48-year-old star unlikely to wrestle again; unless he gets the chance to face Bryan Danielson
A former WWE name has just set the record straight regarding his in-ring career and how he was not competing in the ring anymore purely by choice. He also ended up hinting at the possibility of coming out of retirement to face Bryan Danielson. This would be Nigel McGuinness.
Both stars had a rivalry around more than a decade ago in Ring of Honor, but this only ceased following the British star's early retirement from the business. Since then, he has been working as a color commentator, beginning with WWE and now with AEW.
During his recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Nigel McGuinness talked about how he could still compete in-ring, but he felt that considering where he was in his life, and how much talent there was on the AEW roster, this may not be his best move.
“I’ve got dozens more matches in me,” said McGuinness. “It’s just that, at this juncture in my life, and with so much talent in AEW, it’s not my time.
He then revealed that the only instance where he could consider coming back to the ring was to prove a point against Bryan Danielson.
“Unless, of course, there’s a chance to prove I’m better than Bryan Danielson - and prove everything he got in his life was luck. To the millions - and millions - who weren’t watching Ring of Honor back then, that would be a chance for them to learn the truth.” [H/T - Sports Illustrated]
McGuinness revealed that apart from Bryan Danielson, he was inspired by two former WWE veterans
In a recent interview on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, Nigel McGuinness spoke about his rivalry with Bryan Danielson and how all roads seemed to lead to it, but he has been holding back as he felt that other talent deserved the spotlight instead.
He then talked about Adam Copeland and Christian Cage and how they have been an inspiration to him. McGuinness mentioned their ability to still go all out in the ring, but also serve as a source of knowledge for the next generation of wrestlers.
“It certainly feels like that. You know what I mean? It certainly feels like that. All roads to me, I think certainly aimed towards him. Because there's so much talent in AEW, so many young guys who deserve those spots. I’m very inspired by Christian Cage, obviously, and Adam Copeland as much as I'd hate to admit it. These guys can show that they haven't lost a step. They can still go and all the knowledge that they have, they can convey and pass on to the next generation by being in the ring with them as well."
At this point, it seems that the former WWE name wishes to simply continue his role as a color commentator. But, it is a well-established fact that one can never say never in this industry.