Wade Barrett sends heartwarming message to WWE colleague
The WWE Universe often supports its own. The life of a pro wrestler can go in various directions, and unfortunately, talents are forced to take unwanted journeys at times. A fan-favorite in WWE knows all about this, especially today, as fans are looking back at his early retirement and what could've been. Wade Barrett took a similar path to find the success he has, and now he's publicly reached out.
The British Bullhammer left World Wrestling Entertainment on May 6, 2016, due to the schedule and creative burn-out, almost eight years and seven months after signing. Wade has not wrestled since, noting then that he'd return when the time was right, but acting was his focus. Barrett returned in August 2020 for one NXT commentary appearance but later signed a deal and currently calls RAW with Joe Tessitore.
Corey Graves is another wrestler-turned-commentator in WWE. The Pittsburgh native began his journey at age 16 in 2000 and signed a NXT developmental contract in August 2011. After suffering concussions in late 2013 and early 2014, Corey returned at NXT TakeOver: R Evolution to announce his retirement due to injuries while beginning his commentary career. He now calls SmackDown with Michael Cole.
The Savior of Misbehavior marked the ten-year anniversary of his WWE retirement on social media today. Graves admitted that he still misses in-ring action and that he had no backup plan. The 40-year-old then seemed to indicate that he was happy and content with how things turned out. Barrett would be among those who can relate, and he responded with a show of support that included nine words and one emoji.
"I'll drink to that, here's to the next 10 [clinking beer mugs emoji]," Wade Barrett wrote.
Graves went viral late last year for teasing a big return to the ring after he was cleared, but nothing ever came of it. While unable to wrestle, Graves did briefly hold the 24/7 Championship on November 8, 2021, during RAW.
Another major WWE milestone celebrated today
Corey Graves isn't the only one who had a major night exactly ten years ago at the WWE NXT TakeOver: R Evolution event. Kevin Owens made his in-ring debut for the company that night on December 11, 2014.
The Prizefighter defeated CJ Parker, aka Juice Robinson, in his first-ever WWE match at TakeOver. Owens also attacked longtime friend and partner Sami Zayn after the main event, which led to KO winning the NXT Championship exactly two months after debuting.
Owens and the company have not publicly commented on today's milestone as of this writing. However, officials did release a new 43-minute episode of their Retrospective series, featuring stories and thoughts from Owens on his first decade with World Wrestling Entertainment.