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Entertainment • Wrestling

Corey Graves

Corey Graves is the ring name of Matthew Polinsky, an American former professional wrestler and current WWE commentator.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Corey Graves is the ring name of Matthew Polinsky, an American former professional wrestler and current WWE commentator. He wrestled under the names Corey Graves and Sterling James Keenan before retiring from in-ring competition due to concussion-related issues and transitioning to broadcasting. He is known for commentary on WWE’s Raw and SmackDown brands.

Early life and wrestling career

Matthew Polinsky was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and entered professional wrestling under the name Sterling James Keenan. He later joined WWE’s developmental system and performed as Corey Graves. During his wrestling career, he won the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship and the NXT Tag Team Championship.

Retirement from wrestling

Graves’ in-ring career ended after medical concerns related to concussions. WWE later moved him into commentary rather than allowing him to continue competing.

Commentary career

He began working on WWE’s announce teams in 2014, first with NXT and later on the main roster. Graves became a regular commentator on Raw and SmackDown and is known for his heel-leaning style.

Other media work

In addition to wrestling commentary, Graves has hosted WWE-related shows and podcasts. These roles expanded his profile beyond active competition.

Key facts

  • Polinsky began wrestling on the independent circuit under the name Sterling James Keenan.
  • He signed a developmental contract with WWE in 2011 and used the ring name Corey Graves.
  • He won the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship and the NXT Tag Team Championship during his wrestling career.
  • He retired from in-ring competition after concussion-related medical issues.
  • He moved into WWE commentary in 2014 and became a prominent announcer on NXT and the main roster.
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Canadian context

Corey Graves is relevant to Canadian readers through WWE’s strong Canadian fan base and frequent WWE broadcasts on Canadian television and streaming platforms.

Frequently asked questions

What is Corey Graves’ real name?
His real name is Matthew Polinsky.
Is Corey Graves still a wrestler?
No. He is a retired professional wrestler and works primarily as a WWE commentator.
What WWE titles did Corey Graves win?
He won the NXT Tag Team Championship and the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship.
Why did Corey Graves stop wrestling?
He retired from in-ring competition because of concussion-related medical issues.
What shows does Corey Graves commentate on?
He has been a commentator for WWE’s Raw and SmackDown brands, and previously worked on NXT.
What ring name did he use before WWE?
He used the name Sterling James Keenan on the independent circuit.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corey_Graves
    Supports: Basic biography, ring name, and career overview.
  2. WWE — https://www.wwe.com/superstars/corey-graves
    Supports: Birthplace, career highlights, commentary role, and retired wrestler status.
  3. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/corey-graves/
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, WWE developmental signing, commentary career, and podcast work.
  4. Rolling Stone — https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/how-corey-graves-became-the-neck-tattooed-wise-cracking-voice-of-the-wwe-205533/
    Supports: Retirement due to concussion-related issues and transition to commentary.
  5. Wrestlingdata — https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=1999
    Supports: Ring names, debut, championships, and family relationships.