Corey Graves revealed the reason behind his intense encounter with Brock Lesnar, where the wrestling commentator took two brutal F5s on the September 19, 2025, episode of SmackDown. The incident, which left fans concerned, was actually a planned segment to write Graves off television temporarily as he prepared to take paternity leave.
Improvisation Led to the Shocking Segment
During the February 9, 2026 episode of Steel City Sunday, Graves shared that the whole scenario was improvised on the day of the show. Initially, Lesnar was only set to demolish the announce table. However, Graves suggested escalating the moment to a much more physical spot involving Lesnar delivering two crushing F5s.
“I actually said to Triple H, ‘You know, I’m about to be off for a couple weeks for the baby. What if he just killed me too?’ They batted it back and forth for a few minutes, and then said, ‘Yeah, okay, let’s do that.’ Being in the ring with Brock was how I imagine you’d feel if you fell into a tiger enclosure at the zoo. I’ve never felt power like that… I’m looking at him, and the next thing I know I’m about ten feet in the air looking down at the canvas.” – Corey Graves, Commentary Veteran
Physical Toll and Recovery After the F5s
Although Graves volunteered for the spot, the F5s took a physical toll on him. He admitted feeling sore for several days afterward, particularly experiencing hip pain following the second F5. Despite the discomfort, Graves reflected on the experience as a memorable challenge.
“I was a little stiff for a couple of days afterwards. My hip was giving me some trouble after the second F5.” – Corey Graves, Commentary Veteran
“The Lesnar thing. I actually needed paternity time, so that was a good way to write me off TV. It was the most fun I’ve ever had being in pain.” – Corey Graves, Commentary Veteran
Purpose of the Segment: Highlighting Brock Lesnar’s Dominance
Graves emphasized that beyond facilitating his absence, the segment was designed to emphasize Brock Lesnar’s reputation as an unstoppable force. Although Lesnar’s prime years date back to the early 2000s, Graves described him as
“the missing link in the evolutionary chain”
and maintained that their goal was to portray him as an intimidating monster in the ring.
“It’s just an extension of what I do on commentary. We wanted to make Brock look like a killer, like a monster.” – Corey Graves, Commentary Veteran
Return and Legacy of the Brutal Encounter
Corey Graves returned to WWE programming in October 2025 after his paternity leave. His segment with Brock Lesnar, however, stands out as one of the most intense and creatively brutal send-offs in recent WWE history. The moment not only served its practical purpose but also deeply resonated with fans due to its raw energy and the evident power of Lesnar in the ring.
What This Means for Corey Graves and WWE Storytelling
The striking incident poses questions about whether Graves might pursue more physical roles in future storylines or continue focusing primarily on commentary. Regardless, this brutal encounter has reinforced Brock Lesnar’s image as a dominant force, while also highlighting how improvisation and creativity play key roles in modern WWE programming.
