Corey Graves is cleared to compete… but that doesn’t mean he has any concrete plans to get back in the ring right now.
Graves and Carmella spoke with several news outlets while promoting their new reality show, Corey & Carmella, which premieres on WWE’s YouTube channel on February 28. Graves’ in-ring status has been a topic of discussion in recent weeks, as it was reported that he has been cleared to return to the ring, and now he’s finally speaking publicly about the news.
Graves told TMZ that he’s medically cleared to compete, but stepping back in the ring is not an immediate goal.
“It was just something I needed to know for my own sanity. My journey in the ring got cut short and it’s kinda eaten at me for years, always wondering what if, what if there’s a chance, what if there’s an opportunity,” Graves explained, “so I went and did the necessary steps and it turns out I’m more okay than I thought I was.”
In January, Fightful Select reported Graves was cleared to compete “at some point in 2021.” Graves’ brother, Sam Adonis, later confirmed that Graves was cleared, but this is the first time Graves has publicly confirmed the reports about his status.
Graves and Carmella also spoke with The Dallas Morning News and he echoed his comments about wanting to get cleared for peace of mind, then talked about being ready for an occasional in-ring appearance if the situation called for it.
“I would just say that when that news broke six or so weeks ago, they were only six or so months late. [Laughs] But yeah, I got myself medically cleared. It was something I did on my own, more or less for my own sanity because since I got shut down — which was actually the day before WrestleMania 30 in New Orleans, it’s been that long, it was the last time I was in a match — I’ve just always wondered, it’s eaten at me. What if? What could you have done?
“And I’ve grown into this role as a commentator, and I’m not fooling myself, I’m not going to be a full-time competitor again. I have no interest in that. But, if the need calls for it or the opportunity arises for me to do a one-off here or there, or like a Jerry Lawler sort of spot where you get in and have an angle for a few weeks and maybe a match here or there — something I’d definitely be interested in discussing. But, as far as actual tangible plans, there’s nothing in the works right now. At least that I know of.”
Corey Graves’ last match was against Troy McClain at WrestleMania Axxess in April 2014. He is a former NXT Tag Team Champion (one reign with PAC, fka Adrian Neville).
Read More: Watch The First Trailer For WWE’s ‘Corey & Carmella’ Reality Show, Set To Air On 2/28
