PITTSBURGH — WWE commentator and former pro wrestler Corey Graves will lead the Terrible Towel twirl before the Steelers home opener at Acrsiure Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.
Graves is the color commentator for the WWE’s SmackDown program, which airs Friday nights on FOX.
Graves, 39, is a Pittsburgh native and graduate of Gateway High School in Monroeville. He has frequently expressed his pride in his hometown and Steelers fandom in his broadcasts.
“As a lifelong fan, I am beyond honored and excited to kick off the Steelers season today at Acrisure Stadium by leading the Steeler Nation in the ‘Terrible Towel Twirl’ in a few hours!” Graves wrote on X.
As a lifelong fan, I am beyond honored and excited to kick off the @steelers season today @AcrisureStadium by leading the Steeler Nation in the ‘Terrible Towel Twirl’ in a few hours!
See Yinz there!#HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/kczxIfpoKS
— Corey Graves (@WWEGraves) September 10, 2023
He wrestled for NXT, WWE’s developmental promotion until concussions forced him to retire at 31 years old. He made the transition into broadcasting and has thrived in the new role.
Many Pittsburgh-based celebrities have started the Terrible Towel twirl at games in the past, with actor Joe Manganiello, comedian Billy Gardell, singer Chris Kirkpatrick and others.
The Steelers and 49ers will kick off at 1 p.m., with Graves’ towel twirl coming just before the start of the game.
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