For the third consecutive week, Monday Night Raw’s commentary team has been missing one of its most recognizable voices — Pat McAfee. Despite his prominent position alongside Michael Cole, McAfee has been noticeably absent from the red-brand broadcast on June 9, June 16 and again on June 23. In his place, WWE has tapped former Raw and SmackDown commentator Corey Graves to fill the void .
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The Timeline So Far
June 9 – McAfee did not appear on Raw. SmackDown commentator Wade Barrett took over in the booth alongside Michael Cole .
June 16 – McAfee missed again, with Graves making a surprise return from NXT to step into the role .
June 23 – Graves remained in place, marking McAfee’s third straight absence .
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Why Is Pat McAfee Absent?
The exact reason for McAfee’s ongoing absence remains unconfirmed by WWE. However, WrestleTalk reports that McAfee has been dealing with exhaustion, citing strenuous travel commitments and his dual roles across WWE and ESPN’s college football coverage . Balancing Raw travel with his popular daily show, The Pat McAfee Show, and ESPN’s College GameDay appears to be taking a toll.
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Corey Graves: Permanent Placeholder or Temporary Fix?
Corey Graves, a seasoned WWE commentator, has seamlessly rejoined the booth. Known for his sharp analysis and strong character work, Graves initially stepped up on June 16 after months away from Raw — having been heavily featured on NXT. WWE’s official channels have not yet confirmed whether this is a temporary arrangement or a longer-term replacement .
Despite the uncertainty, Graves has quickly adapted back into his Raw role, working harmoniously with Cole and injecting his trademark wit and heel-leaning commentary into proceedings .
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Fan and Industry Reactions
As expected, the WWE Universe has buzzed with speculation. Raw viewers have taken to social media, debating whether Graves’s return might signal a permanent shift, or if McAfee will soon make a surprising comeback. With no official word from WWE, the conversation continues to evolve.
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What’s Next for Raw’s Commentary Corner?
Pat McAfee’s status: Fans are eagerly awaiting an official update on his health and availability. Will he return soon, or remain on hiatus?
Graves’s Role: Will Corey Graves continue long-term, adding a new vibe to the broadcast — or revert to his NXT duties once McAfee returns?
WWE’s Strategy: How WWE navigates this shift — whether by leaning into Graves or giving McAfee space to rest — could influence viewer perception and momentum heading into summer storylines.
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Final Take
Pat McAfee’s absence for the third week has highlighted the precarious balance WWE’s commentators must maintain between broadcasting duties and outside commitments. With WWE yet to clarify his status, Corey Graves has taken over admirably, ensuring the show remains polished and engaging. For now, Graves stands as the de facto voice of Raw. All eyes now are turned to WWE’s official communication — and, hopefu
lly, some clarity on when McAfee might return.
