Wade Barrett has been confirmed as the fill-in for Pat McAfee for the January 20th Raw from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
ESPN announced earlier this week that McAfee will be a part of the broadcast team for the College Football National Championship game between Ohio State and Notre Dame, calling the action from inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Due to the ongoing drama over the Raw commentary position, fans wondered who will replace the former NFL star on the show. Barrett then revealed during the latest episode of SmackDown that he’ll be joining Michael Cole on Monday.
WWE made changes to both Raw and Smackdown commentary teams to start off 2025. With McAfee’s return to the company, Michael Cole was put back with the Football star on Monday nights. The duo of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett who had been on the Red Brand were moved to Friday nights.
These changes left Cole’s existing partner Corey Graves in an awkward position. Despite being only behind the EVP in experience among the mentioned names, Graves was forced to return to NXT instead. The Savior of Misbehavior was visibly unhappy with what he considered a demotion.
He was taken off TV by the company after Corey took to social media to express his frustrations in now-deleted tweets. Graves’ status remains very much in the air since then with no updates on his return to TV.
WWE has announced a match between Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre for Monday’s episode of Raw as well as an appearance from JBL. The New Day are also expected to compete at the show but their opponents have not been confirmed.
Wade Barrett recently shared his thoughts on the dynamic between heroic (babyface) and villainous (heel) characters in WWE.
Currently a commentator in WWE, Barrett enjoyed a successful career as a heel wrestler during his in-ring days. Under his ‘Bad News Barrett’ persona, he developed a unique connection with the WWE Universe, earning cheers despite being positioned as a villain.
In a recent interview with AceOdds, Barrett was asked about heel wrestlers who excite fans. The former Intercontinental Champion expressed that an “exciting heel” is a contradiction, as heels are intended to provoke negative reactions. Once they start receiving cheers, they cease to be heels. Here’s how he explained it:
“Exciting heel to me is an oxymoron. The problem with exciting heels is that people jump up on their feet and start cheering the second they walk out, at which point they’re no longer heels. They’re getting cheered. They’re the good guy now. They’re the babyface. We’ve seen that over the years with several people. We saw it with The Rock in the late nineties. I’m an old-school fan and remember sitting at home watching The Rock trying his best to come out and insult towns and audiences, do the most heinous things, and people would explode because they were so excited about seeing The Rock and being entertained by him.”
Barrett also pointed to WWE United States Champion LA Knight as an example of how heels can transition into babyfaces. He noted that Knight’s natural charisma and fan reactions led to his shift in alignment:
“I think more recently, if you look at an LA Knight, I think the original game plan was that LA Knight was going to be an antagonist. He was going to be mean to people, but again, he was so exciting and everyone got electrified and buzzed the second he was on the screen. Hey, you aren’t the heel anymore, pal. Those are two classic examples of the pitfalls of being an exciting heel, which they both turned into their benefit, of course. They sell a lot of T-shirts as a result. But yeah, exciting heels don’t last long. They become exciting babyfaces instead.”
It has been nearly a decade since Barrett last competed in the ring. Recently, the WWE Raw commentator revealed his interest in having one more match and even named Drew McIntyre as a potential opponent.
It’s been close to a decade since Wade Barrett last stepped into the ring as a competitor, but the commentator is ready for one more match. Speaking with Phil Johnson for PWMania, Barrett was asked for his ideal opponent if he wrestles again, and had a fellow Superstar from the UK in mind.
“Absolutely it would be Drew McIntyre. He’s someone I go way back with and very close friends with the guy over the years. He did talk a little smack to me a few weeks ago on Raw and I haven’t forgotten about that. I’m not going to make a major deal of it, but he’s lucky he stopped where he did.
“Let’s just put it that way because if he did take one more step forward, the old bull hammer would have come out, boom, knocked him on his ass, and perhaps that in-ring comeback would have happened by now, but I’m not clamouring for anything like that.”
The pair’s real-life friendship has been no secret on WWE TV, with Barrett attempting to calm McIntyre during his post-Money in the Bank tirade. The incident Barrett is referring to though took place on the September 9, 2024, edition of Monday Night Raw and saw McIntyre warn Barrett to stay out of his way amid the Scotsman’s feud with CM Punk.
What Barrett Loves About Triple H’s Leadership
Should Barrett step into the ring again, it’ll be a decision that’ll involve the 44-year-old and WWE CCO Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque. In the interview, Barrett spoke highly of the unpredictable nature of Levesque’s creative direction.
“I love the fact that today, I don’t know who’s going to be in the main event of the next premium live event. I have absolutely no clue what the card is going to look like. I don’t know if Cody Rhodes is going to be anywhere near the card, he might be left off and he’s one of the biggest stars we’ve ever seen. I don’t know if Roman Reigns is going to be there, CM Punk might be back, I have no clue. That to me is really, really exciting and I think that one of the key factors in the success of Triple H is his ability to keep the audience guessing and not be so formulaic.”
Triple H also excels in “tying up loose ends” Barrett adds, and has thrived in preserving continuity since taking the creative reins from his father-in-law.
“I think he has a real respect for the need to tie up loose ends and call back things that maybe happened a year ago that everyone forgot about.”
Whether Barrett proves to be one of those callbacks fans are reminded of in the ring, that remains to be seen. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Wade Barrett and his potential return to competition.
The September 9 episode of WWE Raw ignited rumors of a potential in-ring return for Wade Barrett after an on-screen confrontation with Drew McIntyre. McIntyre, following his recent attack on CM Punk, addressed Barrett during a segment, prompting wrestling fans to wonder whether the former WWE Intercontinental Champion might be considering a return to the squared circle.
Barrett, who officially retired from in-ring competition in late 2015 after a series of injuries, was released from WWE in June 2016. He returned to the company in 2020, not as a competitor, but as part of the commentary team on NXT. Despite his current role behind the announce desk, the possibility of a comeback remains a topic of discussion within the wrestling community.
WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL) added fuel to the fire during a recent interview on Huge Pop. JBL expressed his belief that Barrett still has something to offer inside the ring if he’s willing to take the chance. “If Wade has that desire, I say go for it,” JBL stated. “Commentary will always be there for him, but the window for an in-ring career isn’t open forever. If it doesn’t work out, he can always come back to commentary.”
Barrett, a five-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, wrestled for WWE from 2006 to 2015. He was released the following year, before returning in 2020 and transitioning to his current role as a broadcaster. While there has been no official word from Barrett or WWE on a potential return, JBL’s comments suggest that the door is not entirely closed.
At the time of writing, Barrett has not indicated any plans to step back into the ring, leaving fans to speculate about what the future holds for the former leader of the Nexus.
WWE is boosting up it’s commentary bullpen in a big way with famed ESPN announcer Joe Tessitore. In a press release sent in to SEScoops, the company touted him as, “one of the most versatile and veteran voices in sports television.
He join the company as a play-by-play broadcaster beginning this summer working alongside analysts Wade Barrett and Corey Graves. Michael Cole and Pat McAfee will remain teamed up.
Tessitore has been a lifelong wrestling fan. He’s been gearing up for this opportunity and expresses the utmost respect for the WWE Superstars and broadcasters he’ll be working alongside.
“It’s an honor to be a part of WWE. The recent success and trajectory are undeniable,” said Tessitore. “Being there at WrestleMania XL, one could feel it – from Cody, Seth, Roman and The Rock, to creative and production, these are some of the very best storytellers in TV. Corey and Wade are absolute stars and it is my privilege to join their team. Pat and Cole are just magical together and Cole is the greatest to ever sit in that chair. As a lifelong viewer, I’m humbled to join this team and to serve our fans.”
Triple H on Joe Tessitore Joining WWE
WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque had this to say in the press release:
“Whether it’s a world title fight that’s got the globe buzzing or a college football rivalry that’s grabbed the nation’s attention, Joe’s voice provides that big event feel each time he is behind the microphone.
We’re excited for Joe to join legendary WWE broadcaster Michael Cole and our esteemed announce team, bringing his signature energy and meticulous preparation to our WWE telecasts each week.”
Over the past few months, Graves has steered the SmackDown ship as the lead play-by-play man with Barrett being on color commentary. Graves didn’t miss a beat in the new role as his usual broadcast partner Michael Cole joined up with Pat McAfee on WWE RAW.
Tessitore has a notorious commentary past in the fight game. He’s been the go-to voice for boxing on ESPN, led their Monday Night Football coverage and called College Football Playoff games.
If you peel back the relationship layers, Tessitore signing with WWE makes plenty of sense has he has a long history with WWE CEO Nick Khan. Khan actually used to be the super agent for Tessitore and now the two will be under the WWE banner together.
Experienced sports commentary names outside of WWE haven’t always been successful when they sit behind the pro wrestling commentary table. Mike Adamle and Adnan Virk both assumed play-by-play roles on WWE RAW and unfortunately, both didn’t last long.
The frustrations of Drew McIntyre boiled to the surface after WWE Money in the Bank 2024, with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce paying the price.
During the show, McIntyre won the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder match, and true to his word, decided to cash in on the very same night. McIntyre inserted himself in the World Heavyweight Championship match between Damian Priest and Seth Rollins. Unfortunately for the Scottish Warrior, CM Punk was around to ruin his cash in and Priest retained the World Heavyweight Championship.
Drew McIntyre Loses It
This is the third PLE that has seen Punk cost McIntyre the title, following on from WrestleMania 40 in April and last month’s Clash At The Castle: Scotland show in Glasgow. At the WWE Money in the Bank post-show, McIntyre was understandably frustrated by this latest setback. In a fiery outburst, McIntyre could be heard yelling “I know where your family lives” as referees tried to stop him from going further.
When Raw GM Adam Pearce tried to get involved, he earned an elbow from the Scottish Warrior. Wade Barrett tried to be the voice of reason as he understood that McIntyre is “pissed” but said hitting Pearce again would ensure McIntyre’s career would be over and he would never get a shot at CM Punk.
All signs are pointing to a match between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre which many have predicted will take place at SummerSlam 2024. If so, it’ll be Punk’s first match since the 2024 Royal Rumble where he suffered a triceps injury Drew has taken credit for. WWE SummerSlam will take place on August 3, from Cleveland, Ohio.
WWE made a big change to the SmackDown announce team when they took Kevin Patrick off of his duties. It was confirmed a short time later that Patrick has been released from the company, but they still needed to figure out a replacement.
According to PW Insider, Wade Barrett has been moved over to SmackDown to replace Kevin Patrick. The new SmackDown announce team will be Corey Graves and Barrett.
The future broadcast team for WWE SmackDown involves Wade Barrett and Corey Graves. Graves is set to take on the lead announce position, while Barrett will continue in his role as a color commentator.
The reason given to me for Kevin Patrick’s removal was that it just wasn’t working out. Now, Barrett is taking that role for him.
WWE RAW’s New Announce Team
Pat McAfee was revealed as the new full-time announcer on RAW. He will sit alongside Michael Cole every Monday night to call the action in the ring. That helped facilitate this change for Barrett’s blue brand move.
Wade Barrett’s Career In WWE
Wade Barrett’s real name is Stu Bennett, which he has used for several projects outside WWE. He had a notable career in WWE as a Superstar as well.
He joined the company in 2007 as part of the developmental system, Florida Championship Wrestling, and he rose to prominence in the first season of NXT, as he won the competition.
Barrett later led the group known as The Nexus, making a significant impact in storylines. Throughout his WWE tenure, he engaged in various feuds and alliances, including commentator and an authority figure role.
After leaving WWE in 2016, Barrett pursued other ventures, contributing to his diverse career in the wrestling industry. He eventually returned to WWE in 2022, where he was placed on the NXT announce team. He was later placed on main roster commentary, and that is where we find ourselves today.
WWE SmackDown commentator Wade Barrett hasn’t wrestled in years, but the Englishman is ready to don his trunks one more time with the right opponent.
Barrett debuted on WWE TV in early 2010 and after winning the first season of the original NXT, would form The Nexus with his fellow ‘rookies.’
After a run with The Corre and winning the 2015 King of the Ring, Barett would part ways with WWE, before returning as a commentator in August 2020.
One More Match
At 42 years old, Barrett isn’t a fresh face in WWE but still remains in great shape, meaning one final match is a possibility.
Speaking to the Daily Star, Barrett named reigning WWE United States Champion Austin Theory as someone he’d consider wrestling.
“In terms of his personality, his confidence on the mic, his smarts behind the scenes and of course his athletic ability, he’s a guy who could really go to the top.
“That’s the kind of person I would certainly be looking at if it was to be a youngster I’d step in the ring with.”
Wade Barrett.
Theory has certainly proven himself since his return to WWE’s main roster in 2021, and is in his second reign as U.S. Champion.
Though not confirmed, it is believed Theory will face John Cena at next month’s WrestleMania 39, with the former World Champion returning on next week’s Raw.
Comparisons
Like Theory, Barrett was once a youngster who was pushed to the very top of WWE, as the Englishman was headlining Pay-Per-Views mere months into his career.
In the interview, Barrett acknowledged the similarities between himself and the reigning U.S. Champion.
“In terms of being easy to detest, early in my career a lot of people probably really hated me, too, when I was with Nexus… so I have some admiration for that – that impresses me even more about him.
Wade Barrett.
Barrett was moved to SmackDown last year as part of commentary reshuffles across all three brands and is filling in for Pat McAfee, who is working on ESPN’s College Game Day.
Could WWE SmackDown commentator Wade Barrett have one last Bullhammer elbow up his sleeve?
Barrett debuted on WWE’s main roster in 2010 as part of NXT and later the leader of the Nexus, but left in 2016.
A five-time Intercontinental Champion, Barrett returned to WWE in 2020 as an NXT commentator and was recently moved to SmackDown.
Always
At 42-years-old, Barrett is younger than some of WWE’s top stars today, including Brock Lesnar and AJ Styles (both 45) and Bobby Lashley (46.)
Speaking on the Out of Character podcast, Barrett was asked whether he has the itch to step back in the ring as a Superstar one day (via eWrestlingNews.)
“Always. You know what, I’ve never ruled out getting back in the ring one day. I won’t say it’s high on my list of priorities… I think my body could hold up, I’m still in very good shape.”
Wade Barett.
While Barrett is on-board with a return, he added that he does not believe he is ‘mentally’ capable of a full-time in-ring return.
The British wrestler added that he would not want to give up his role as a commentator either.
Bruising
Barrett may have the itch to return, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to jump back in the ring tomorrow.
Speaking about his first night as a SmackDown commentator, Barrett said he had mixed feelings after watching that night’s main event between Sheamus and GUNTHER.
“I’m seeing these two for three segments of the show beating the hell out of each other. I’m seeing it up close and personal, I’m seeing the bruising. Suddenly I’m like, ‘You know what? Two hours ago, I felt like I wanted to get back maybe.’ Now, I’m watching these two, I’m like, ‘Hell no!’ Because I know that if I come back, they aren’t putting me with the light guys.”
Barrett also named Drew McIntyre as another likely name WWE would put him in the ring with.
The landscape of WWE has changed dramatically across all three of the company’s brands, at least at the commentary desk.
This week, WWE will begin their ‘season premiere’ week of programming, starting with tomorrow night’s SmackDown on FOX. Next week’s Raw and NXT will also serve as the season premieres of the red and gold brand.
The following three shows of WWE programming will be stacked for the season premieres and will feature brand-new commentary teams.
Wrestle Votes were the first to report that changes were expected to Raw’s commentary team before more information was provided by Variety. Their report, later confirmed by WWE, announced that the company is returning to two-person commentary teams across all three of its brands.
Smackdown
For tomorrow night’s SmackDown, Michael Cole and Wade Barrett will be calling the action, with the former Intercontinental Champion moving from NXT.
Raw
Next week’s Raw will see Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves behind the table, with Patrick being promoted as a full-time member of the Raw commentary team.
The Irish announcer had previously served as a backstage interviewer and provided commentary on the July 24, 2022, Raw.
Byron Saxton, who had been on commentary for Raw, has been moved to a role as an onscreen interviewer.
NXT
For NXT, the new commentary team will see Vic Joseph returning to the role, now working with Booker T.
The two-time WWE Hall of Famer has previously served as a commentator for Raw and SmackDown, and regularly makes appearances on kick-off show panels.
Premium Live Events
For major WWE events such as WWE Premium Live Events, Cole and Graves will be the commentary team.
Wade Barrett has confirmed he’s signed a contract extension to remain with WWE.
Barrett was interviewed by BT Sport recently, where he discussed his two-year anniversary with WWE since returning in 2020. He has been serving as a commentator over on NXT, and announced he recently signed a contract extension with WWE.
“Glad to hit my two-year anniversary. Just signed a new extension to my contract actually. Contract was up so [it was extended]. Yeah it’s been two years, so very happy.
“I think it was August of 2020 when I came back, and last week agreed to the new deal so very very happy to be staying around with WWE and continuing in my role with NXT. Thrilled to be in that environment. Loving it.”
Barrett initially joined WWE back in 2006 as an in-ring talent. After runs in WWE’s then-developmental territories of Ohio Valley Wrestling and Florida Championship Wrestling, he went on to win the first season of NXT, earning a WWE contract.
Wade Barrett
However, his debut turned out to be Barrett leading a new faction built up of NXT rookies from the show’s first season, attacking John Cena and CM Punk during the main event of RAW on June 7 of 2010.
Barrett would go on to become a five-time Intercontinental Champion, as well as becoming King Of The Ring in 2015. In 2016 he was granted a release from his contract, taking a break from in-ring competition.
He finally returned to the fold with WWE in his current role with NXT in August of 2020.
When Wade Barrett left WWE in 2016, many expected him to return to the promotion sooner or later. Very few, however, thought that he would be returning as a full-time commentator for NXT. The former IC champion returned to the promotion in August 2020. He replaced Mauro Ranallo who was released by the officials. Barrett has been the lead commentator for the developmental brand ever since.
The former Nexus leader was the latest guest on Corey Graves’ After The Bell. Explaining why he took the commentator job, Barrett revealed that he was first given the opportunity by the late Dusty Rhodes. According to him, it was something that was always in the back of his mind:
“I left WWE in 2016. I’ve been with the company close to 10 years through developmental and all that stuff. I was really kind of burned out by 2016 and looking not only to step away from WWE but from the industry in general. So I kind of took a couple of years, went away, did some other things like acting, some TV hosting and slowly but surely as tends to be the case the love for sports entertainment wrestling, came back. [So] I started doing some independent things here and there.
Wade Barrett continued: “The one thing that I always knew I wanted to do when I got a little older, I didn’t want to be a coach. I didn’t want to be a trainer or set up my own training school, which a lot of guys do. I really wanted to be a commentator. When I was back in developmental in Florida Championship Wrestling in 2009, I was actually a commentator there under Dusty Rhodes. He decided to give me a shot at that and he really liked what I was doing. I was working with Byron Sexton who was the play-by-play guy, so I always knew, Okay, that’s in my back pocket. One day I [would] love doing that. I’d love to get back to it one day.”
Wade Barrett Explains How He Got Hired As A Commentator
Wade Barrett
Wade Barrett then explained how he got the position in NXT. Michael Cole first contacted him in the summer of 2020. The two sides talked for a while but a deal was not made. At first, Barrett was told that it was going to be a while before he can take up the position, but then things changed in a very WWE manner:
“Thankfully I got a call from Tom Phillips and Michael Cole back in summer 2020 saying ‘look, we’ve got a position opening up. We think you be great for it. We’ve seen what you’ve done before. We think you’re a good fit for the show. Are you interested?’ Two or three weeks after chatting with them, they’re like, ‘yeah you know, probably come back in about six months or something like that. It’s gonna be a little while.’ Then I got an emergency phone call from Michael Cole: ‘Hey, we need you in tomorrow. Can You get on a plane? We need you to start right now.’ [I went] ‘Okay, yeah, let’s do it.’ So, as is the case in WWE, things change very rapidly.”
If you use any quotes from the article please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription
WWE NXT commentator and former Superstar Wade Barrett recently appeared on the WWE After the Bell podcast with fellow NXT Commentator Vic Joseph. Barrett discussed a number of topics during the interview, including teasing a potential return to in-ring action for the Brit.
After an impressive wrestling career, Barrett reveals he always had sights on being a broadcaster.
“It was always a career goal of mine from way back to be an announcer,” Barrett began on the podcast. “I always thought I’d do it one day after I retired. I was lucky enough in 2008 under the tutelage of Dusty Rhodes, who was one of my mentors for Florida Championship Wrestling.”
“I did the commentary for the FCW TV show, the developmental version of WWE back then” Wade Barrett continued. “I always knew I wanted to be an announcer one day, fortunately this opportunity came up for me at the right time, got a call from Michael Cole, invited me along and it’s been a lot of fun ever since.”
Wade Barrett’s In-Ring Future
Barrett finished by telling Vic Joseph that there’s a chance he may return to the ring for WWE. He’s enjoying his current role, but he believes he’s still got what it takes to compete with today’s top Superstars.
“Hey, I’m all about the big paydays Mr. Joseph,” Barrett said. “It will not take much to remove me from the seat next to you and get back in the ring. I will say, very much enjoying my job with NXT but I have always made sure there’s at least a little bit left in the tank.”
AEW on-screen Coach and former WWE Agent Arn Anderson recently discussed the Nexus faction on his ARN podcast. This week’s episode is focused on the TLC 2010 event, which saw John Cena defeat Wade Barrett in the main event of the show.
At the time the Nexus were one of the top factions in the company, with Wade Barrett looking set to become WWE Champion. The crowning of Barrett would never happen, meaning that he would not become the fabled first-ever British WWE Champion. That honor would go to Drew McIntyre almost a decade later.
Arn Anderson would say that WWE were always looking to make Nexus/Barrett a massive part of the on-screen presentation; but this just never materialised due to a stop-start approach to booking.
Arn Anderson on PG Era
“It was the era of Cena” Anderson would begin on the podcast. “Which meant we were pointing towards children, having a PG product. Which was a far stretch from the Attitude Era, obviously, you know about as far as you can get.”
“I felt like we were trying to go with the Nexus full bore” Anderson would continue. “But it was start and stop. They [WWE] wouldn’t just go ahead and pull the trigger. I think the number of guys that were filtered through a card? There was probably seven or eight of those guys and you would filter them through a card…they were well represented, but they [WWE] weren’t pushing them. They never really pushed some heat on them, and I think that was a big mistake.”
Do you agree with Arn Anderson? Do you think that WWE could’ve made a much bigger deal with the Nexus group? Let us know in the comments
Wade Barrett has shown interest in making an in-ring return after joining the NXT brand as a commentator and he has also exchanged words with the current WWE Champion Drew McIntyre in recent times.
However one of the biggest hurdles in the former Nexus Leader’s way back to in-ring action would be his physical shape. During a recent interview with BT Sport, the WWE star revealed how long it will take him to get back in the ring shape.
Barrett explained that even though he is not in the ring shape at the moment, he is still in good shape and claimed that he will need about three months to get his ring rust off:
“I’m not in ring shape at the moment, but I’m in good shape. To get in ring shape I will probably need three months of knocking out that ring rust to step back in the ring, but currently, my focus is purely on the announcing booth in NXT.”
"We're pro-wrestlers, we're never done, there's definitely some left in the tank."
"I feel like if I want to, or the opportunity that excites me comes up I'll be ready."@StuBennett won't rule out a return to the ring, but his focus is on commentary in NXT… for now 👀 pic.twitter.com/iwjECVXB1P
Wade Barrett also reiterated his words about possibly getting back in the ring if the right opportunity arises and discussed how there are many WWE stars who are older than him and are still doing great work.
Do you think Wade Barrett should make an in-ring return at this stage of his career and who would be the best opponent for his return match? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
NXT announcer Wade Barrett continues to talk trash about WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.
Barrett told Digital Spy last week that he could be lured out of retirement by the prospect of challenging McIntyre for the WWE Championship.
“The only thing I didn’t achieve in WWE that I always wanted to achieve was to become the WWE Champion, and that title is now held by an old friend of mine, Drew McIntyre,” said Barrett. “So taking him on for that title is something that certainly might tempt me back for a match or two.”
Barrett is now antagonizing McIntyre and playing mind games with the champ. The two have a long history together. They were tag team champions in former WWE developmental territory Florida Championship Wrestling. They they lived together earlier in their careers, where Barrett recalls mercilessly bullying the reigning champ.
He told BT Sport, “The truth is, he knows I can batter and humiliate him. Whenever I feel like I’m ready, it isn’t a question of Drew McIntyre calling me out. Whenever I’m ready, I can just step in the ring and take whatever i want from him. He knows that. He’s aware of it. And one day, perhaps, the world might see it.”
You can see footage of Barrett’s comments in the tweet embedded below.
Drew McIntyre has since replied to the tweet, telling Barrett, “Stay behind your desk grandpa, your stand-in has a better chance than you do”
Stay behind your desk grandpa, your stand-in has a better chance than you do https://t.co/lt6JSscFK0
Drew McIntyre was the #1 pick in the 2020 WWE Draft. He will remain on the Raw brand. He’s been WWE Champion since dethroning Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36.
WWE.com is teasing this trash talk could lead to a showdown between the two competitors.
The recent NXT return of Wade Barrett as a commentator has made fans wonder about a possible in-ring return for the former wrestler and the WWE star himself has not declined the possibility.
During his recent interview with DigitalSpy, the former Nexus leader talked about a number of things and revealed the match which can tempt him to return to the squared circle.
Barrett first mentioned how he never won the WWE championship during his original run with the company. He then talked about the current champion Drew McIntyre holding the title and claimed that the opportunity to take the belt off McIntyre could tempt him to return for a match or two:
“The only thing I didn’t achieve in WWE that I always wanted to achieve was to become the WWE Champion, and that title is now held by an old friend of mine, Drew McIntyre. So taking him on for that title is something that certainly might tempt me back for a match or two.”
Though while continuing, the former champion expressed that even if he makes a comeback, his return wouldn’t be for a long run and according to Wade Barrett, if he returned, then he would be chasing the sunset of his career:
“In truth, if I was to come back as a full-time in-ring guy, I really would be chasing the sunset of my career. I don’t think there’s that many more years left in me,”
Apart from this, Wade Barrett talked about things like his love for music, the possibility of a UK PPV and more. You can check out his full interview at this link.
Wade Barrett has officially signed with WWE to remain on the NXT broadcast team.
The news was first reported by Sports Illustrated and later confirmed by WWE. He has been part of the announce team in recent weeks alongside Vic Joseph and Beth Phoenix after being away from the company for a few years.
Barrett decided to leave WWE in 2016 and hasn’t wrestled a match since then. He has stayed in the pro wrestling business where he has worked as a wrestling commentator for various promotions.
“I hope this lasts for a long time, that’s our intent,” Barrett told SI. “So there is no bad news to share, but never forget, there is always a little bad news up my sleeve.”
Part of that was due to his passion for acting as well as there were not being many viable alternatives in terms of wrestling promotions in the United States.
Up until his WWE return, he had replaced Jim Cornette on the announce team for the weekly NWA Powerrr show on YouTube.
Barrett also sent out these tweets about signing with the company:
Former WWE on screen personality and NWA commentator Jim Cornette recently commented on Mauro Ranallo leaving WWE and NXT.
Mauro Ranallo recently parted ways with the company reportedly to focus on his mental health work and other projects. During the Jim Cornette Experience, the outspoken Cornette would comment on Ranallo leaving the NXT commentary booth.
Jim Cornette on Mauro Ranallo
Initially, Jim Cornette would question why Mauro would leave the company during the pandemic era. “Believe me, anybody wants to quit the WWE? If you’re f*cking on the road every week and doing TV in that environment? I can understand that fully. But why pick now where you’re doing a TV show once a week from your house?”
“Mauro Ranallo was perfect for NXT” Jim Cornette continued. “He did get amped up every once in a while a little too far over the sh*t that obviously he didn’t need to be amped up for. But still he was just, I don’t know how they’re gonna replace him?”
Cornette would then discuss the man who seemingly will be replacing Ranallo on the show. Wade Barrett recently appeared on NXT as a ‘one-off’ but he is reportedly negotiating a longer term deal with WWE.
It’s an interesting piece of news for Cornette to comment on, as he himself was replaced by Wade Barrett/Stu Bennett in NWA. “Wade Barrett, a nice enough straight man there, you know color guy whatever but Mauro had the energy. Beth is the female voice, she’s doing a good job. But Mauro put a lot of energy into that programme sometimes when there wasn’t a lot.”
Do you agree with Jim Cornette on the situation with Mauro Ranallo? Let us know in the comments
Wade Barrett returned to WWE recently to work at the NXT commentary booth last week. Mauro Ranallo is out dealing with a family issue at the moment.
According to multiple sources, WWE and Barrett are currently negotiating an agreement that would see him return to the promotion full-time as a commentator.
Barrett’s Superstar Profile has already been added back to the NXT section of WWE.com:
The 40-year-old former Nexus leader with WWE from 2006 through 2016. Barrett joined the broadcast team for episodes of NWA Powerrr in December of 2019.
Barrett was the winner of season 2 of NXT back when the program was a reality game-show style competition. He would then serve as the leader of the Nexus faction beginning in 2010. Barrett would go on to be a 5x Intercontinental Champion. He also won the King of the Ring tournament in 2015.
Wade Barrett WWE Return Reportedly In The Works
Shortly after Barrett made his WWE return as a commentator on NXT, his former stablemate in the Nexus, Bray Wyatt/Husky Harris, commented on his return.
Former WWE Superstar Wade Barrett (real name Stu Bennett) is set to return to the promotion for this week’s episode of NXT. According to Pro Wrestling Sheet, Barrett will be appearing on NXT to provide commentary.
This will mark his first appearance on WWE programming since 2016. Sources state that this is a one-time appearance as of this writing and that he has not signed a new full-time contract with WWE.
Four years ago, the former five-time WWE Intercontinental Champion decided to not re-sign with WWE. Since leaving the promotion, Wade Barrett has been focusing on his acting ambitions.
Regarding his recent contributions within the pro wrestling world, Barrett has been involved with the National Wrestling Alliance. He has been recently providing his announcing skills for the promotion’s show, NWA Powerrr prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
Barrett was also a part of the United Kingdom’s ITV World of Sport Wrestling announce team. That project was short-lived and failed to get traction due to WWE expanding its presence into the UK wrestling scene.
WWE was said to have attempted to bring Barrett and his former Nexus stablemates together for WrestleMania 36. Barrett recently spoke on the offer made by WWE, revealing he turned it down. He cited that he didn’t like the deal or storyline presented to him, and so declined.
Former WWE Superstar and NWA Commentator Stu Bennett recently appeared on Ryback’s Conversation With The Big Guy podcast. The former Bad News Barrett discussed a number of topics during the interview, including his recent discussions with WWE and when he plans on getting back into the ring to wrestle.
“I will make this clear right now as I don’t want to be misinterpreted. I’m not looking to get back in the ring anytime soon” Stu Bennett began on the podcast.
Stu Bennett on Returning To The Ring
“At some point in the future? I know 100% that I need to go back and rewrite the ending at least” Bennett continued. “I can’t leave it forever on how things ended with me because it was a very, very bad time. [with] a lot of disappointment of course. But I don’t want to people to think out there ‘yeah give me a call I’m gonna get back in the ring tomorrow.’ That’s not where I am at all.”
Stu Bennett would elaborate further, saying how happy he is with his current commitments outside of a wrestling ring. “I’m quite happy with the lifestyle I have right now. Of course with the virus and a lot of stuff going around it’s another reason I don’t want to be travelling at the moment. And, I love working with NWA and that’s something that whatever else I do outside of that? I hope to continue working with NWA and doing commentary with them. I love doing that, they have a great schedule and they have a great product that I enjoy.”
NJPW or ROH?
Bennett would finish by discussing which promotions he would consider speaking with to wrestle again. “I’d of course be open to something with Ring of Honor or New Japan. But, I can’t see anything for the rest of this year in 2020. I will be very surprised if I was in a wrestling ring this year.”
Where would you like to see Stu Bennett/Wade Barrett end up? Let us know in the comments
Wade Barrett is keeping the possibility of a return to in-ring action open.
The former WWE star recently did an interview for the Wrestling Inc. Daily Podcast where he noted that while he has put more of a focus on his acting career, he still has the ambition to perform in the ring.
“I am not retired in any sense of the word, in terms of pro wrestling. I love doing commentary, and I love working with NWA, as that’s been a goal of mine, for a long time,” said Bennett. “I started off in FCW working for Dusty Rhodes and being the color commentator down there in 2008 to 2009, and I’ve always loved it, ever since. So, I’m really enjoying working with NWA on that. Obviously, things are shut down at the moment, and I don’t know when it’s all coming back. But at some point, it will kick off again.
He continued, “In terms of in-ring, maybe at some point; if the right place, the right time, the right offer, comes in. Then, I can see myself dusting off the boots…I might need some new trunks, as they might have gotten thrown out, but I still have the boots.”
Barrett decided to leave WWE in 2016 and hasn’t wrestled a match since then. Part of that was due to his passion for acting as well as there not being many viable alternatives in terms of wrestling promotions in the United States.
Barrett has stayed in the pro wrestling business where he has worked as a wrestling commentator for various promotions.
Former WWE Superstar Stu Bennett/Wade Barrett recently appeared on Colt Cabana‘s Art of Wrestling podcast. The former ‘Bad News’ giver would discuss a plethora of topics from his career. Including when he ‘knew’ he had to leave WWE.
“2016 is when I left. I think it was April or May 2016, and I told them ‘okay my contract coming up. I’m not re-signing” Stu Bennett began. “They [WWE] made me a couple of offers, ‘doesn’t matter what you offer me I need to leave, I f*cking hate it here.’ I needed that change.”
Stu Bennett on Leaving WWE
Stu Bennett would elaborate further, discussing how he fell out of love with WWE. “I loved my job probably until the end of 2014 beginning of 2015” Bennett revealed.
“Because I had done some exciting things and then some not so exciting things. But I felt I at least I had this carrot in front of me and I was excited about, you know, if I keep improving. Improve my physique? I’ll try and get ripped that’ll convince [them]. Oh no, maybe I need a catchphrase? And I got a catchphrase. Or maybe I need a T shirt that’s a big seller? Maybe I need to work on my in-ring skills? There was all these things; there was always something in my head on how I can improve them and improve this, improve that.”
“I became King of the Ring, which sounds like it should be impressive, but what it was followed up With? Zero writing”
– Stu Bennett
King of The Ring
Barrett would also discuss how the ‘accolades’ he was gifted ended up having diminishing returns. “I was sliding down the card and getting opportunities that I thought were kind of wasted. Like I became King of the Ring, which sounds like it should be impressive, but what it was followed up with? Zero writing.”
He continued in frustration, “You know, 30 seconds of writing. ‘Just have them wrestle for three minutes’ and ‘Have this guy go over Stu whatever.’ Yeah, there was that level of writing, week after week after week. And suddenly after putting in the effort I had to climb up the card and get to where I want it to be? I’m rewarded with what I thought was pretty disappointing to say the least.”
“It doesn’t matter what I’m doing here. I’m completely out of control with this”
– Stu Bennett
He finished by saying, “For me it was a realization that it doesn’t matter what I’m doing here. I’m completely out of control with this, I’m waiting for one man to give us a thumbs up or a thumbs down and I’m spending my whole career waiting and hoping that I get a thumbs up next week, next week, next week.”
Stu Bennett currently serves as a broadcaster for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
