Tag: Corey Graves

Corey Graves Returns to NXT Commentary After Brief Absence

It didn’t take long for Corey Graves to find his way back behind the microphone. After a one-week absence from WWE programming, Graves made his return to the commentary table on last night’s episode of NXT, stepping into his new role with an air of enthusiasm and a touch of grit.

Graves had been vocal on social media about his frustration after being shifted from the main roster commentary team to NXT—a move that caught many fans off guard. However, his return to NXT was marked by a confident statement that set the tone for the evening.

“I am right where I want to be,” Graves declared as the show kicked off. “Where passion is everything and only the hungry survive, and pro wrestling never stopped being cool.”

https://twitter.com/PWUnlimited/status/1881870446934766049

A Fresh Start or a Reluctant Transition?

While Graves’ comments last night seemed to convey pride in being part of the NXT brand, his initial reaction to the move painted a more complicated picture. The shift from calling flagship shows like Raw and SmackDown to the developmental brand appeared to come as a disappointment for the veteran commentator, who has been a staple of WWE programming for years. His brief absence led to speculation among fans about whether the transition was entirely smooth.

Despite the initial frustration, it seems Graves is now embracing the opportunity to lend his voice to NXT’s unique energy. The black-and-gold brand has long been a platform for hungry up-and-coming Superstars, and Graves’ passionate commentary style could help elevate the show’s growing roster of talent.

A Voice That Resonates

Corey Graves has built a reputation as one of WWE’s most dynamic and opinionated commentators. His sharp wit and deep knowledge of the business have made him a standout presence on the headset. While moving from WWE’s main roster to NXT may have seemed like a step down at first glance, his return to the developmental brand could breathe new life into the product, particularly as NXT continues to build momentum heading into 2025.

It’s worth noting that Graves himself has a deep connection to NXT. Before transitioning to commentary, he competed as a wrestler on the brand during its early days, making his return last night feel somewhat full-circle.

What’s Next for Corey Graves and NXT?

Graves’ return to NXT could signify a renewed focus on the commentary team as WWE looks to keep the brand competitive in an increasingly stacked wrestling landscape. Whether he’ll be a long-term fixture on Tuesday nights remains to be seen, but his passion for the business is undeniable.

For now, Corey Graves is back where “pro wrestling never stopped being cool,” and fans can expect his signature mix of sarcasm and insight to add a spark to NXT’s weekly broadcasts.

Corey Graves Absent From WWE NXT After Expressing His Displeasure

Tuesday night’s episode of WWE NXT at the Performance Center raised eyebrows with the absence of Corey Graves, who was originally slated to be part of the commentary team. Instead, the show featured a two-man booth consisting of Vic Joseph and Booker T. While many fans initially assumed Graves’ absence was tied to a storyline, new reports suggest there’s more to the situation than meets the eye.

Recently Graves took to X (formally known as Twitter) to express his displeasure over being reassigned from Friday Night SmackDown to WWE NXT. In an tweet earlier on Tuesday, hinted that he’d have plenty to say on NXT later that night. However, the expected commentary appearance never materialized, and sources close to the situation claim his frustrations are very real.

According to Fightful Select, Graves was genuinely upset about his move to NXT, and his no-show on Tuesday was not part of a scripted angle. PWInsider further reported that Graves was spotted at the Orlando Airport on Tuesday, heading back home to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Graves’ feelings are understandable when considering his long history as a staple of WWE’s commentary teams. After being forced to retire from in-ring competition in 2014 due to medical reasons, Graves transitioned to a full-time commentary role. By 2016, he had cemented his place on the main roster, working for both Raw and SmackDown over the years. In 2024, Graves even served as the play-by-play voice for SmackDown, before being replaced by Joe Tessitore.

The current shake-up in WWE’s commentary teams appears to have left Graves without a spot on the main roster. WWE made significant changes to align with Raw’s recent move to Netflix, appointing Michael Cole and Pat McAfee to handle commentary duties for Raw, while Tessitore and Wade Barrett became the voices of SmackDown. These changes seemingly pushed Graves down the hierarchy, relegating him to NXT—a move he reportedly didn’t take kindly to.

For now, there’s no official word from WWE regarding Graves’ absence or the reports of his frustration. Whether this story becomes part of a larger on-screen narrative or remains an off-screen issue remains to be seen.

One thing’s for sure—Corey Graves has been a vital voice for WWE fans over the last decade, and his absence from Tuesday night’s NXT broadcast did not go unnoticed. With NXT continuing to grow as a developmental and third brand for WWE, only time will tell how Graves fits into the picture moving forward.

Stay tuned to Wrestling News Blog for more updates on this developing story.

Corey Graves Speaks Out After Being Moved to “WWE NXT” Commentary

WWE fans were stunned when Corey Graves made a surprise appearance on the “WWE NXT” commentary team during the January 7 episode, signaling a significant change for the longtime voice of Raw. After two weeks of absence from WWE’s flagship show, speculation about his status reached a boiling point. Finally, Graves broke his silence in a heartfelt and fiery social media post following the conclusion of the January 13 episode of Raw.

A Career of Dreams and Setbacks

In his emotional statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Graves reflected on his love for the wrestling industry and the heartbreaking derailment of his in-ring career due to a string of concussions and neck injuries during his NXT tenure. He recounted how he channeled his passion into commentary, finding success in what he referred to as a “dream-adjacent” role. However, Graves didn’t hold back his frustration with being removed from the Raw commentary team in favor of Pat McAfee, calling out WWE’s decision-making process.

“Imagine chasing your dream. Then being TOLD (not deciding) that you’re no longer physically able to pursue your dream. Then you dedicate your life to something ‘dream adjacent’ and being pretty fu**ing awesome at it. And then, when it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, being told you’re not famous enough for your own job. Just in case you’ve wondered where I’ve been,” Graves wrote.

https://twitter.com/WWEGraves/status/1879024900590944273

The post struck a chord with fans and fellow wrestlers alike, as many rallied behind Graves, showing their support. The hashtag #WeWantGraves quickly gained traction, with one reply garnering over 24,000 views as of this writing.

The McAfee Factor

Graves’ move to NXT appears to be directly tied to WWE’s decision to bring in Pat McAfee for the Raw commentary booth. McAfee, a former NFL punter and current ESPN college football personality, has become a household name thanks to his high-energy broadcasting style and cross-platform fame. While McAfee’s addition has been praised for drawing mainstream attention, it’s clear the decision has left a sour taste for Graves and his supporters.

This shakeup has left Graves indefinitely stationed on NXT, with no immediate plans for a return to either Raw or SmackDown. However, reports suggest that he could rejoin the main roster later in the year when McAfee takes a leave during the college football season. It remains uncertain whether Graves would reclaim his Raw spot or transition into a different role.

A Loyal Company Man

Graves’ loyalty to WWE is well-documented. After injuries forced him to retire from in-ring competition, he fully embraced the color commentator role, becoming a standout voice for the company. Over the years, his sharp wit, deep wrestling knowledge, and chemistry with broadcast partners have made him a fan favorite and an integral part of WWE programming.

His recent comments reflect not only his personal disappointment but also a sense of betrayal after years of hard work and dedication. Despite this, Graves’ professionalism has shone through, as he’s reportedly committed to bringing his signature commentary style to NXT.

What’s Next for Corey Graves?

Graves’ move to NXT might not be permanent, but his future remains uncertain. Whether he stays in the developmental brand for the foreseeable future or makes a return to the main roster later in the year, one thing is clear: Graves has a loyal fanbase that isn’t shy about voicing their support.

For now, fans tuning in to NXT can expect Graves to elevate the brand’s commentary, lending his unique insight to the next generation of WWE superstars. However, his social media post serves as a reminder of the emotional toll these changes can have, even on one of WWE’s most seasoned commentators.

The “Savior of Misbehavior” may be off Raw for now, but his voice — and his passion for the wrestling business — is far from silenced.

For more updates on Corey Graves, WWE’s evolving commentary teams, and the latest developments across the wrestling world, stay locked in with Wrestling News Blog!

Wade Barrett To Join Corey Graves On SmackDown Announce Team

It was revealed last night on “WWE Raw” that Michael Cole and Pat McAfee will be the commentary team on Monday nights going forward, with the former NFL player replacing Wade Barrett. According to PWInsider, Barrett will now move to “WWE SmackDown” and work alongside Corey Graves. It’s said that Graves will become the lead play-by-play announcer for the show, while Barrett will be the color commentator. 

The changes have been made following the release of former “SmackDown” lead announcer Kevin Patrick last week. Patrick initially joined WWE as a backstage correspondent, but later moved to the announce booth, calling “Raw” and later “SmackDown.” However, the Irish-born commentator had been under the microscope as the lead announcer on “SmackDown,” with WWE reportedly deciding it “just wasn’t working out” for him. Despite being assigned the role of leading the commentary team on “SmackDown,” there were some behind the curtain who allegedly believed that Patrick wasn’t suited for the role.

Meanwhile, Cole and McAfee are reunited behind the desk after appearing together on “SmackDown” between 2021 and 2022. In a past interview, Cole mentioned working with McAfee had reinvigorated his love for the business. McAfee returned to WWE this past Saturday at the Royal Rumble, joining Cole and Graves at the commentary table. He also briefly entered the men’s Royal Rumble match as entrant #22. For Barrett and Graves, it will be the first time the duo has worked together at the announce desk in WWE. Barrett previously worked as a color commentator with Cole and Patrick, respectively, on WWE’s main roster.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Corey Graves Open To One-Off In-Ring Return

WWE commentator Corey Graves hasn’t competed in years, but the former NXT Tag Team Champion isn’t opposed to a one-off return to the ring.

In a recent interview with “Steelers Takeaways“, Graves spoke about possibly returning to the ring after being medically cleared in 2020. He said,

“The transition in a weird way saved me from what could have been. Instead of grieving over the loss of my dream as an in-ring performer, it gave me something new to focus my energy on while staying in the business. I found a new mountain to climb. In hindsight it really helped me deal with that loss.

“I have a clean bill of health now, thanks. I actually got medically cleared a couple of years ago to perform in the ring again. I flirted with the idea and am waiting for a potential opportunity if it presents itself. More of a one-time ting like McAfee has done – not as a full-time in-ring performer.”

Graves currently calls the action on WWE SmackDown with Kevin Patrick and Michael Cole. His last official match for WWE took place at a March 2014 WWE NXT live event.

Source: eWn

WWE’s Carmella & Corey Graves Announce Birth Of Their Son, Share First Pic

Former “WWE SmackDown” Women’s Champion Carmella has been out of action since March, later revealing that she and husband Corey Graves were expecting a child together. In some heartwarming news, the two performers have now jointly revealed on Instagram that their son, Dimitri Paul Polinsky, was born on November 8, 2023. Carmella noted that she was in labor for 60 hours, promising to reveal more about that at another time.

Carmella and Graves have been together since 2019, as documented in the ninth and final season of “Total Divas,” and were later married in 2022. Last year, Carmella opened up about experiencing an ectopic pregnancy as well as an early miscarriage in the span of just a few months. Although Graves has children from a previous marriage, this is the first child that the two WWE stars have had together.

Though “Total Divas” is no longer on the air, the pair’s relationship has been indirectly acknowledged onscreen in WWE over the last few years, primarily in the form of Graves commenting on Carmella whenever she would appear. Before getting pregnant earlier this year, Carmella had just made her return to WWE after some time away. The brief run most notably saw her compete in this year’s Women’s Elimination Chamber match. With her priorities certainly set on parenting her newborn baby, it will likely be a while before Carmella returns to wrestling, if she decides to come back at all. Graves is still on TV as a regular commentator for “WWE SmackDown,” appearing every Friday night.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Carmella & Corey Graves Expecting First Child Together 

WWE superstar Carmella (Leah Van Dale) and husband Corey Graves are expecting their first child together. Speaking to Good Morning America Monday morning, the former “WWE SmackDown” Women’s Champion revealed she found out the news in March. This exciting announcement follows a revelation from this past October, when she opened up to the world about a previous miscarriage as well as a potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancy.

Yet despite admitting to GMA that she’s been more tired than she’s ever been, Carmella couldn’t be happier, saying “But I’ve never been so happy to feel so awful.” The couple are expecting to welcome their baby around November.

WWE Star Carmella Shares Heartbreaking News About Ectopic Pregnancy And Miscarriage


WWE star Carmella shared a heartbreaking story to her social media accounts to close out Infant Loss Awareness Month.

On Monday, the 35-year-old revealed that she was treated for an ectopic pregnancy just weeks after miscarrying and spent 12 hours in the emergency room before receiving the devastating confirmation of an abnormal pregnancy. Concluding in her post: 

“I’ve gone back and forth with myself about posting this because I’m not looking for any sort of sympathy,” Carmella wrote, noting that she wanted to share her story in honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. “Today, I was treated for an ectopic pregnancy,” Carmella continued. “I never thought something like this would happen to me, especially after suffering from an early miscarriage in September.” Carmella says she spent 12 hours in the emergency room this past Saturday, after experiencing pain in her side. 

“After several tests and ultrasounds, I was given the devastating news that this was, in fact, an abnormal pregnancy.” Carmella said that the moment can feel “isolating,” but she felt sharing her story to keep women from blaming themselves for the tragic occurrence, crediting popular stand-up comedian Iliza Shlesinger for inspiring her by sharing her own story of pregnancy loss in a recent standup special.

“I’m part of this statistic and it’s happening to me,” Carmella professed. “Again, I’m not looking for sympathy, I know I’ll eventually recover from all of this mentally, physically and emotionally. For anyone dealing with ANY type of pregnancy loss, I want you to know your feelings and emotions are valid, there is NOTHING wrong with you and you are not alone.”

Carmella has been married to WWE commentator Corey Graves (Matthew Polinsky) since April of this year. 

Sam Adonis, Brother Of Corey Graves Signs With MLW

Sam Adonis, the brother of WWE Raw commentator Corey Graves has become the newest member of the MLW roster.

Fightful Select was the first to report that Adonis had signed, adding that “new and familiar faces” are also expected to be appearing for the company.

Adonis, five years younger than Graves, has previously worked for CMLL and competed in WWE’s previous developmental program FCW, as well as TNA Wrestling.

In interviews, Adonis has said he chose his name to set him apart from his brother, as he doesn’t want Graves’ success to be a factor in his own career.

Source: EWrestlingNews

Corey Graves Invites Gable Steveson To RAW Following Second NCAA National Championship

Now that Gable Steveson has won his second NCAA National Heavyweight Championship, he will soon set his focus solely on WWE. As noted in the past, Steveson signed with the company shortly after his Olympic Gold Medal win in wrestling and has begun training for sports entertainment while finishing school.

But one person wants Steveson to show up on WWE television again sooner rather than later. As seen below, WWE announcer Corey Graves congratulated Gable Steveson on his second NCAA National Heavyweight Title and then invited him to WWE RAW.

“Congratulations @GableSteveson on an untouchable amateur career. Now, let’s get that next chapter started. You busy Monday? #wweraw,” Corey tweeted.

Steveson was actually a surprise pick for the 2021 WWE Draft, being chosen by the RAW brand. He officially signed with WWE back in September 2021 with a contract that allowed him to finish up his senior year at the University of Minnesota while training for WWE.

WWE set up a remote training facility for Steveson near the University of Minnesota campus, where he works with WWE coaches when he has time outside of class. He also has access to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, where his brother Bobby Steveson is training under his WWE contract.

Reports from September also note that Steveson’s multi-year WWE talent contract will officially begin once he graduates college in May 2022. The idea has been that he will be a full-time performer with WWE at that time, but will also appear on WWE TV as he finishes the school year.

Source: Wrestling Inc.