Credit: WWE.com
Wade Barrett is reportedly “off the road” and will no longer be part of WWE’s main roster commentary teams following a recent shakeup, according to multiple credible sources. The shift comes after the announcement that Michael Cole and Corey Graves are now the exclusive commentary team for Friday Night SmackDown, with no current plans to move Barrett to Monday Night Raw’s announce team.
Commentary Team Changes on SmackDown and Raw
During the September 5, 2025 edition of SmackDown, Michael Cole revealed that he and Corey Graves would be the new commentary duo on the blue brand for the foreseeable future. This marks a significant change from prior weeks when Barrett had shared the booth, often providing analysis and insight. In addition to this, the latest reports reveal that Cole and Graves will also handle commentary duties on Raw. For Graves, this is a notably heavier workload, as he returns to calling both of WWE’s flagship weekly shows after a brief hiatus from main roster commentary.
According to PWInsider Elite, Wade Barrett will not be traveling with WWE “going forward” and is not slated to join the Raw commentary team, effectively removing him from regular TV commentary roles. The exact reason behind Barrett’s absence remains undisclosed by WWE, though this pivot has led to ample speculation among wrestling fans and insiders alike.
Potential Link to Nikki Bella Controversy But No Confirmation
There has been speculation regarding whether Barrett’s removal from commentary is connected to a recent public disagreement with Nikki Bella. During the Clash in Paris pay-per-view pre-show, Barrett made a remark suggesting Nikki was “desperate” to prove she still belongs against the newer generation of WWE superstars, a comment that sparked backlash. Nikki later expressed on her podcast that Barrett had avoided her on the Raw following Clash in Paris, which Barrett denied, stating on Twitter he had not purposefully avoided her and that he was always open to conversation.
This feud appeared to be resolved quickly, with Barrett confirming on social media that the two had “smoothed things over” and that he remains a proud member of the “Bella Army” dating back to their developmental days in FCW. Barrett urged fans to stop sending personal abuse to Nikki on social platforms, highlighting a mutual respect despite differences of opinion.
Importantly, sources close to WWE have neither confirmed nor denied that the commentary lineup change is linked to this incident. A WWE insider told Wrestling News, “There’s always a lot at play in booking and creative decisions around commentary roles. While Barrett’s recent situation with Nikki created chatter, that wasn’t officially cited as the reason for his departure from the commentary booth.”
What’s Next for Wade Barrett?
With his WWE commentary duties on hold and no immediate plans for him on Raw announcing, Barrett will likely focus on other backstage or off-air roles within WWE. While “off the road” could suggest he will not appear on live touring episodes, it does not necessarily imply a complete departure from the company.
Backstage sources hint that Barrett’s experience as a former Intercontinental Champion and his strong mic skills could see him involved in WWE’s creative system or digital content development. However, no specific projects have been confirmed at this time.
Corey Graves Takes on Expanded Role
This shakeup elevates Corey Graves’s role tremendously as he now serves as the lead analyst for both Raw and SmackDown alongside Michael Cole. Graves, who briefly stepped away from main roster commentary earlier in 2025, has been reintegrated to fill this dual role, demonstrating WWE’s trust in his adaptability and insight across brands.