WWE made yet another adjustment to its NXT broadcast team this week, continuing a recent trend of changes at the commentary desk.
With Booker T absent for a second consecutive episode, viewers tuning into NXT heard a familiar voice alongside Vic Joseph.
Last week’s show featured Corey Graves filling in on commentary. This time, however, WWE turned to a former NXT mainstay whose return brought a touch of nostalgia to the black-and-silver brand.
Wade Barrett returns to WWE NXT commentary alongside Vic Joseph
Before NXT went on the air, the show’s official social media account shared a backstage segment featuring General Manager Robert Stone and Vic Joseph.
The pair attempted to locate an unidentified individual who was expected to join the commentary team. When their efforts came up empty, Stone assured Joseph that he would handle the situation.
The mystery was solved moments later.
As the show opened with the Evolve Championship match between Aaron Rourke and Tristan Angels, Wade Barrett emerged as the replacement commentator. Barrett joined Joseph at the desk. This marked another temporary shake-up to the NXT presentation while Booker T remained away from the broadcast.
For longtime NXT fans, the pairing felt like a reunion tour rather than a one-off cameo. Barrett served as a full-time member of the NXT commentary team from August 2020 until October 2022. He worked alongside Joseph before moving to WWE’s main roster commentary team.
The appearance also carried historical significance. According to reports, this marked Barrett’s return to NXT roughly 1,400 days after beginning his transition away from the brand. His final stint as a full-time NXT commentator came ahead of Worlds Collide in August 2022.
Barrett is currently part of SmackDown’s commentary team alongside Joe Tessitore, making his return to NXT an unexpected but welcome surprise. While there has been no official word regarding Booker T’s absence, WWE’s recent commentary shuffle has certainly kept fans guessing.
For now, Barrett’s return added another layer to NXT’s presentation — proving that sometimes the best commentary changes are right “down the Wade.”
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