What Happened to Corey Graves? Who is Corey Graves?
by Jayasree D
Updated Jan 31, 2024
What Happened to Corey Graves?
Corey Graves, a former wrestler, was forced to retire due to injuries but found a new career in WWE commentary. After nearly eight years in the main roster, Graves admitted his frustration on The Kurt Angle Show when he was replaced by Pat McAfee on SmackDown.
Despite tensions with McAfee, Graves clarified it wasn't a personal grudge but professional disappointment about being taken off the flagship show. He expressed feeling upset about the decision, considering his dedication to WWE, doing both Raw and SmackDown for two years without complaints.
However, Graves emphasized that his frustration wasn't directed at McAfee personally. In the end, he mentioned on the show that there are no ongoing issues, and they now get along well. Overall, Corey Graves transitioned from wrestling to a successful commentary career, facing occasional professional challenges along the way.
Who is Corey Graves?
Corey Graves, whose real name is Matthew Polinsky, is an American wrestling personality known for his roles as a color commentator and retired professional wrestler. Graves started his wrestling career in 2000, adopting the ring name Sterling James Keenan. He wrestled in various promotions before joining WWE. In WWE, he became NXT Tag Team Champion with Adrian Neville.
Due to concussion-related issues, Graves retired from in-ring competition in 2014. He transitioned to commentary and became a key voice on WWE shows like Raw, SmackDown, and NXT.
Graves has won several championships and accolades in his wrestling career. Beyond wrestling, he has ventured into podcasting and media. As of 2024, he is married to WWE wrestler Carmella.
Full Name
Matthew Polinsky
Ring Name
Corey Graves
Born
February 24, 1984
Birthplace
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Spouse(s)
Amy Schneider (divorced in 2020), Carmella (married in 2022)
Children
4 (3 with Amy Polinsky, 1 with Carmella)
Family
Brother - Sam Adonis, Father - Dan Polinsky, Mother - Karen Polinsky
Height
6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight
208 lb (94 kg)
Debut
March 22, 2000
Retired
December 11, 2014
Current Role
WWE Commentator and Analyst for SmackDown
Corey Graves Age
Corey Graves, whose real name is Matthew Polinsky, was born on February 24, 1984. Currently, Corey Graves is 39 years old. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Graves has had a multifaceted career in the world of professional wrestling. He started his wrestling journey in 2000, eventually transitioning from in-ring competition to a prominent role as a color commentator in WWE.
Despite facing challenges such as concussions that led to his retirement from active wrestling, Graves found success in his new role. His contributions to WWE commentary and his various ventures in media have made him a recognizable figure in the wrestling community.
Corey Graves Early Life
Corey Graves, born Matthew Polinsky in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, had a diverse early life. Raised in Pittsburgh by Hungarian parents, he attended college and earned a degree in marketing.
Graves chose his ring name, Sterling James Keenan, as a tribute to his favorite football player, Sterling Sharpe, and the lead vocalist of the band Tool, Maynard James Keenan. He debuted in professional wrestling in 2000 and worked for various promotions, showcasing his skills on the independent circuit.
Graves' early wrestling career involved winning championships in different promotions, including titles like the UIPW Keystone Cruiserweight Championship and the IWC Heavyweight Championship.
His journey from the independent scene to WWE developmental territories marked the beginning of his transition from an in-ring competitor to a successful commentator, ultimately contributing to his current role in WWE as Corey Graves, the color commentator and analyst for SmackDown.
Corey Graves Career
Corey Graves, born Matthew Polinsky, began his wrestling career in 2000, adopting the ring name Sterling James Keenan. He competed in various promotions, winning championships and gaining recognition on the independent circuit.
In 2011, he signed a developmental contract with WWE and debuted in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW). Graves later joined NXT, where he became NXT Tag Team Champion with Adrian Neville. Due to injuries, he retired from in-ring competition in 2014.
Following his retirement, Graves transitioned to commentary. He became a prominent voice on WWE programming, initially with NXT and later joining the main roster. In 2016, he became part of the Raw commentary team, showcasing his unique style and wit. Graves has since contributed to WWE's commentary on Raw, SmackDown, and special events, establishing himself as a key figure in professional wrestling broadcasting.
Corey Graves Family
Corey Graves, also known as Matthew Polinsky, hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He started his professional wrestling career in 2000 under the ring name Sterling James Keenan. Graves worked in various independent promotions, including Pro Wrestling Zero1 and International Wrestling Cartel, before joining WWE in 2011.
In WWE, he initially wrestled in developmental territories like Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) and later became part of the NXT brand. Due to concussion issues, Graves retired from in-ring competition in 2014.
Following his retirement, he transitioned to a role as a commentator and analyst. Graves has been a key figure on the commentary teams for both Raw and SmackDown, showcasing his charisma and knowledge of the wrestling industry.
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What Happened to Corey Graves - FAQs
Corey Graves retired from wrestling due to injuries, particularly issues related to concussions.
Following his retirement from in-ring competition, Corey Graves transitioned to a career in commentary. He started as a commentator in NXT and later joined the main roster, becoming a key voice on shows like Raw, SmackDown, and special events.
Corey Graves expressed frustration on The Kurt Angle Show after being replaced by Pat McAfee on SmackDown. The frustration was related to professional disappointment about being taken off the flagship show, not a personal issue with McAfee.
Corey Graves won several championships in his wrestling career, including the NXT Tag Team Championship with Adrian Neville and the WWE 24/7 Championship.
In addition to his commentary role, Corey Graves has ventured into podcasting and media. He has also been involved in WWE Network original series and has made appearances in WWE video games.