Top WWE name and lead commentator Michael Cole has discussed Corey Graves transitioning to play-by-play commentary.
Following the departure of Kevin Patrick, WWE announced a change to the commentary teams for both Raw and SmackDown.
On the red brand, Michael Cole is now joined by the returning Pat McAfee. Meanwhile, Corey Graves calls play-by-play alongside Wade Barrett on Friday nights.
This marked a new transition for Graves who has regularly done color commentary for WWE since taking on the role during his time in NXT dating back to 2014.
Speaking to Chris Novak of Awful Announcing, Michael Cole explained why Corey Graves is making the move to play-by-play at a great time. He said:
“It’s a different world,”
“Corey came in at a good time. Under the new regime now, things are looser. The direction’s different. There’s a lot more trust in commentators now than there was before.”
“We are having the opportunity to be ourselves. Open up, develop character, call pro wrestling, sports entertainment, the way we want to.”
“Corey was able to jump in under this new regime, and it was the perfect chance to make a switch. This was the time to do it.”
Cole has also called Graves “the hier apparent” on commentary for WWE.
Graves will be on the call alongside Wade Barrett on tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown, which will feature Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins answering The Rock and Roman Reigns’ challenge for WrestleMania 40.
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