Corey Graves WWE teaching has taken an unexpected turn as WWE commentator Corey Graves, also known as Matt Polinsky, has begun teaching at Point Park University’s School of Communication. This opportunity arose when Graves, recognized for his wrestling commentary, started engaging with broadcasting students on campus through guest lectures.
The Journey from Guest Speaker to Educator
Initially invited to speak with students interested in broadcasting, Graves impressed both wrestling fans and those focused solely on media production. His rapport with young learners caught the attention of the university’s communication dean, Dr. Bernie Ankney, who saw potential beyond a few guest appearances.
“I was invited over the last year or two to speak at Point Park College to their broadcasting students. It was wrestling-centric, but there were also quite a few students who were broadcasting specific, not necessarily wrestling fans. It went well; they asked me to come back again, and I did. The second time went better than the first,”
said Polinsky in an interview with TribLIVE.
Dr. Ankney noted the positive impact of Graves’ interaction with students.
“I was really impressed with the way he interacted and mentored 18,19, 20-year-old students and just watching the energy he brought to his presentation. I thought it would be worth looking into Corey teaching a class. Somebody like that, if you put him in the classroom, students are familiar with his work,”
Ankney explained.
Development of the Live Sports Production Course
Following this initial success, Graves helped design a course titled Live Sports Production that runs for three hours each week. The class highlights storytelling, commentary techniques, and the emotional connection broadcasters must develop with their audience. Currently, 12 students have enrolled in this inaugural session.
Corey Graves’ Professional Background Leading to Academia
Graves was born into a wrestling family and launched his career on the independent circuit in the early 2000s. In 2010, he briefly shifted to sports radio at Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan but soon returned to wrestling.
Signed by NXT in 2011, Graves’ in-ring career ended in 2014 due to injuries. He transitioned into commentary the same year, ultimately becoming the lead color commentator for WWE Raw. His voice has been featured at eight WrestleMania events and broadcasts worldwide on major networks and streaming services.
This move into education not only allows Graves to share his extensive industry knowledge but also gives students firsthand insight into sports production and commentary, potentially shaping the next generation of broadcasters with real-world expertise.
