Matthew Polinsky, better known to the world as Corey Graves, has seamlessly transitioned from a gritty in-ring competitor to one of the most recognizable voices in professional wrestling.
After a serious injury cut his wrestling career short, he reinvented himself as a charismatic and often polarizing color commentator for WWE. His sharp wit and distinctive style have made him a fixture on television screens globally.
In this article, you will know Matthew Polinsky’s Net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Matthew Polinsky’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Polinsky |
| Ring Name | Corey Graves |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1984 |
| Age | 41 Years Old |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 208 lbs (94 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2000 |
| Net Worth | $5 Million (Estimated) |
| Salary | $500,000 – $1 Million (Estimated) |
| Wife | Carmella (Leah Van Dale) |
| Instagram Profile | @wwegraves |
| Twitter Profile | @WWEGraves |
Early Career
Matthew Polinsky’s journey into the world of professional wrestling began in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He started training at the turn of the millennium and quickly made a name for himself on the independent circuit under the ring name Sterling James Keenan. His persona was that of a rebellious, punk-rock anti-hero, which resonated with fans of hardcore and indie wrestling.
Throughout the 2000s, he competed in various promotions, including Pro Wrestling Zero1, where he held the United States Heavyweight Championship twice.
He also made appearances for Ring of Honor (ROH) and worked extensively in the United Kingdom for 1 Pro Wrestling (1PW), where he became their World Heavyweight Champion.
His independent run was characterized by a hard-hitting style and a unique look heavily influenced by tattoo culture, which later became his trademark in WWE. This extensive experience on the indie scene laid the groundwork for his eventual signing with the world’s largest wrestling promotion.
Professional Career
In 2011, Polinsky signed a developmental contract with WWE and was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), which later rebranded as NXT. Adopting the moniker Corey Graves, he became a standout in the NXT tag team division.
His most significant achievement came when he teamed up with Adrian Neville (now PAC) to win the NXT Tag Team Championship. However, his in-ring career was tragically cut short in 2014 due to recurring concussion issues, forcing him to retire from active competition at a young age.
Refusing to let his career end, Graves pivoted to broadcasting. He joined the NXT commentary team and quickly proved to be a natural on the microphone.
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His articulate, heel-leaning commentary style earned him a promotion to the main roster, where he became a lead voice for Monday Night Raw and SmackDown.
By 2025, Graves had solidified his position as one of WWE’s premier color commentators, calling main events at WrestleMania and hosting various WWE Network specials.
His broadcasting career has not only extended his tenure in the industry but has arguably made him more successful than his wrestling career would have.
Wife
Matthew Polinsky is married to fellow WWE Superstar Carmella (real name Leah Van Dale). The couple began dating in 2019 and tied the knot in April 2022.
Their relationship has been prominently featured on the reality show Total Divas and their own YouTube reality series, giving fans a glimpse into their life outside the ring.
The couple has welcomed two children together. Their first son, Dimitri, was born in November 2023. In October 2025, they announced the birth of their second son, Bram Julian Polinsky.
Matthew also has three children—Lola, Lenny, and Cash—from his previous marriage to Amy Polinsky, making for a large, blended family that frequently appears on his social media.
Matthew Polinsky’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Matthew Polinsky has an estimated net worth of $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his long tenure with WWE, spanning from his days as an NXT talent to his current role as a top-tier commentator.
Career Earnings
| Year | Role | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | WWE Commentator | ~$500,000 – $1M |
| 2024 | WWE Commentator | ~$500,000 |
| 2023 | WWE Commentator | ~$450,000 |
| 2015-2022 | WWE Talent/Commentator | ~$400,000 (Avg.) |
| 2012-2014 | NXT Wrestler | ~$80,000 – $100,000 |
Endorsements
Outside of his WWE salary, Graves has monetized his personal brand. He launched a clothing line called Stay Down, reflecting his “Savior of Misbehavior” persona.
He also hosts a successful podcast, After the Bell with Corey Graves, which has attracted sponsorship deals.
Additionally, his appearances on reality television shows like Total Divas have provided supplemental income.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record / Detail |
|---|---|
| NXT Tag Team Titles | 1 (with Adrian Neville) |
| WWE 24/7 Titles | 1 |
| 1PW Heavyweight Titles | 1 |
| Zero1 US Heavyweight Titles | 2 |
| In-Ring Retirement | 2014 |
| Commentary Debut | 2014 (NXT TakeOver: R Evolution) |
FAQs
1. What ring name did Matthew Polinsky use before joining WWE?
Before signing with WWE and adopting the name Corey Graves, Polinsky wrestled on the independent circuit under the ring name Sterling James Keenan. He used this persona in promotions like Ring of Honor and 1PW.
2. Is Corey Graves cleared to wrestle again?
Yes, in early 2022, doctors medically cleared Corey Graves for in-ring competition after nearly eight years of retirement. Although he remains a full-time commentator, the clearance allows him to participate in occasional physical angles or matches if needed.
3. Does Corey Graves have a clothing line?
Yes, he launched his own apparel brand called Stay Down, which features designs inspired by his tattoo aesthetic and wrestling persona. He frequently promotes this merchandise through his social media channels.
4. What podcast does Corey Graves host?
He hosts the popular WWE podcast titled “After the Bell with Corey Graves.” On this show, he interviews current WWE Superstars and legends, discussing their careers and current storylines in a candid format.
5. Where is Matthew Polinsky from?
Matthew Polinsky was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He often references his hometown during commentary and is known to be a passionate fan of Pittsburgh sports teams like the Steelers and Penguins.
