What Happened To Wade Barrett?Who is Wade Barrett?
WWE fans are abuzz with speculation as Wade Barrett, known for his commentary role in WWE since 2020, underwent a significant change in his assignment. Barrett was absent from RAW commentary, with Pat McAfee replacing him alongside Michael Cole. This move sparked speculation that Barrett might transition to SmackDown to join Corey Graves as an analyst. WWE’s release of Kevin Patrick from his contract prompted a series of adjustments within the commentary team, with McAfee’s return to commentary at the 2024 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event hinting at these changes.
Wade Barrett, whose real name is Stuart Alexander Bennett, is an English-American professional wrestling commentator, actor, and retired wrestler. Born on August 10, 1980, Barrett gained prominence in WWE after winning the inaugural season of NXT in 2010. Throughout his career, he headlined several WWE events and won the Intercontinental Championship five times. Barrett’s contributions to WWE extended beyond the ring as he transitioned into a play-by-play commentator on the Smackdown brand.
Barrett, originally Stuart Alexander Bennett, began wrestling at 21, trained by Jon Ritchie and Al Snow. He debuted in 2004 as Stu Sanders in the UK wrestling scene before joining WWE in 2006. Initially in Ohio Valley Wrestling, then Florida Championship Wrestling, he adopted the name Wade Barrett. In 2010, Barrett won the inaugural season of NXT and led The Nexus, a rebellious group in WWE. He later formed The Corre and became known as Bad News Barrett, holding the Intercontinental Championship multiple times. After leaving WWE in 2016, he briefly returned as a commentator in 2020, first for NXT, then SmackDown and Raw.
Alicia Fox and Wade Barrett, both WWE stars, met in 2010 and fell in love. Barrett, known for his wrestling skills, and Fox, a pioneer in women’s wrestling, enjoyed a strong bond for almost two years. However, they realized they wanted different things and decided to remain friends. Despite their breakup, Fox faced personal challenges, like her mother’s homelessness, which she couldn’t share with Barrett due to his emotional reserve.
The changes in Wade Barrett’s role within WWE have left fans eager to see how his career will continue to evolve. As developments unfold, his impact on the world of professional wrestling is sure to remain a topic of interest for fans and followers of the sport.