WWE star confirms Triple H made a big change after replacing Vince McMahon (Exclusive)

In July 2022, Triple H took over as the creative figurehead for WWE, replacing Vince McMahon. During an exclusive interview, Corey Graves discussed a beneficial change that The Game implemented behind the scenes since taking on this role.

After serving as a play-by-play commentator for almost a decade, Graves was recently promoted to be the lead announcer for SmackDown. Throughout McMahon’s time as WWE Chairman, Graves frequently received instructions from his former boss through a headset during shows.

He also mentioned the wrestling legend’s traditional approach to the industry, as a 14-time world champion.

“I think you hit the nail right on the head,”Graves said. “He [Triple H] is an old-school guy. He’s a wrestling historian, and he’s a fan, a lifelong fan. He understands this in a way that I don’t know too many people on Earth understand the sports entertainment business. It’s been a breath of fresh air. He’s been very easy to deal with, very easy to approach.”[2:49 – 3:10]

According to Graves, WWE officials continue to communicate with commentators during live broadcasts, but they no longer micromanage them as they used to in the past.

“I think the biggest change has been the amount of freedom that the talent has, myself included. I’m not micromanaged. Michael Cole is no longer micromanaged. And, of course, there are gonna be rules and guidelines. I still have various people in my ear. It’s just no longer a constant stream of consciousness.”[3:10 – 3:32]

View the above video to listen to Graves’ reply when questioned about the current state of his relationship with CM Punk and whether they have any ongoing connection.

Corey Graves expresses gratitude for Triple H’s support and confidence

Despite facing concussion issues, Corey Graves continued to compete in NXT until his retirement in 2014. During this time, Triple H served as the brand’s booker. After retiring, Graves transitioned to commentating on NXT programming before making the move to the main roster in 2016.

Despite the passing of time, Graves remains pleased to have Triple H as his superior once more on SmackDown.

“I think Triple H has been great about placing a little bit more trust in everybody and allowing people to show what they’re capable of and put their own spin on it, whether that be putting together a match or, from my perspective, commentary and how I describe things.”[3:34 – 3:49]

Graves elaborated on the different ways Triple H and Vince McMahon handle commentators.

“It’s no longer, ‘This is how you have to do it, I want it done this way.’ It’s, ‘Okay, here are the ideas we need to convey. Put them in your own words.’ I’d like to think that it’s a work in progress and things will continue to get better as this team overall works together and under this leadership. I think it’s a really exciting time and should be an exciting time for the business as a whole.”[3:49 – 4:12]

During the interview, Graves also gave an update on his wife Carmella, who had given birth to their first child together four months prior.

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