VVE’s announcer makes a shocking return to NKST after an emotional speech

Just a week after his emotional rant on social media, WWE announcer Corey Graves returned to NKST.

PVInsider reported his return before the show went on the air. Graves is reportedly “late booked” on January 20, 2025 to return to WWE NKST.

When the show started, Graves said it was “exactly where I want to be, where passion is everything and only the hungry survive.”

Despite his heated comments, he seemed to take it in stride. It was great to see him back at work doing what he loves. We will have to wait and see if VVE decides to keep him on NKST or not.

Cheers and the return of WWE announcer Corey Graves

Prior to his return during the January 21, 2025 episode of WWE NXT, Graves aired his frustrations with his role in the company in a now-deleted post on January 14. He seemed upset about being moved to the NKST after spending nearly eight years on the main roster.

The switch comes as Pat McAfee returns to WWE Monday Night Raw as he moves to Netflix. He usually takes a break from his WWE commentary duties during the football season for ESPN College GameDay duties.

When he returned, Graves was transferred from RAV. however, SmackDown’s announce duo also got a concussion. Wade Barrett was paired with Joe Tessitore (who had recently signed with WWE) to serve as SmackDown’s announce duo.

This meant that Graves had to switch to NKST, WWE’s development brand. In his post, he stated that he was demoted in favor of someone “more famous”.

“Imagine chasing your dream.” Then you are TOLD (not deciding) that you are no longer physically able to follow your dream,” Graves began in his post. “Then you commit your life to something ‘next door dream’ and you’re pretty freaking great at it.” And then, when it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, when you’re told you’re not famous enough for your job.

“Just in case you were wondering where I’ve been,” Graves concluded.

His wrestling career

Graves made his wrestling debut in 2000 under the ring name Sterling James Keenan. He wrestled for years on the independent circuit before joining VVE.

He made several appearances in WWE as a stock worker starting in 2006. Graves later signed with the company in 2011, joining their developmental partner Florida Championship Wrestling (FCV), which later became NKST.

During his NXT tenure as a wrestler, Graves got to wrestle big names like Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, and the Wyatt Family. However, he suffered several concussions during this period, resulting in his retirement from in-ring competition.

As a result, he began working as a panelist for WWE during their pre-show events. Graves returned to NXT TakeOver: R Evolution in December 2014. He also hosted Culture Shock, a WWE Network original series. Graves left NKST after the TakeOver event in San Antonio.

He was later moved to RAV to join the commentary team with Michael Cole and Byron Saxton. Graves hasn’t looked back at his main promotion, bouncing between RAW and SmackDown for years.