WWE NXT News: Former Superstar Signs One-Year Deal As Part Of Commentary Team

KEY POINTS

Wade Barrett was a five-time Intercontinental Champion
Most of Barrett’s career was portrayed as a heel in the WWE
Barrett recently signed a one-year deal as part of the NXT commentary

Former leader of the menacing heel stable Nexus, Wade Barrett, is making his way back to the WWE as part of the commentary group. The five-time Intercontinental champion will be the new voice of the NXT broadcast team.

Known as Stuart Bennett outside kayfabe, he shared that he wants to make an impact in his new role.

“I hope this lasts for a long time, that’s our intent,” Bennett told Sports Illustrated.

The role Bennett portrayed before was a dominant figure inside the ring with an even larger voice during promos. The 40-year-old would always take it to the microphone to stir the crowd as a heel. Signing a one-year deal with the WWE will bring the perspective of a tough former wrestler analyzing the matches.

“So there is no bad news to share, but never forget, there is always a little bad news up my sleeve,” Bennett said as a reference to his “Bad News” Barrett character.

The intention of Bennett is to stand out and be a unique voice in the WWE programs. With Raw and SmackDown as the main brands of the organization, Bennett shared that he wants to add a different spin to the NXT shows. Joining him in the broadcast booth are former Women’s Champion Beth Phoenix and commentator Vic Joseph.

“We don’t want to be a carbon copy of what you hear on Raw or SmackDown. I’ve known Beth for years, and she is incredibly talented, and I am just getting to know Vic. I’m excited to learn from and work with both of them, and I’m really excited to develop this into a really tight unit,” Bennett added.

The last time Bennett was in the WWE was back in 2016. Also known as King Barrett, he was a former King of the Ring winner and participant of the first season of NXT.

"Pro wrestling has always been a true love of mine, especially commentary. Physically, I feel 100%. My body feels incredibly good. I’m not doing commentary because I had a career-ending injury. I want to focus on commentary because I’m passionate about it. That’s not to say I won’t pull the boots back on at some point, but commentary is my focus and I am extremely excited about it," Bennett explained.

The WWE community is looking forward to what this former superstar can bring to the company as a full-time member of the NXT commentary team.