5 Things you didn't know about Corey Graves
WWE announcer Corey Graves has become a staple of WWE television since concussions forced him to retire from in-ring competition in 2014. Many wrestling fans consider Graves the voice of WWE and at only 35 years old the voice of the future.
Having announced NXT, 205 Live, SmackDown Live, and RAW, Corey Graves has cemented his legacy as this generation's great heel announcer. He has even drawn lofty comparisons to WWE Hall of Famers Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan and Jesse 'The Body' Ventura.
The former NXT Superstar is also no stranger to controversy and isn't afraid to voice his opinion both on-air and off. His outspoken nature doesn't sit well with all wrestling fans, but Graves is wholeheartedly committed to authenticity and staying true to himself.
So, just who is this Pittsburgh, PA native that is all over WWE television? Find out in 5 things you didn't know about Corey Graves.
#5 A chance encounter with Michael Cole changed his life
Corey Graves was not yet aware of how serious his latest concussion was or that it would forever sideline him and prevent him from ever wrestling again. He was a professional, a Pittsburgh tough guy who had overcome injuries before, but this time it was entirely out of his hands. Graves would soon be told that he would not be medically cleared to compete and that his in-ring career was finished.
A promising NXT Superstar with movie star good looks and athleticism to go with it, Graves seemed destined to be a future world champion, but fate had other plans. Despite his string of bad luck, the wrestling gods weren't done with Graves just yet. His professional wrestling career was just beginning.
Before finding out about the devastating end of his in-ring career, Graves sat at a bar next to long-time WWE commentator Michael Cole, where unbeknownst to anyone his destiny was about to unfold.
Graves told Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling,
"It was a chance conversation I had with Cole after WrestleMania 30 because it was before WrestleMania 30 at Axxess when I had my last concussion. Cole and I were sitting in a bar in New Orleans just b**ng. I had no inkling I was going to be shut down."
Graves thought he'd be back in action within a week and by mere chance mentioned to Michael Cole that he had some previous radio experience at a sports radio station in Pittsburgh. After Graves' in-ring career officially came to an end, Michael Cole remembered the conversation and went to bat for Graves. This inevitably led to Graves being given a chance on WWE's commentary team and the rest is history.