WWE viewers tuning into the June 16 edition of NXT on The CW were greeted by a different voice at the commentary desk. A familiar broadcaster stepped in alongside Vic Joseph.
While the change wasn’t heavily spotlighted beforehand, it quickly became a notable talking point from the show’s opening moments.
As NXT got underway, lead commentator Vic Joseph revealed that Corey Graves would be joining him on commentary for the night. He took over Booker T’s usual position at the broadcast table.
Corey Graves returns to the NXT commentary booth, replacing Booker T
The substitution marked another return to familiar territory for Graves. He has extensive experience calling NXT action and has previously shared the booth with both Joseph and Booker T.
Fans didn’t have to wait long for the reveal, as Graves was introduced immediately after the broadcast began.
The appearance also capped a busy stretch for Graves. Just one night earlier, he was on commentary for the June 15 episode of Monday Night Raw in Baltimore, Maryland, making back-to-back appearances on WWE programming.
WWE did not provide an on-air explanation for Booker T’s absence. However, the move appears to be a temporary replacement rather than a permanent shakeup. Graves has filled in for Booker T during previous absences, making this a well-established backup plan whenever the Hall of Famer is away.
The commentary switch may not have been a seismic shift worthy of a steel cage-sized reaction. Nevertheless, it did offer viewers a different dynamic behind the microphone. Graves and Joseph have worked together extensively in the past, allowing the broadcast to continue without missing a beat.
Outside of WWE, Graves also recently received praise from former broadcast partner and current TNA lead commentator Tom Hannifan. Hannifan described him as the best wrestling commentator in the business.
For now, WWE has not announced any long-term changes to the NXT announce team. As things stand, Graves’ appearance on June 16 looks to be a one-night substitution while Booker T remains away from the desk.
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