There’s growing speculation that Corey Graves, the former NXT Tag Team Champion turned WWE commentator, may be preparing to step back into the ring. Graves, who was forced to retire from wrestling in 2014 due to a series of concussions, hinted at having “a lot to say” on tonight’s episode of WWE NXT, sparking excitement among fans about his potential future in professional wrestling.

From the Ring to the Announce Table

Graves retired in December 2014 following NXT TakeOver: R Evolution, marking the end of a promising in-ring career cut short by medical concerns. Despite the setback, he transitioned seamlessly into commentary, quickly becoming one of WWE’s most prominent voices. Over the years, Graves has lent his sharp wit and insight to Raw, SmackDown, NXT, and countless premium live events, cementing his place as a cornerstone of WWE broadcasting.

Frustration in His Current Role

On Monday night, Graves expressed frustration on social media, revealing his disappointment over being sidelined from WWE’s main commentary teams on Raw and SmackDown. In a pointed message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Graves wrote:

“Imagine chasing your dream. Then being TOLD (not deciding) that you’re no longer physically able to pursue your dream. Then you dedicate your life to something ‘dream adjacent’ and being pretty awesome at it. And then, when it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, being told you’re not famous enough for your own job.”

Corey Graves

His candid remarks have fueled speculation about a possible return to active competition, especially given that he received medical clearance to wrestle again in 2022.

A Precedent for Comebacks

Graves wouldn’t be the first WWE superstar to defy the odds and return to the ring after a career-ending injury. Bryan Danielson, Edge, and Christian Cage—each sidelined by serious injuries, including concussion-related issues—successfully made their way back to competition after years away, thanks to advancements in medical science. With his prior clearance and years of experience, Graves could follow in their footsteps.

What to Expect Tonight

Graves has previously expressed interest in dream matchups with some of WWE’s biggest names, including Seth Rollins and CM Punk. Both were pivotal figures in his early career, and potential showdowns with either would make for compelling storytelling and fanfare.

As fans eagerly await WWE NXT, many are speculating that Graves will shed light on his plans. Whether it’s a return to in-ring competition, a shakeup in his current role, or simply a response to recent frustrations, tonight’s episode promises to be must-see television.

Will Corey Graves make a comeback after nearly a decade away from active competition? Tune in to WWE NXT to find out what’s next for the former champion turned commentator.

Representatives for former World Wrestling Entertainment owner Vince McMahon responded to an SEScoops article published on Monday after counsel for Janel Grant, who is suing McMahon, WWE and John Laurinaitis in federal district court on allegations related to sex crimes, filed a motion for a status conference on Monday.

Attorneys for McMahon also filed a motion of opposition in Connecticut federal district court, asking the court to deny Grant a status conference and move to an arbitration hearing. Attorneys for WWE, McMahon and Laurinaitis have asked the court to have Grant’s complaint taken to private arbitration as per her non-disclosure agreement with McMahon, which was signed in 2022.

McMahon, WWE and Laurinaitis want Grant to argue her case per an arbitration clause in the non-disclosure agreement she signed in 2022.

Grant’s counsel said on Monday that their client’s NDA was one of two for which Vince McMahon was fined and paid restitution for after an investigation by the Securities Exchange Commission finished last week. Grant’s counsel filed her status conference motion asking the court to meet to organize a schedule and that the plaintiff needed more time to amend its complaint after the SEC investigation finished.

“The recent federal investigation resulted in no criminal indictments from the SDNY, while the SEC settlement relates to minor accounting issues at WWE that have nothing to do with this case,” attorney Jessica T. Rosenberg said in a statement to SEScoops. “Any claims to the contrary made by Janel Grant’s team are just another desperate PR stunt.”

In a post on Twitter/X, Grant representative Kendra Barkoff Lamy responded to Rosenberg’s statement.

“(Vince McMahon) is trying to prevent Janel Grant from having her day in court because he doesn’t want the public to see the horrifying evidence of his repeated sexual abuse and trafficking,” Lamy said.

SEScoops reached out to prosecutors at the Southern District of New York, where the McMahon criminal investigation was taking place. When asked if the case was still ongoing, a media representative said, “No comment.”

Grant attorney Ann Callis said in a statement to SEScoops on Monday that McMahon has remained under federal investigation after a stay on the civil case expired in December. A federal prosecutor in May requested a stay on the case in May 2024.

In the opposition motion filed on Monday. McMahon’s attorneys asked the court to move straight to the arbitration hearing. The motion said Grant’s counsel had adequate time to amend its complaint during the previous three weeks and it had missed the date filings, according to civil procedure rules.

“Plaintiff’s announced plan to file an amended complaint (which she could have done any time in the past three weeks) would not impact the deadline to respond to Defendants’ pending motion and does not necessitate a status conference,” the motion said.