WWE SmackDown: Who Could Replace Corey Graves on Commentary?
By David Joseph
The commentary for a professional wrestling broadcast provides a lively narration for the action packed spectacle. With WWE Smackdown moving to FOX next year, it may be time to make some changes to the booth.
In October 2019, WWE Smackdown Live will officially join its new broadcast home, FOX. Having two brands on separate television networks helps WWE give the shows their own unique feel. This means Smackdown Live should have some tweaks to its presentation come next fall.
Via Fightful, Ticket Drew on Twitter reports the blue brand will be getting a new stage/logo design. This is good news because fans have desired a fresh new set for a while. Believe it or not, the old fist logo has a special nostalgic place in the hearts of long time viewers.
In addition, the commentary team has been rumored to undergo changes for months. Per Payton Vince of bodyslam.net, Dave Meltzer reports that WWE will be looking to make changes soon. The company is big on diversity at the commentary table at the moment. This means we may be getting to see more women on commentary as well. We saw Beth Phoenix do a terrific job on commentary during mixed match challenge.
This could mean that Corey Graves will be replaced on the Smackdown broadcast team sooner or later. Yes, Corey Graves is the best color commentator the company has to offer. However, the brands feel less distinct when his voice is heard on both shows.
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During the old incarnation of the brand split each show had their own broadcast team. This time around should be no different. So this begs the question, who are some of WWE’s options to be the new third member of the SmackDown announce team?
Granted that he does great work for the pre-show panel, Booker T is a reliable option to join the Blue Team. Broadcast teams always benefit when an accomplished Hall of Famer is featured, and Booker T has endless accolades in the wrestling business. He could add the credibility of having been a man who has been through the grind.
Another thing in Booker’s favor is that the former 5 time WCW champion has his own wrestling school in Houston. He obviously has an eye for observing and putting over talent. Even though some may not agree, Booker knows how to bring a jolt of enthusiasm and energy like no other.
Credit: WWE.com
Another viable option could be Big Show. The giant is pretty much done battling in the ring on a regular basis. Show is another hard-nosed veteran that can provide some great insight on commentary. In addition, Big Show has proven to be funny and entertaining on the microphone when he needs to be. He can be WWE’s version of Shaq on TNT. Shaq is 7 footer that always brings the knowledge but he never takes himself too seriously.
Finally, Renee Young is an excellent WWE personality. She did some commentary for NXT in the past. Yet, she never got an opportunity to do so on the main roster. Young is hip, current, and passionate about the business. She would instantly give WWE Smackdown a fresh voice. It would also add to the women’s evolution that is occurring across every wrestling promotion.
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Of course, WWE can throw a curveball and hire a great character like Vickie Guerrero to do commentary. She has proven to be an awesome heel, especially verbally. But ultimately, there will be an opportunity for someone to step up and use their gift of the gab. At this point it is a matter of when WWE decides to make the change. FOX should be in for a treat.