Matthew Polinsky, better known by his ring name Corey Graves, has had a fascinating journey in the world of professional wrestling.
From his early days as an independent wrestler to his current role as a prominent WWE commentator, Graves has left an indelible mark on the industry.
In this article, you will learn about Matthew Polinsky’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Matthew Polinsky’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Polinsky |
| Date of Birth | February 24, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Height | 6’1″ (1.85 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Degree in Marketing |
| Ethnicity | Hungarian descent |
Polinsky is known for his numerous tattoos, which have become a significant part of his persona. He got his first two tattoos before turning 16 with his parent’s permission.
Early Career
Polinsky’s wrestling journey began in 2000 when he started performing on the independent circuit under the ring name Sterling James Keenan.
During this period, he honed his skills and built a reputation in various promotions.
His entrance music during this time was “Mainlining Murder” by Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards, setting the tone for his edgy persona.
Professional Career
In 2011, Polinsky signed a contract with WWE and began working in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the name Corey Graves.
Challenging Seth Rollins for the NXT Championship in 2013. Winning the NXT Tag Team Championship with Adrian Neville in 2013.
Unfortunately, Graves suffered 2 concussions within a few months, which led to an extended absence from television and ultimately his in-ring retirement in 2014.
Wife
He was previously married to Amy Schneider, a professional dancer, with whom he has three children. However, the couple separated and went through a divorce process.
In 2019, Polinsky’s relationship with WWE wrestler Leah Van Dale, known by her ring name Carmella.
The couple got engaged in October 2021 and tied the knot on April 7, 2022. On November 8, 2023, Polinsky and Van Dale welcomed their first child together, a son.
Matthew Polinsky’s Net Worth Details
Matthew Polinsky’s net worth is estimated to be between $650,000 to $700,000 as of 2025.
Contract
Matthew Polinsky, known by his ring name Corey Graves, signed a developmental contract with WWE in August 2011.
He is currently signed with WWE as a commentator and analyst for Friday Night SmackDown.
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $450,000 |
| 2022 | $500,000 |
| 2023 | $550,000 |
| 2024 | $600,000 |
Endorsements
As a prominent WWE personality, Graves has various endorsement opportunities:
- WWE Merchandise: Sales of Graves-related merchandise contribute to his earnings.
- Podcast – WWE After the Bell: Launched in 2019, this podcast likely provides additional income.
- Social Media Sponsorships: Graves promotes products related to wrestling and fitness on his social media platforms.
Career Records
| Championship | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| NXT Tag Team Champion | 2013 |
| WWE 24/7 Champion | 2019 |
| FCW Tag Team Champion | 2012 |
FAQs
1. Who is Matthew Polinsky?
Matthew Polinsky, known professionally as Corey Graves, is an American wrestling color commentator, retired professional wrestler, podcaster, and columnist. He is signed to WWE, where he works as a commentator. Polinsky previously wrestled under the ring name Sterling James Keenan before retiring in 2014 due to concussion-related injuries.
2. What is Corey Graves’ wrestling career history?
Corey Graves debuted in professional wrestling on March 22, 2000, under the ring name Sterling James Keenan. He competed in various independent promotions and won multiple championships, including the NXT Tag Team Championship with Adrian Neville. He retired from in-ring competition in December 2014 due to concussions and transitioned to commentary.
3. What championships has Corey Graves won during his career?
Corey Graves has won several championships, including:
- NXT Tag Team Championship (1 time)
- Ballpark Brawl Natural Heavyweight Title
- FNW Heavyweight Championship
- IWC Super Indy Championship
- UIPW Keystone Cruiserweight Championship
Additionally, he briefly held the WWE 24/7 Championship.
4. Why did Corey Graves retire from wrestling?
Corey Graves retired from professional wrestling in December 2014 due to multiple concussions sustained during his career. Following his retirement, he transitioned into a commentary role for WWE and became one of its prominent voices across brands like NXT, SmackDown, and Raw.
5. What are Corey Graves’ contributions outside wrestling?
Outside wrestling, Corey Graves is a podcaster and columnist. He launched two podcasts: WWE After the Bell, focusing on wrestling topics, and Bare with Us, discussing relationships with his wife Leah Van Dale. He also wrote a monthly column for Alternative Press and collaborated on fashion projects.
6. Who is Corey Graves married to?
Corey Graves is married to WWE wrestler Leah Van Dale, known by her ring name Carmella. The couple got engaged in October 2021 and married on April 7, 2022. They welcomed their first child together in November 2023.
7. What is Corey Graves’ connection to Pittsburgh?
Corey Graves was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He often expresses pride in his Pittsburgh roots on WWE programming and has mentioned frequenting bars on Pittsburgh’s South Side. His persona reflects his identity as a “yinzer,” a term for Pittsburgh natives.
8. What tattoos does Corey Graves have?
Corey Graves is known for his extensive tattoos, including sleeve tattoos on both arms and the phrase “stay down” tattooed across his knuckles. He began getting tattoos at age 16 with parental permission and expanded his collection after turning 18.
9. What are Corey Graves’ notable achievements as a commentator?
As a WWE commentator, Corey Graves has been recognized for his heel persona and sharp commentary style. He has served as a lead commentator for Raw, SmackDown, and NXT brands and hosted pre-show panels for major events like WrestleMania.
10. What controversies have surrounded Corey Graves?
Corey Graves faced personal controversies when his ex-wife accused him of having an affair with Carmella during their separation process in early 2019. The accusations were later clarified as occurring during their divorce proceedings. His relationship with Carmella was featured on Total Divas.
