In August 2020, Wade Barrett returned to WWE as a commentator for NXT. Barrett had previously been part of the WWE system from 2007 in Ohio Valley Wrestling through 2016.
Barrett hasn't wrestled since 2016 when he and Sheamus challenged for the WWE Tag Team Championships against WWE Tag Team Title: The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston).
Now, Barrett serves as a commentator on WWE SmackDown, making his debut on the brand on the October 6 episode.
Speaking to Ryan Satin on Out of Character, Barrett was asked if he had any desire to return to the ring.
"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 don't think I can physically do the full-time grind anymore, more mentally than physically. I'm still in very good shape and keep myself fit, but the mental grind of doing that job full-time for who knows how long would be very difficult for me at this point. I just have other avenues and things I enjoy doing, most obviously the commentary side, which I wouldn't want to give up. Walking down to that ring and hearing people yelling 'Boom' to me, it does start to make you think, 'Maybe I have a little left in the tank.' Then, that was my first night back, in the main event was GUNTHER against Sheamus and I'm seeing these two, for three segments, beat the hell out of each other. I'm seeing the bruising and I'm like, 'two hours ago, I felt like I wanted to get back, maybe. Now, I'm watching these two. Hell no.' I know that if I come back, they aren't putting me with the light guys. They're putting me in there with Sheamus, GUNTHER, Drew (McIntyre) and I'm getting my ass whooped every week. The commentary desk is a lot safer, I'll stay here for a bit," he said.
Barrett joked that Sheamus would find a way to give him a Brogue Kick if they were in the ring together, even if they were on the same team.
When asked if he's ever been approached about returning for a Royal Rumble spot, Barrett said, "Nothing at all. I was quite adamant when I came back and signed my original deal that I didn't want to be taking bumps or doing anything other than the commentary. I think if I pulled somebody aside and said to Triple H or Shawn Michaels or whomever, 'I would be interested in doing that,' I think they would be receptive to hearing me out. It's not something I've done, it's not something they've approached me with. I'm quite happy with that for now."
Barrett signed an extension with WWE in August 2022.
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