Corey Graves remains off WWE television following a brutal assault by Brock Lesnar during a SmackDown episode on September 19 in Toledo, an incident tied closely to the ongoing Brock Lesnar WWE attack storyline. Graves, attempting to protect announcer Michael Cole from Lesnar’s aggression, suffered two F5 finishing moves and has since been recovering away from live broadcasts. The recent update offers clarity on Graves’ condition and the impact this event has had on WWE programming.
Details of Brock Lesnar’s Assault on Corey Graves During SmackDown
On the September 19th SmackDown broadcast in Toledo, Brock Lesnar launched an unprovoked attack, initially targeting commentator Michael Cole. When Corey Graves stepped into the ring to intervene, Lesnar responded with two consecutive F5 moves, leaving Graves incapacitated on the show. Graves, a former professional wrestler, had been medically cleared years earlier after retiring due to concussion complications, allowing him to endure occasional physical spots like this one. Since the attack, Graves has been absent from WWE programming, used to enhance the storyline’s realism and selling Lesnar’s brutality.
The following week during the SmackDown broadcast from Cincinnati, commentators Michael Cole and Booker T addressed Graves’ situation. Booker T joked,
“He’s finished, he’s finished. He’s done, he’s done.”
“He’s finished, he’s finished. He’s done, he’s done.” – Booker T
Cole promptly countered, clarifying Graves’ status:
“Corey Graves still convalescing at home after the attack by Brock Lesnar. He’s not finished, he’ll be back in a couple of weeks from what I understand.”
“Corey Graves still convalescing at home after the attack by Brock Lesnar. He’s not finished, he’ll be back in a couple of weeks from what I understand.” – Michael Cole
Reasons Behind Corey Graves’ Absence Beyond the Attack
While Graves’ in-ring assault is the storyline reason for his time away, personal circumstances likely contribute to his current hiatus. Graves and his wife, former WWE superstar Carmella, are expecting their second child this fall. They already have a son named Dimitri, nearly two years old, and Graves has three children from a previous marriage. Balancing family commitments with WWE’s demanding schedule could explain Graves’ temporary break from on-screen duties.
Evolution of the WWE SmackDown Commentary Team Since Graves’ Departure
The attack and Graves’ subsequent absence have coincided with notable changes at the SmackDown commentary table. Earlier in the year, Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett were the primary commentators. However, since late August, various shifts have occurred, in part due to Tessitore’s ESPN college football responsibilities, which make a Monday-night Raw role more practical.
The SmackDown commentary line-up following Graves’ attack unfolded as follows:
- August 22, Dublin, Ireland – Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett
- August 29, Lyon, France – Michael Cole & Wade Barrett
- September 5, Chicago – Michael Cole & Corey Graves
- September 12, Norfolk – Vic Joseph & Booker T
- September 19, Toledo – Michael Cole & Corey Graves (Graves replaced mid-show by The Miz)
- September 26, Orlando – Michael Cole & Booker T
- October 3, Cincinnati – Michael Cole & Booker T
Looking ahead, Michael Cole revealed he would team up with Wade Barrett again for the October 10th SmackDown in Australia, coinciding with the upcoming Crown Jewel pay-per-view on October 11 and Raw on October 13. When Graves makes his comeback, it’s expected he will rejoin Cole on SmackDown commentary, although WWE may reevaluate the lineup in the new year.
Brock Lesnar’s Future WWE Appearances and Impact of His Dominance
Brock Lesnar’s violent run on WWE TV, including his overwhelming victory against John Cena at Wrestlepalooza last month, has solidified his status as a dominant force. Lesnar is confirmed for major future events including the 2026 Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 42 scheduled for Las Vegas. Still, the timing of his next WWE television appearance remains uncertain, leaving fans and analysts speculating on how his storyline will develop further.
