30 Facts About Corey Graves

Source: Cagesideseats.com

Corey Graves, born Matthew Polinsky, is a name that resonates with wrestling fans worldwide. From his early days in Pittsburgh to becoming a prominent WWE commentator, Graves has worn many hats in his career. Did you know that he started wrestling in 2000 under the name Sterling James Keenan? His journey through independent promotions, including capturing titles in Pro Wrestling Zero1 and International Wrestling Cartel, showcases his dedication. After signing with WWE in 2011, Graves transitioned from the ring to the commentary table due to concussions. Now, as a lead commentator for SmackDown and RAW, his voice is as iconic as his in-ring persona once was.

Key Takeaways:

Corey Graves, also known as Matthew Polinsky, began his wrestling journey in Pittsburgh and achieved success in independent promotions before transitioning to WWE and NXT. His legacy as a wrestler and commentator has made him a beloved figure in the wrestling world.
Despite facing challenges such as concussions, Corey Graves has left a lasting impact on the wrestling industry. From winning championships to transitioning into a successful commentator, his journey showcases resilience and versatility, making him a respected figure in WWE.

Table of Contents

Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings

Corey Graves, born Matthew Polinsky, has had a fascinating journey in the world of professional wrestling. Let's dive into some key facts about his early life and wrestling career.

01
Corey Graves was born on November 24, 1984, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His early years in Pittsburgh laid the foundation for his future in wrestling.
02
He developed a passion for wrestling at a young age. This early interest would eventually lead him to pursue a career in the sport.
03
Graves began his professional wrestling career in 2000 under the ring name Sterling James Keenan. He debuted on March 22, 2000, in the independent circuit.
04
He competed in various independent promotions, including Dory Funk Jr.'s Funking Conservatory. Here, he won the Tag Team Title in 2002.
05
Graves also held titles in Pro Wrestling Zero1, capturing the US Heavyweight Title twice in 2008. His success in these promotions showcased his talent early on.

Independent Promotions and Championships

Corey Graves made a significant impact in various independent promotions before joining WWE. Let's explore his achievements during this period.

06
Graves debuted in International Wrestling Cartel (IWC) in 2002. He quickly established himself by defeating Troy Lords and CM Punk.
07
He won the IWC Heavyweight Title in 2003. Graves successfully defended it before losing it to Dean Radford in 2004.
08
In 2005, Graves made his debut in UK-based One Pro Wrestling (1PW). He defeated D'Lo Brown and later aligned with Abyss.
09
Graves won the 1PW Heavyweight Title in 2007. He defeated Ulf Herman in a steel cage match and successfully defended it against Doug Williams and Raven during his 554-day reign.

WWE Career and NXT Success

Corey Graves' transition to WWE marked a new chapter in his career. Let's look at his journey in WWE and NXT.

10
In 2011, Graves signed with WWE. He began performing in its developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), under the ring name Corey Graves.
11
Graves debuted at FCW television tapings on September 25, 2011. He lost to Erick Rowan in his first match.
12
He won the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship with Jake Carter on March 17, 2012. They defeated Bo Rotundo and Husky Harris to capture the title.
13
When FCW was rebranded into NXT, Graves and Carter participated in the inaugural tapings in June 2012. They defeated CJ Parker and Nick Rogers in a match that aired in July.
14
Graves transitioned into a villainous singles wrestler on November 14, 2012. He achieved a win over Oliver Grey and attacked NXT Champion Seth Rollins in December.
15
He began feuding with The Shield, challenging them to a match for costing him title opportunities. This feud turned him into a face character.
16
Graves faced Seth Rollins in a lumberjack match but lost when The Shield interfered. This cemented his face turn.

Feuds and Championships in NXT

Corey Graves' time in NXT was marked by notable feuds and championship victories. Let's delve into some key moments.

17
Graves began feuding with The Wyatt Family following a confrontation with Bray Wyatt. He teamed with Kassius Ohno to challenge Luke Harper and Erick Rowan for the NXT Tag Team Championship.
18
Graves and Adrian Neville defeated Harper and Rowan to capture the NXT Tag Team Championship on July 18, 2013. They held the championship for nearly three months before losing to The Ascension in September.
19
After failing to regain the title, Graves attacked Neville to provoke a feud. This turned him heel once again.
20
Graves suffered a legitimate concussion, rendering him temporarily inactive. This injury impacted his wrestling career significantly.
21
He returned in January 2014 to enter a feud with Sami Zayn. Graves defeated Zayn on April 3 but was later defeated in a 6-man tag team match.
22
Graves suffered a second concussion, causing him to be absent from television for several months. This ultimately led to his retirement from in-ring action.

Transition to Commentary

After retiring from in-ring action, Corey Graves found a new role in WWE as a commentator. Let's explore his journey in this new role.

23
Graves transitioned into a play-by-play commentator for WWE. He initially joined the RAW commentary team after the 2016 WWE Draft.
24
He became the only commentator to work on both RAW and SmackDown simultaneously following JBL's departure in 2017. This showcased his versatility and talent.
25
Graves became a full-time commentator for SmackDown in 2019. He returned to RAW two years later by replacing Samoa Joe.
26
He occasionally substituted on SmackDown and held the WWE 24/7 Title in 2021. This added another accolade to his career.

Personal Life and Legacy

Corey Graves' personal life and legacy in wrestling are equally fascinating. Let's take a closer look.

27
Graves is married to Carmella, a WWE Superstar. The couple has been married since 2017 and often appears together at WWE events.
28
He has been open about his struggles with concussions during his wrestling career. These struggles led to his retirement from in-ring action.
29
Despite his transition to commentary, Graves remains a beloved figure in WWE. His knowledge of wrestling and ability to call matches have made him a staple in the company's commentary team.
30
Graves' legacy in wrestling is multifaceted. He is remembered for his time as a wrestler where he held numerous championships and feuded with notable wrestlers like The Shield and The Wyatt Family. His transition to commentary has also been successful, making him one of the most recognizable voices in WWE.

Corey Graves: A Multifaceted WWE Icon

Corey Graves, born Matthew Polinsky, has carved out a unique niche in professional wrestling. From his early days as Sterling James Keenan on the independent circuit to his impactful WWE career, Graves has shown versatility. His in-ring career, marked by memorable feuds with The Shield and The Wyatt Family, was cut short by concussions. Yet, he seamlessly transitioned to commentary, becoming a staple voice on both RAW and SmackDown.

Graves' journey reflects resilience and adaptability. Despite setbacks, he found new ways to contribute to the wrestling world. His commentary skills have helped shape WWE narratives, making him an integral part of the company. Married to WWE Superstar Carmella, Graves continues to influence modern wrestling, both on-screen and behind the scenes. His legacy as a wrestler and commentator remains an inspiration for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWho is Corey Graves?

Corey Graves, once a professional wrestler, has transitioned into a well-known commentator for WWE. His real name is Matthew Polinsky, and he's made quite the name for himself both inside and outside the ring.

QHow did Corey Graves start his wrestling career?

His journey into wrestling began on the independent circuit, where he honed his skills and developed his persona. Graves eventually caught the attention of WWE scouts, leading to his signing with the company and his development in NXT, WWE's developmental territory.

QWhat led to Corey Graves ending his in-ring career?

Unfortunately, a series of concussions forced Graves to hang up his boots prematurely. Concerns over his long-term health led to the difficult decision to transition away from active competition.

QWhat role does Corey Graves play in WWE now?

Nowadays, Graves is a prominent voice on WWE programming, serving as a color commentator. His sharp wit and deep knowledge of the sport have made him a favorite among fans.

QHas Corey Graves won any awards for his commentary?

Yes, indeed! His unique style and insightful commentary have earned him accolades, including being recognized as a top commentator in various wrestling publications and fan polls.

QIs Corey Graves involved in any projects outside of WWE?

Beyond his commentary duties, Graves is quite the busy bee. He's hosted podcasts, appeared on various WWE Network shows, and even dabbled in fashion and music, showcasing his diverse talents and interests.

QHow can fans keep up with Corey Graves?

Fans looking to stay updated on Graves' endeavors can follow him on social media, where he's active and often shares insights into his professional and personal life.

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