5 directions for Corey Graves in WWE if he returns to the ring

Earlier this week, news broke that Corey Graves had been cleared to compete in the ring again. It looks like the WWE Monday Night RAW announcer could be making his return to the squared circle just in time for the Royal Rumble.

For those unaware, Graves previously competed in FCW and NXT between 2011 and 2014. While repeated concussions forced the superstar to retire, he decided to stay close to the ring as a color commentator.

It looks like Graves’ patience has paid off. WWE could bring back the popular figure and put him into some top rivalries to get the best response from the fans.

As we mentioned earlier, the possibilities are endless for Graves with the upcoming Royal Rumble. With that in mind, take a look at the five directions for Corey Graves in WWE if he makes a return to the ring soon.

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#5. Corey Graves could move back to WWE NXT 2.0

Corey Graves competed in WWE NXT for nearly three years, winning the Tag Team Championships with Adrian Neville. But since his departure from the brand, a lot has changed.

Late last year, NXT was revamped by WWE. Since then, new faces have taken over by getting rid of veteran superstars like Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Fish, and Johnny Gargano.

WWE could build an excellent storyline for Graves by moving him back to NXT. He could then pick up veterans like Tommaso Ciampa, Roderick Strong, and Pete Dunne to go after the new faces.

Fans have already seen the veterans team up at TakeOver: WarGames, but things could be different if Graves tries to restore the brand to its original state.

The angle will lead to great matches and build more interest in NXT 2.0. Newcomers could get a great rub out of the rivalry, solidifying their position on the brand. It will also allow Graves to polish his wrestling skills again as he has been out of competition since 2014.

#4. Corey Graves could team up with Baron Corbin in WWE

After years of working in WWE, Corey Graves has become friends with some top WWE Superstars. His best friend is none other than Happy Corbin.

While their friendship is not well-documented, both men have remained close since they started their WWE careers together at FCW, the company's then-developmental territory.

Their friendship could spill over to WWE television, where they can team up if Graves returns to the ring. After Graves started working on Monday Night RAW, the two are currently split across brands.

He could join Corbin and Madcap Moss to form an excellent heel faction that can take over SmackDown and make Drew McIntyre's life a little more complicated.

Graves has worked as a heel in the past, and a partnership with Corbin could help both men climb the ladder in WWE. The latter could finally get the boost he needs to become a world champion following a storyline with Graves.

#3. Corey Graves could team up with Carmella

Most WWE fans are already aware that Corey Graves is engaged to Carmella. The couple has reportedly been together since 2019.

WWE has seen many iconic couples compete together in the ring. Most recently, Beth Phoenix returned to team up with her husband Edge to take on The Miz and his wife, Maryse. WWE could plan a similar angle for Graves and his fiance.

Carmella is the current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion. Bringing her and Graves together could be great for the company.

They have been one of the most popular couples for some time. Their partnership in the ring will allow WWE to build some big storylines. It would be great to see the couple go up against Lynch and Rollins or The Miz and Maryse to determine who is the “It Couple” in WWE.

#2. Corey Graves could find his first opponent at WWE Royal Rumble

News of Corey Graves's clearance to compete in the ring has come at a great time. The annual Royal Rumble Premium Live Event is on the horizon, and fans have seen many retired stars make their returns at the show.

Recently retired WWE legends Christian and Edge returned to the ring at Royal Rumble. The company could plan to do something similar for Graves as well.

Graves could turn out to be one of the surprise entries for the men’s Royal Rumble match this year. His entry could draw a huge ovation from the WWE Universe.

He could also become one of the final four men in the ring. A superstar could then eliminate him, planting the seeds for a rivalry between them in the process.

It could lead to a grudge match between Graves and a mid-card superstar at WrestleMania. Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, or Ricochet could prove to be great first opponents for him.

#1. Corey Graves could reignite his rivalry with Seth Rollins in WWE

Back in 2012-2013, Corey Graves and Seth Rollins competed in a few matches in WWE NXT. The latter also teamed up with Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose to take on Graves, Adrian Neville, and Xavier Woods in a dark match.

In November 2021, Graves' teased his in-ring return by sending out the tweet below:

Seth Rollins was quick to reply to his former opponent's Tweet and stated that he would love to hand Graves a beating once again.

"I’ll gladly whoop that a** one more time. #filthparade," replied Seth Rollins.

The Visionary is among the greatest heels today and could give Graves a tough fight if the latter returns to the ring again. Whereas Graves could return to the ring and try to get back at Rollins to become a top babyface in the company.

Would you like to see Graves return to the ring? Let us know in the comments below.