WWE legend Wade Barrett says US Champ Austin Theory could tempt him into in-ring return

EXCLUSIVE: Wade Barrett may be happy behind the commentary desk, but told the Daily Star that if he returned the squared circle, Austin Theory would be a top-choice opponent

10:41, 02 Mar 2023

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Its going to take a lot to pull Wade Barrett away from the WWE commentary table and back into the ring but the Brit legend has said Austin Theory might be the one to do it.

A former Intercontinental champion in his in-ring days, Barrett is now firmly established as one of the voices of SmackDown - one of WWEs top weekly shows.

The Lancastrian has settled nicely into the role alongside Michael Cole where he brings his own style and an air of Britishness to the action on the blue brand.

Barrett was an accomplished performer in his own right but hasnt wrestled for WWE since leaving 2016.

[Wade Barrett is a former WWE Intercontinental champion]

Wade Barrett is a former WWE Intercontinental champion(Image: WWE)

Given hes still only 42, its not unreasonable the former Bad News Barrett could make a comeback. Although he told Daily Star he has no major itch to do so despite being adamant hed love to "slap the hell out of" fellow Brit Drew McIntyre.

In an exclusive chat with Wade, the Daily Star asked whether there was a rising talent impressing him enough to tempt him into stepping between the ropes once more - and one answer quickly emerged.

Current WWE United States Champ Austin Theory has many of the traits Barrett proudly displayed when bursting on to the main roster scene in 2010 as a brash, arrogant upstart.

Its little surprise, then, that the 2015 King of the Ring winner has taken quite a shine to one of WWEs top young stars.

He explained: There are so many youngsters coming through right now that Ive been really impressed with.

Im going to cherry pick one that I worked with a bit in NXT. Hes young, up and coming and I think hes got a huge future, and thats Austin Theory.

[WWE United States champ Austin Theory has been impressing Wade Barrett]

WWE United States champ Austin Theory has been impressing Wade Barrett(Image: WWE)

That guys ceiling is as high as any [in] this young pack of Superstars coming through right now.

I think Theory probably has another 15-20 years at the top if he wants it and can keep going, and stay fit and healthy.

In terms of his personality, his confidence on the mic, his smarts behind the scenes and of course his athletic ability, hes a guy who could really go to the top.

Thats the kind of person I would certainly be looking at if it was to be a youngster Id step in the ring with.

On seeing much of his early self in the emerging Theory, Barrett says he sees the starlet making it all the way to the top of WWE.

He has such brilliant athletic skills and thats counter-balanced by the fact hes such a deplorable character on the show, he went on to say. Hes easy to hate.

[A brash Barrett made a main roster splash with Nexus in 2010]

A brash Barrett made a main roster splash with Nexus in 2010(Image: WWE)

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.

The average fan isnt supposed to like Austin Theory and I think hes doing a good job of being the antagonist on the show.

I think, over time, hes going to keep climbing the ladder and get to those main event type roles where the focus is more upon him than it has been over the past year or so.

But the growth curve for Austin Theory is just going up and up.

Tempted as he might be by Theory, its clear Barrett isnt planning to reach for the boots and spandex again just yet.

The Brit says hes loving life at the commentary table and insists it would take a special set of circumstances for him to work as an active wrestler again.

[Brit Barrett says he's very happy behind the commentary desk on WWE Smackdown]

Brit Barrett says he's very happy behind the commentary desk on WWE Smackdown(Image: WWE)

He insisted: Im not ruling it out maybe one day it will happen.

Id be surprised if I ever got to a point where I wanted to do it full time like a Sheamus or a Drew is still doing it.

But on a part-time basis or a spot match, if the storyline made sense, its not something Id rule out.

In terms of my future within the industry, I 100% see it in commentary.

"I am probably having more fun now in my current role than I ever have in any point in my career, from the independent scene [to] the main roster of WWE and main eventing shows like SummerSlam and Survivor Series in 2010.

Im having more fun sat at the desk commentating and, I guess, being a fan of the business again.

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