appeared on WWE television since posting his statement on social media. Earlier today, PWInsider.com reported that Graves would not be present at Tuesday’s NXT taping. However, a new update from Fightful’s Corey Brennan (via Fightful Select) shared that Graves is actually listed for commentary for tonight’s show. In addition, Graves is expected to appear at the WWE Performance Center for show rehearsals.
Fans continue to wonder about the legitimacy of the situation, but Fightful reports that there’s been no indication from Corey Graves or those close to him that this is a work.
Jim Ross on Corey Graves
Jim Ross addressed the controversy surrounding Graves’ absence on the latest episode of Grilling JR. The WWE Hall of Famer reflected on similar things happening to him multiple times during his WWE career, chalking it up to being part of the business they work in.
“How many times has that happened to me? Several. Yes, and here I am—jolly, happy, and healthy as an old horse. I’ve got nothing to complain about; it’s just part of the life we choose. I remember a classic line from ‘The Sopranos’ where Tony was talking to his cousin Tony. His cousin wanted to start a legitimate therapeutic massage parlor.
“He had just gotten out of prison and was trying to get his life back on track but needed extra cash. That extra cash, as I recall, came in the form of a hit. When his cousin started complaining about that life, Tony Soprano responded with the classic line, ‘This is the life we chose,‘” Ross said.
“That sentiment is very similar to the issues many of us have faced in wrestling. I feel bad that someone feels left behind—maybe he has been. But would you trade Pat McAfee and his massive broadcast platform for Corey Graves? I wouldn’t, to be honest.”
