WWE colour commentator Wade Barrett recently announced his official retirement from in-ring competition. Having last wrestled in 2016, Barrett has since focused on commentary, working alongside Michael Cole and Joe Tessitore since 2020. However, retirements in WWE are often taken with a pinch of salt, as many superstars who have stepped away have returned for special matches. Wade Barrett could very well return for one final, memorable bout with WWE.
In this article, we explore four potential opponents Wade Barrett could face in his last match.
**#4 Drew McIntyre**
Drew McIntyre would undoubtedly be WWE’s top choice if Wade Barrett returns to the ring for one last match. The two share a long history, having been former FCW Tag Team Champions together. Fans were teased with a potential matchup last year, during McIntyre’s storyline with CM Punk, when WWE uploaded a video of Barrett leading The Nexus on their official YouTube channel. Unfortunately, the match never materialized due to McIntyre’s ongoing rivalry with Punk.
Currently, McIntyre remains a heel on WWE programming, while Barrett continues his role as a commentator on Monday Night RAW. Once McIntyre completes his storyline with Cody Rhodes, WWE could bring these two greats together for a classic feud. A WrestleMania event would be the perfect stage for their final showdown.
**#3 John Cena (If He Enters the “Last Time Is Now” Tournament)**
Wade Barrett and John Cena share an epic rivalry that dates back to 2010, when Barrett debuted on the main roster as the leader of The Nexus. Barrett initially dominated Cena with repeated victories, leading to a heated battle at SummerSlam. There, Cena’s team defeated Barrett’s faction, marking the end of King Barrett’s reign and one of WWE’s most popular heel groups.
Despite how that chapter closed, a final match between Cena and Barrett remains a tantalizing possibility. For this to happen, Wade Barrett would need to participate in the 16-man “Last Time Is Now” tournament. After overcoming other competitors, Barrett could face Cena in the tournament final at Saturday Night’s Main Event (SNME) on December 13 in Washington, DC.
**#2 Sheamus**
Another compelling opponent for Barrett is Sheamus. The two have squared off numerous times in the past and were also members of the now-defunct heel faction, The League of Nations. Alongside Alberto Del Rio and Rusev, the group pushed a controversial anti-U.S. narrative that ultimately failed to resonate with fans and was disbanded within five months.
Sheamus remains an active WWE superstar, while Barrett continues his commentary duties. It wouldn’t take much effort from WWE’s creative team to reignite a feud between these two and set up a final match at WrestleMania 42 next year.
**#1 Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Gunther**
Gunther stands out as a formidable opponent for Barrett’s potential return. Earlier this year, Barrett’s comeback was heavily speculated when Gunther attacked Pat McAfee on RAW and later routed him in a singles match at Backlash. Barrett was notably absent from RAW commentary during that time, fueling rumors of his return to confront Gunther.
While Gunther has not appeared since SummerSlam, a teased rivalry between him and Wade Barrett could still be developed. Their clash could culminate in a high-stakes WrestleMania match next year, offering fans one last unforgettable encounter.
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Wade Barrett’s official retirement may be in place, but WWE’s history of surprise returns suggests that he may yet lace up his boots for one final showdown. Whether it’s against Drew McIntyre, John Cena, Sheamus, or Gunther, fans have plenty of reason to anticipate a spectacular farewell match from the Nexus leader.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/4-final-wwe-opponents-wade-barrett-recent-declaration
