Corey Graves Reportedly Cleared For WWE In-Ring Return

WWE RAW announcer Corey Graves has reportedly been cleared for an in-ring return.

Per a report from Fightful Select, Graves was allegedly initially cleared by WWE doctors in 2020, but remained on an internal ‘no contact’ list due to past issues with concussions. However it is now believed that Graves is off that list, clearing the way for Graves to make an in-ring return if he wants it, although neither Graves nor WWE have confirmed nor denied this.

Graves was forced to retire from in-ring competition in early 2014 after doctors would not clear him after concussion issues, with Graves instead transitioning over to NXT’s commentary booth.

Since then, Graves has become one of WWE’s most trusted announcers, currently playing his trade on RAW, having also called SmackDown, and at times performing double duty on both shows. During a RAW broadcast in November 2021, Graves had a quick run with the 24/7 Title after pinning Akira Tozawa, promptly losing it to broadcast colleague Byron Saxton.

Pre-WWE, Graves was known for his work on the Indies under the name Sterling James Keenan, wrestling for Ring Of Honor, IWA Mid-South, and the NWA, amongst others.