In recent days, speculation has swirled around Wade Barrett’s status in WWE commentary, with reports suggesting he was removed from the SmackDown broadcast team indefinitely. Barrett, the former wrestler turned color commentator, has now publicly addressed these rumors, providing clarity on his current role and future plans within WWE.
The Rumor Mill: Barrett Off Commentary?
The controversy ignited following the September 5, 2025, edition of WWE SmackDown, where fans noticed Michael Cole and Corey Graves stepping in as the sole commentary team, replacing the previous trio that included Barrett and Joe Tessitore. This new arrangement fueled rumors that Barrett was permanently off commentary duties, stirring concerns among fans and insiders.
Some rumors linked Barrett’s absence to alleged fallout stemming from comments about Nikki Bella during the WWE Clash in Paris pre-show. Barrett had made candid remarks expressing skepticism about Bella’s current wrestling relevance compared to her past glory, which Nikki Bella later addressed publicly on her own podcast, saying she was disappointed by Barrett’s attitude and claimed he was avoiding her backstage interactions[3].
Wade Barrett Responds: “Complete Non-Story”
Refuting the swirling conjecture, Barrett took to his social media to call the reports “BS” and clarified his situation in no uncertain terms: “I usually ignore BS reports like this, but it’s causing needless hate to be spewed towards people I work with. WWE have kindly given me a couple of weeks off for personal time (booked nine months ago), and then I’m back to business as usual. A complete non-story. The end”[1][2].
This statement made it clear that his current break is a planned personal leave, not a termination or suspension. Barrett emphasized that his absence had been arranged long before the recent events, intending to return once his time off concludes.
Official Confirmation and Insider Perspectives
PWInsider’s Mike Johnson, whose reporting was cited as the origin of the rumors, quickly distanced himself from the inaccurate claims. Johnson stated, “I never ever reported Stu Bennett (Wade Barrett) was done as an announcer or done with the company. Absolute trash aggregation”[1]. This rebuttal from a respected wrestling news source adds weight to Barrett’s clarification.
According to a WWE insider familiar with the situation, “Wade taking personal time was agreed upon months ago. There was no connection to any backstage incidents or comments about talent. WWE values his contribution as a commentator and expects his return soon.”
Changes in WWE Commentary Landscape
Barrett’s temporary departure comes at a time of notable shifts within WWE’s commentary teams. Earlier this year, Pat McAfee stepped away from his Raw commentary duties, with Corey Graves stepping up to cover both Raw and SmackDown alongside Michael Cole. Graves had been considered somewhat “demoted” prior in the year but has now become a central figure in WWE’s main broadcast booth[1].
These adjustments hint at WWE’s ongoing strategic recalibration of on-air talent, but Barrett’s role remains secure beyond his short break.
Nikki Bella Fallout — Separating Fact from Fiction
The rumors connecting Barrett’s absence to Nikki Bella’s reaction to his pre-show commentary received considerable fan attention. Barrett’s comments were reportedly heel-typical, showing bias favoring Becky Lynch over Bella. However, insider sources clarify that this was standard commentary drama rather than a personal dispute causing professional consequences.
“You have to understand Wade’s role is to stir the pot vocally — that’s part of the character he plays on commentary,” said a backstage source close to WWE production. “The speculation about Nikki and any ‘blacklisting’ is overblown and not grounded in reality. WWE is very clear about separating work persona from personal matters.”
What’s Next for Wade Barrett?
While Barrett is currently off commentary for a couple of weeks, fans can expect his return to WWE announcing duties shortly. His track record as a respected commentator and former in-ring talent makes him a valuable asset to WWE’s broadcast team.
In the meantime, Barrett’s comments and PWInsider’s clarifications have helped to quell misinformation and reduce unwarranted negativity aimed at WWE personnel.
This episode serves as a reminder of the blurred lines that can exist between wrestling storytelling and backstage reality, especially involving on-air personalities who wear multiple hats. Wade Barrett remains a significant part of WWE’s broadcast future, and his brief hiatus is just that — temporary.
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