Corey Graves’ sudden absence from WWE programming had fans speculating whether he was on his way out, but according to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, that’s not the case at all. Graves hasn’t been fired, isn’t trying to leave, and while there’s no clear plan for his return, his status remains unchanged—for now.
“There’s nothing new on the Corey Graves thing,” Meltzer reported on January 21. “He’s not been fired. I get no impression he’s going to be fired. He’s not looking to leave, even though I know there were people in the company [who] thought he was.”
Meltzer also noted that Graves could have been back on RAW this week if he hadn’t publicly aired his frustrations about his WWE career. “When he’ll be used, I don’t know,” Meltzer continued. “I think if none of this happened, I think 50% chance or better that he would’ve been tonight [on RAW] just with [Wade] Barrett, but it could happen, and he wasn’t—so there you go.”
Graves found himself in the middle of speculation after his cryptic January 13 social media post, where he vented about his WWE journey. The next night, he hinted at addressing things on NXT, but when he was a no-show, rumors took off. Some suggested his move to NXT commentary was part of a storyline, but Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp quickly dismissed that, saying, “Nobody I have talked to, close to him, around him, or familiar with the situation is claiming that it was a work. Maybe eventually it could turn into one.”
Reports also suggested that WWE was not happy with how Graves’ comments were received in the media, which might explain why he hasn’t been on TV since. While some believe he could return to RAW or SmackDown by spring, there’s no official word on when—or if—he’ll be back behind the commentary desk.
For now, Graves is still with WWE, but his future on-screen role remains uncertain. Whether WWE chooses to bring him back soon or lets the situation cool off, fans are left wondering what’s next for the outspoken commentator.
Do you think WWE will bring Corey Graves back soon, or is this the beginning of a quiet exit? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.