Wade Barrett's WWE Commentary Future In Doubt Announcing Change

While the reasons behind this decision remain unverified, speculation has swirled that it could be connected to Barrett’s comments about Nikki Bella during the pre-show of Clash in Paris. However, no official statement has confirmed this link.

Barrett, who has earned praise as one of WWE’s top commentators alongside Joe Tessitore, made remarks about Bella, suggesting she was “desperate to prove she still has it against this new generation that has changed the game.” Bella later went on her podcast and mentioned she was disappointed in the remarks and suggested Barrett had been avoiding her backstage.

He later clarified on social media that he had no issue with Bella personally, stating, “I had no idea Nicole felt this way, and I'm happy to have this 'conversation' any time she likes. I wish she'd brought it up when we said hello to each other at Raw, rather than via her podcast. I don't understand the avoiding claim at all, simply not true.”

Fans Are Rallying Behind Barrett

Despite the controversy and uncertainty of Barrett's future as a commentator in WWE, his fans have begun to rally around him. Pointing out that as a heel commentator, his comments were in line with his on-screen persona and not terribly offensive. Many believe what he said was no worse than heel commentators of the past. With that in mind, if he is being removed from his position, it might have little to do with the back-and-forth between himself and Nikki.

Some insiders, including PWInsider’s Mike Johnson, noted that Barrett’s removal could also relate to WWE’s broader announce team succession plans.

Barrett did comment on the situation on social media, saying he smoothed things over with Nikki and that two had spoken. He noted that he is now “back in the Bella Army,” joking about being a “fully paid-up member since FCW 2008.”

We'll have more news as the situation becomes clearer and there is confirmation from WWE as to the change to the announce crew.