Booker T Questions Whether Corey Graves Should Return To WWE Action
Booker T recently spoke about Corey Graves reportedly being medically cleared to return to in-ring action for WWE on the latest Hall Of Fame podcast. The former WCW Champion discussed the fact that other legends who have returned, such as Edge or Bryan Danielson, were more well-known prior to their original retirement.
"We knew all of those guys, okay? All those guys had a run and then something happened, they retired and came back. Ain't nobody knows who the hell Corey Graves was before he retired, okay?" Booker claimed. "I know he's going to be pissed off at that a little bit. The thing is, he's done so good at being a commentator, what the hell is he thinking wanting to get back in that ring? And perhaps something happens, something pops, I don't know."
Booker T admitted he understands why the commentator wants to return. He says him sitting and watching the product will no doubt bring back that feeling. However, he pointed out that Alex Riley made the move into wrestling after commentary and he was then let go.
"Of course, having that feeling that adrenaline rush sitting there at the table watching it go down," Booker related. "It's almost like watching the party go by and you're not participating in it, I understand that. I understand, 'hey man, I've got one chance at this, and if I've got once chance to do it, I'm going to take it.' How are you going to tell a man to stop doing what he's doing? I understand that too.
"But I remember one other guy (Alex Riley), another one of my partners, one of my colleagues who did the same thing. Wrestler, then next thing you know commentator, then next thing you know, 'man, I feel good again I am going to go wrestle.' Went back to wrestle, next thing you know, his ass was gone. He's been gone so long I couldn't even remember his name."
Booker T then spoke about the fact that Corey Graves hasn't fought anybody since he's been around. He also noted that he hasn't even talked tough to other wrestlers, which is why he's questioning the move.
"We haven't seen Corey Graves whoop nobody's ass since he's been there. We haven't even seen him even walk up to anybody or even get tough, or even talk tough," he said. "And now all of a sudden Corey Graves is going to jump up from the table and just start whooping up on guys?
"I mean, come on, you're kidding me, right? My advice to Corey Graves is to sit at that table," he stated. "You don't want to run back in that ring and something happen. Time off is your worst enemy."
Finally, Booker T made it clear that if Graves can commentate and wrestle, he is onboard. However, he made it clear that the job he is doing behind the desk is not an easy one to replace.
"If he can work them both, I would be all in with that. I wouldn't give up the chair, I just wouldn't. I just think Corey is doing such a hell of a job being a commentator. Those types of guys, they come few and far between, they really do. Guys like him that can command that position.
"Because you're doing that on a weekly basis, and you've got to go out there and do it somewhat, a little bit different every time. Corey has literally mastered that," Booker said. "Me personally, if I was in a higher position, I would not want to lose a Corey Graves from that position. Just because he's so hard to replace."
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the Hall Of Fame podcast with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.