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40-year-old star switches brand ahead WWE SmackDown - Reports

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WWE SmackDown is set to address the fallout from RAW's Netflix debut and last week's first three-hour edition. Meanwhile, the management has removed Corey Graves from the blue brand for now, as he has reportedly returned to NXT.

In 2016, Corey Graves moved to WWE's main roster and joined Monday Night RAW alongside Michael Cole. The 40-year-old star hung up his wrestling boots a while back and has been an on-screen personality for over a decade. Earlier this week, he made a surprise appearance on NXT.

However, it looks like it wasn't a one-off from Graves, and he has found a new home for a while. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON), Corey Graves has indeed been removed from SmackDown and moved to the developmental brand for a while.

The move came due to Pat McAfee's return to the Stamford-based promotion, and both shows have a two-man booth. It seems highly unlikely that Graves will be in NXT for a long time, as the move was only made until the football season.

What did Corey Graves do on WWE NXT?

In 2011, Corey Graves joined the Stamford-based promotion under the previous regime and started his journey on the developmental brand under Triple H's creative leadership. Graves also held the NXT Tag Team Championship on the brand for a while.

However, the star's wrestling career came to a screeching halt when he suffered a second concussion. The injury ended his wrestling career, and he transitioned into an on-screen personality and found a place to be close to wrestling by joining the commentary booth.

After hosting various WWE shows and commentating for the developmental brand, the 40-year-old star moved to the main roster. In the past few years, Graves has been the voice of both shows next to Michael Cole. Earlier this week, he returned to NXT.

The 40-year-old star joined Booker T and Vic Joseph for a three-man commentary booth for NXT New Year's Evil 2025. The move wasn't a one-off, and Graves will reportedly be seen on the brand every week.

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