Corey Graves’ move to NXT in recent months created tensions within WWE. Fans are discussing the different commentary lineups of WWE in recent times. Here is a review of the circumstances and reasons some might contend that Joe Tessitore should have started with NXT and Corey Graves should have stayed on the main roster:
Table of Contents
Joe Tessitore and WWE SmackDown
Joe Tessitore’s Position: Tessitore came aboard WWE as a play-by-play broadcaster in the summer of 2024, first assisting Wade Barrett on SmackDown. Particularly with ESPN, his background in sports broadcasting gives WWE shows a major-event atmosphere.
Absence from SmackDown: Tessitore has had to miss episodes due to other commitments, such ESPN’s boxing events, which led Vic Joseph filling in for him.
Corey Graves and WWE NXT
Corey Graves’ Transfer to NXT: Graves, a highly respected commentator, was repositioned from the main roster to NXT alongside Vic Joseph and Booker T. Partially in light of Pat McAfee’s return to Raw, this was one of several changes in the commentary teams of WWE.
Graves’ frustration: Graves’ frustration on social media about being transferred off the main roster spotlighting his commitment and achievements as a commentator.
Argument Supporting Letting Graves on Main Roster And Tessitore in NXT
Tessitore’s Experience: Tessitore’s rather long experience notwithstanding, his lack for other obligations could threaten SmackDown’s commentary continuity. Had he been in NXT, his schedule would likely match better with fewer disturbances.
Graves is much admired for his commentary ability and has been a mainstay on the main roster. He was seen as being demoted by going to NXT, and keeping him on the main roster would have kept continuity and allowed for more efficient use of his abilities.
Still, WWE usually bases their choices on tactical concerns, for example equalizing talent among several brands and utilizing star power like Pat McAfee’s. Current configuration provides for a broad spectrum of voices across WWE’s channels, but it is logical that followers would want different setups depending on their preferred commentators.
WWE Commentary Shake-Up: Behind the Scenes of Team Decisions
In WWE, the composition of commentary teams typically involves several departments and key individuals within the company. While Michael Cole serves as the Vice President of Announcing, major decisions are taken by WWE’s Executive Team. Although the exact names responsible for these decisions are sometimes not publicly known, it is likely that the process involves:
WWE Executive Committee: Higher-up executives like Vince McMahon, previously, and now, Triple H, (as the Major Decision Maker) are deeply involved in all elements of creative and talent decisions. Potentially some current factors would be taken into consideration, such as the chemistry between announcers, how it may be perceived by the audience, branding, and marketing.
Creative Team: The WWE creative group of writers and producers involved at the show level would come into play at the overall product level. They likely make suggestions on pairings based on anticipated story needs and previous audience reaction.
Talent Relations: This department manages the talent employed with WWE and likely would be involved with managers and again they would get into discussions about contracts and schedules, making sure the announcers, work for the company schedule.
Broadcast Partners: Last consideration could be either the broadcast partners USA Network and Peacock potential could be providing input on the commentary teams they prefer, based on their broadcast marketing plans.
The commentary changes of Joe Tessitore joining WWE and Corey Graves moving to NXT, again are all a product of strategic decision-making. The decision might be taken with respect to the viewer experience and broadcaster partnership consistent conversations.
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