Pat McAfee’s departure from WWE Raw came as a surprise to many within the WWE organization. However, sources inside the company told Fightful Select that his exit was somewhat anticipated around August or September due to his commitments to the college football season. Whether planned or not, WWE had already prepared by positioning Corey Graves as a backup.
The decision to bring Graves back to Raw commentary was part of WWE’s long-term strategy rather than a last-minute reaction. Graves, who had expressed frustration over his move to NXT earlier in the year, has since developed a deeper understanding of WWE. His flexibility to work across different brands made him the clear choice once McAfee’s schedule became too demanding.
Within WWE, McAfee is still highly regarded. Behind the scenes, he is known for being respectful and professional. While he currently has no scheduled returns, WWE has left the door open for him to come back. For now, WWE hopes to maintain a positive relationship, although how often McAfee will appear in the future remains uncertain.
Fan Take: This news is significant for WWE fans because McAfee brought a fresh and energetic voice to Raw commentary, making the show more engaging. His departure and Graves’ return highlight WWE’s adaptability, but fans will be eager to see if McAfee eventually makes a comeback to recapture that unique spark.
