Wade Barrett Open To WWE In-Ring Return?

"I never retired from the ring..."

by Andy H Murray
Wade Barrett
WWE

Wade Barrett was recently interviewed by the Gorilla Position podcast, touching on all kinds of topics relating to his professional wrestling career - including a potential in-ring return.

"I have never retired from the ring," said Barrett. "My focus at the moment is 100% on broadcasting, working with NXT, and telling stories verbally. I will tell you there is some gas left in the tank. That's not to say 100% I will be back in the ring, maybe I never will, but if the right opportunity presents itself at the right time, I could see something happening."

Barrett, 40, hasn't wrestled since the 4 April 2016 episode of WWE Monday Night Raw, where he teamed with Sheamus to face The New Day's Kofi Kingston and Big E. Booted from the League of Nations stable that same night, he was let go from WWE in the aftermath, having decided against renewing his expiring contract.

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Out of professional wrestling until April 2017, he returned via WCPW/Defiant Wrestling, where he served as a commentator and General Manager. He came back to WWE to ostensibly take the now-departed Mauro Ranallo's seat in the NXT announce booth in August.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.