Nigel McGuinness shared an interesting nugget of information.
After 12 years as an in-ring performer, Nigel McGuinness ventured down another path in the wrestling industry — commentary. Currently, McGuinness finds himself behind the announce desk of AEW Collision alongside Tony Schiavone. As he continues to call the action in the ring, McGuinness also continues to take aim at “The American Dragon” Bryan Danielson, whom he previously rivaled in Ring of Honor.
Danielson and McGuinness also entered conversations with WWE around the same time. Unfortunately, McGuinness’ hope of wrestling for WWE was squandered when he failed a preliminary medical screening. Meanwhile, Danielson moved forward in WWE, later becoming a multi-time world champion.
McGuinness Steps Into A Ring Again
While discussing his disparaging comments toward Danielson with Wrestling Weekly, Nigel McGuinness noted that he recently stepped into a wrestling ring again.
“All the time that I was in WWE, how difficult it was for me, and I think a lot of the… I don’t want to say the jealousy and the bitterness, but those sort of emotions that certainly existed between me and Bryan and the success that he’s had.
“When I was in WWE, seeing so many of my peers coming up and having that level of success, and that level of fame and fortune was very difficult for me, certainly, to sort of accept,” McGuinness said. “Especially when I could still wrestle today. I got in the ring last week and just felt perfectly ok. Sometimes, people say it’s a lot easier if you choose yourself to quit and I don’t think that it’s the case. “
McGuinness’ last match took place in December 2011, as he took on TJ Phillips in a losing effort at APWA’s 3rd Annual Holiday Grand Prix. There is no word on if McGuinness is planning an official return to in-ring action.
H/T to the Wrestling Observer for the transcription.
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