The Untapped Potential Of WWE’s Commentary Team: Could Wade Barrett And Corey Graves Return To The Ring

In the world of professional wrestling, the line between in-ring performer and commentator has continued to blur. Now, two of the most recognizable voices in WWE, Wade Barrett and Corey Graves, have been subjects of speculation of a return to in-ring competition. This interesting possibility looks at the backgrounds of these two talented individuals, the current state of WWE’s commentary teams, and what their in-ring returns could mean to the company.

Wade Barrett on the Rise

Wade Barrett burst onto the WWE scene back in 2010 as the leader of the infamous Nexus faction. With his massive, hulking presence and quick wit on the microphone, Barrett became one of the company’s top heel performers almost immediately. During his initial run with the WWE, Barrett won the Intercontinental Championship several times and was also the winner of the 2015 King of the Ring tournament.

Despite the success, Barrett decided to take a break from in-ring competition in 2016 due to burnout and a desire to pursue other opportunities. However, his time away from WWE was relatively short-lived. In August 2020, Barrett made a surprise return to the company as a color commentator for NXT. His straight-edge style and experience as a former Superstar brought a fresh perspective to the announce desk.

Corey Graves: From Wrestler to Voice of WWE

Corey Graves’ career started in 2011 when he joined WWE as a wrestler. While showing promising signs in NXT—even winning an NXT Tag Team Championship—Graves’s career would be cut short in the ring because of concussions. Rather than look at it as a setback to his time in WWE, Graves began using his charismatic ability in 2014 when he transitioned to working as a commentator for the company.

Over the last decade, Graves has taken his voice in the WWE as well as in broadcasting and elevated it to become one of the most iconic in WWE action. That in itself could’ve made Graves great as a color man for both RAW and SmackDown for nearly two tenures of more than five years apiece. It makes him quite impressive in wit at times with huge flair when having to help describe stories between commentary of matches.

Recent Developments and Speculation

Indeed, over the past months, both Barrett and Graves have been involved in some pretty interesting happenings that have, for either of those two, created speculations towards possible returns to the ring.

Teases and Opportunities of Wade Barrett

While Barrett has focused on commentary mostly, he does not completely rule out his return to the ring. Barrett said the following in a November 2024 interview about the possibility of an in-ring comeback: “Absolutely it would be Drew McIntyre. He’s someone I go way back with and have been very close friends with the guy over the years. He did talk a little smack to me a few weeks ago on Raw, and I haven’t forgotten about that.

This light-hearted banter with McIntyre has led many fans to speculate if WWE is setting the stage for a possible Barrett return. At 44 years young, Barrett is still younger than some of WWE’s top stars, such as AJ Styles and CM Punk, which would indicate he could still have a few good years left in him if he wishes to compete.

Corey Graves’ Frustrations and Possible Storylines

Corey Graves has found himself in the headlines as of late, most notably for some seemingly public frustration in his move off SmackDown to NXT. In a since-deleted social media post, Graves exclaimed, “Imagine chasing your dream. Then being TOLD (not deciding) that you’re no longer physically able to pursue your dream. Then you dedicate your life to something ‘dream adjacent’ and being pretty f**king awesome at it. And then, when it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, being told you’re not famous enough for your own job”.

There were even speculative suggestions that this may be part of a storyline, but sources indicate Graves is genuinely frustrated. Of course, that real drama could hold significant traction for on-air storytelling and perhaps might lead to Graves going back to wrestling action.

Barrett and Graves’ Potential Return to the Ring

If Wade Barrett and Corey Graves were to make in-ring comebacks, it could be quite the outcome for WWE’s product and storytelling possibilities.

New Matchups and Rivalries

Both Barrett and Graves have been out of active competition for several years, so there are plenty of new matches to make with them. You could turn back the clock and involve Barrett with Drew McIntyre all over again, or you could tap into his upper echelon heel days and pair him in a feud with one of the current fan favorites, such as Cody Rhodes or CM Punk.

Graves would be an entirely new proposition for many of WWE’s current stars, having never had the opportunity to show what he could really do in-ring on the main roster. The fact that he is in a real-life relationship with Carmella is another storyline angle that can be used to add intrigue to his return.

Blurring the Line Between Reality and Fiction

WWE has always done best when it can blur the lines between reality and fiction. The real-life frustrations of both Barrett and Graves could be woven into compelling storylines that keep fans guessing about what’s real and what’s part of the show.

For example, Graves’ apparent unhappiness over his move to NXT could be the impetus for a storyline in which he seeks to prove himself by returning to in-ring competition. This could contextually lead to tensions with other commentators or even a rivalry with Pat McAfee, who has also moved seamlessly between commentary and in-ring roles.

Elevating the Prestige of Commentary

Having two respected commentators return to in-ring competition, WWE could raise the prestige of their announce teams even higher. It would further cement the notion that their commentators are not just broadcasters but knowledgeable wrestling experts who could hold their own in the ring when needed.

This could also open the door for more dynamic storytelling involving the commentary team: scenarios where Barrett or Graves have to call matches involving their rivals or where in-ring actions have an impact on relationships with their broadcast partners.

Challenges and Considerations

While the idea of Barrett and Graves returning to the ring is exciting, there are a number of challenges and considerations that would need to be addressed.

Physical Readiness and Safety

Both Barrett and Graves have been away from regular in-ring competition for several years. Returning to the rigors of a full-time wrestling schedule would require significant physical preparation to ensure they can perform safely and at a high level.

In the case of Graves, his history of concussions would have to be highly considered. Though he has been medically cleared to return to wrestling, WWE would have to be very careful in how much they use him to avoid further injury.

Balancing Roles

The WWE would really have to tread carefully in working out how to balance Barrett and Graves between performing and commentating. Would they continue commentating while wrestling, or step away from the announce desk altogether?

A delicate balance that could make or break the success of their returns and overall quality of the WWE broadcast.

Manage Fan’s Expectation

After all, Barrett and Graves would take the time to redistribute themselves as in-ring performers within the mind of the audience when, for over the years, they had only known them as commentators. That would mean a period of acclimatization: shake off the ring rust and get used to the WWE style today.

Conclusion

The fact that Wade Barrett and Corey Graves may return to in-ring action opens up some interesting avenues for WWE. With their histories as both wrestlers and commentators, this could lead to some new, interesting storylines that will blur the lines between reality and fiction.

Admittedly, it does come with some challenges, but the rewards would be great, having two informed and articulate performers inside the ring and out at commentary. Continued evolution for WWE in finding new ways to engage an audience can’t afford to look past what Barrett and Graves might tap into as in-ring performers.

Although this is still speculation, it is going to take time and patience for fans to learn how many will actually become real. Perhaps just the sound of those probable return factors has already won excitement amidst the murmurs of speculation created between the fans. At the very same pace as each unfolding year paces us toward and beyond 2025, keep both Wade Barrett and Corey Graves on the radar because they may, by all means, surprise at any moment by stepping outside an announce desk into a squared circle.