On the go-home edition of SmackDown ahead of Wrestlepalooza, Corey Graves was subjected to a ruthless assault by Brock Lesnar, who delivered two powerful F5 finishing moves. This violent attack immediately stirred rumors among fans that Graves might be leaving WWE, raising widespread speculation about his future with the company. However, this speculation is unfounded as Graves remains under contract with WWE, and the altercation was designed solely to build anticipation for Lesnar’s upcoming showdown with John Cena.
This segment highlighted Brock Lesnar’s fierce aggression and served to intensify the rivalry between him and Cena, who have one last match scheduled for the Wrestlepalooza event. With Cena absent from SmackDown, WWE creatively involved Graves to heighten the drama surrounding Brock Lesnar’s appearance and to deepen the storyline tension before the climactic event.
Graves’ involvement was strictly a narrative device, not an indication of his departure from WWE. The company frequently employs such storylines to provide talent with breaks while keeping them relevant within ongoing plots. This approach allows WWE personalities to rest and recuperate while maintaining their presence in key story arcs.
Corey Graves’ Health Status and Possible Return to Wrestling
Having retired from in-ring competition in 2014 due to concussion-related health concerns, Corey Graves has since focused on his role as a veteran commentator within WWE programming. His recent physical involvement on SmackDown, however, raised questions among fans given his history of avoiding physical bumps during broadcasts.
Reports from Fightful confirm that Graves is now medically cleared to compete in wrestling matches. The fact that he absorbed two severe F5 maneuvers from Brock Lesnar without apparent issue supports this clearance. WWE’s stringent concussion protocols ensure that any performer who is not fully approved does not take physical risks during shows, underscoring the importance of this development.
This clearance opens the door to the possibility that Graves could return to the ring for occasional matches, though it remains unlikely WWE will reintegrate him as a full-time competitor. For the moment, Graves is expected to take a short hiatus from his usual duties, which could indicate WWE is preparing him for a controlled return in the future.
Implications of Graves’ Attack and WWE’s Narrative Strategy
Brock Lesnar’s assault on Corey Graves is an example of WWE’s use of intense storyline moments to generate viewer excitement and deepen character rivalries before major events. By placing Graves at the center of this violent encounter, WWE effectively added emotional weight to the Lesnar-Cena match while ensuring Graves’ continued relevance in WWE programming despite his non-wrestling status.
Such strategies often allow WWE to balance talent health management with dramatic storytelling. Graves’ medical clearance hints at future possibilities for occasional wrestling appearances, which could reinvigorate his career while respecting his physical well-being. Fans can expect WWE to carefully manage his involvement, using breaks to preserve his longevity while leveraging his comeback potential.
Brock Lesnar’s clash with John Cena at Wrestlepalooza marks a significant chapter in their iconic rivalry, and Graves’ role in building up this moment underscores WWE’s commitment to creating high-stakes drama. As the event approaches, audiences will watch closely to see how Graves’ narrative unfolds and whether he will make sporadic returns to the ring, blending commentary with in-ring action.
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This is CHAOS! 😱
After taking out Michael Cole and @WWEGraves, Brock Lesnar has a message for @JohnCena ahead of Wrestlepalooza live on the ESPN app TOMORROW! https://t.co/jKAIj8nxxt pic.twitter.com/zM4RqS6BhB
— WWE (@WWE) September 20, 2025
