WWE Star Teases In-Ring Comeback After 12 Years
A retired WWE star has hinted at a potential in-ring return after more than a decade.
Corey Graves last competed in early 2014 when he was an active talent on the company’s developmental brand, NXT, where he won the tag team title once while teaming up with Neville.
Later that year, at NXT TakeOver: R Evolution in December, he appeared during the pre-show and announced his retirement due to concussion-related problems.
He was then offered a two-year commentary deal by Triple H. 12 years later, he still performs in that role, although mainly on the flagship show, Raw.
Graves is also the English commentator on WWE’s sister promotion, AAA Lucha Libre, which airs on FOX on Saturdays.
Despite not having wrestled on the main roster, he once became the 24/7 Champion by pinning Akira Tozawa. He lost the title shortly to his then-fellow commentator, Byron Saxton.
During the September 19 episode of SmackDown, he was attacked by Brock Lesnar, who hit two F-5s on Graves after he tried to save Michael Cole from a dreadful fate at the hands of The Beast Incarnate.
WWE Star Corey Graves Discusses Potential Return To In-Ring Competition
Corey Graves leads a busy life while being on the road for WWE Raw tapings. He is married to former talent Carmella, with whom he shares two children.
During a recent interview with Scott Fishman of TV Insider, the 42-year-old spoke about a host of subjects, including a possible return to the squared circle.
I got medically cleared a couple of years ago. I started to get back in shape. A lot of things changed within the company as far as everything. So, I don’t foresee that happening in the foreseeable future if at all.
One major reason being is I don’t feel like staying in ring shape because it’s a lot of work. I have the luxury of wearing a suit on TV. I like not watching what I eat. Never say never. I think if the right opportunity presented itself, whether that be in WWE or AAA, I would probably jump at the chance. At the same time, it’s not something I’m actively pursuing at the moment. [H/T: Fightful]