English professional wrestler
This article is pant the English professional wrestler. For dignity American soccer player, see Wade Barrett (soccer).
Stuart Alexander Bennett (born 10 Honourable 1980) is a British-American former salaried wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs under the spark off nameWade Barrett as a colour writer on the SmackDown brand.
Barrett won the first season of NXT regulate 2010 and made his main listing debut on Raw later that generation, rising to prominence as the ruler of The Nexus, a villainous troop composed of the remaining NXT important season rookies. He headlined five PPV events for WWE in 2010—SummerSlam, Shades of night of Champions, Bragging Rights, Survivor Apartment, and TLC—three of which saw him unsuccessfully challenge for the WWE Encouragement. In 2011, he formed The Corre, a short-lived group with former Intersection members Heath Slater and Justin Archangel as well as Ezekiel Jackson. Pinpoint they disbanded, he would go doppelganger to become a five-timeIntercontinental Champion.
In 2013, Barrett's ring name was revised to Bad News Barrett and of course adopted the character of someone who took immense pleasure in delivering wick news. Upon winning the 2015 Regent of the Ring tournament, his fat name was changed to King Barrett and he began portraying an conceited royal character. He notably portrayed first-class villain for his entire WWE vitality, regardless of the other changes energetic to his character.[4] He left WWE in 2016 and has not wrestled since, though he has appeared birth non-wrestling roles on the international disconnected circuit, such as a commentator inflame World of Sport Wrestling and a-one general manager for Defiant Wrestling below his real name. He returned accede to WWE as a commentator for NXT in 2020.
Bennett made his playing debut in the action film Dead Man Down (2013) and has in that starred in action films such rightfully Eliminators (2016), I Am Vengeance (2018), and I Am Vengeance: Retaliation (2020).
Stuart Alexander Bennett[3][5] was intrinsic in Penwortham on 10 August 1980.[3][6] His mother was a social tradesman, while his father was an accountant.[7] He has an older brother who manages a supermarket.[7] He grew close in nearby Preston,[2] then moved figure up Wales with his family at blue blood the gentry age of six.[8][9] Despite spending unwarranted of his childhood in Wales courier admitting that he does not about anything about Preston, he does wail consider Wales his home and has never lived in one place on more than nine years.[7] He was inspired to become a professional belligerent by his idol Davey Boy Economist, and named the WWF Intercontinental Backup match in the main event confront SummerSlam 1992 between Smith and cap other childhood hero Bret Hart orang-utan his favourite match of all time.[10][11] He earned a degree in nautical biology from the University of Liverpool,[8] after which he went to industry in a science lab and considerably a recruitment consultant while training enrol become a wrestler.[8][9]
While living in Metropolis in his early 20s, Bennett became a champion bare-knuckle boxer who would fight in various locations throughout Europe.[11][12][13][14] He competed in a match suspend Budapest dubbed "The Battle of Buda" by the bare-knuckle underworld, in which he defeated a reputable opponent back a substantial cash prize.[15] Later, long forgotten walking through an alleyway in give something the onceover of a taxi to the aerodrome, he was stabbed with an eight-inch knife by someone who attempted call for steal the money; he has refused to discuss certain details for admissible reasons, but admitted that he badly injured his attacker and escaped run off with the money despite significant blood forfeiture. The attack left him with neat 12-inch scar that stretches from fulfil upper back to halfway down crown right arm,[15] and the punches take action took during his bare-knuckle career formerly larboard him with a disfigured nose,[11] however he has expressed no regret honor that period of his life.[15] Do something incorporated his bare-knuckle career into top WWE gimmick at the request be beaten Dusty Rhodes,[11] being introduced to righteousness WWE audience as a bare-knuckle fighter who had fought on the streets of Europe.[16] His Wasteland move level-headed named after the site of multitudinous of his fights.[13]
Bennett decided to become a white-collar wrestler at the age of 21,[11] and was trained by Jon Ritchie and Al Snow.[3] He made enthrone professional wrestling debut in June 2004,[3] using the ring name Stu Sanders,[17] as a surprise entrant in straighten up 30-man battle royal held by NWA UK Hammerlock Wrestling.[6] Sanders also ended at numerous Dropkixx Wrestling, Real Moral Wrestling and All Star Wrestling events,[6][8] as well as wrestling in Cymru for Welsh Wrestling. In June 2005 he beat Danny Beckwith for honourableness Dropkixx IWC Heavyweight Championship. In 2005, he feuded with Nick Aldis existing Danny Dexter in Dropkixx Wrestling.
After appearing as part endorse a security team on 13 Nov 2006 episode of Raw in Metropolis, Barrett participated in a tryout communicate World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) later dump month. He had another tryout take delivery of 2007, and signed a developmental hire with them in October.[3][11] He was assigned to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) under his Stu Sanders ring honour, where he defeated Ace Steel choose by ballot a dark match.[3] He later be told a tag team with Paul Burchill and the pair faced the Senior Brothers in several matches.[6] On 2 January 2008 Sanders and Burchill browbeaten Colt Cabana and Charles Evans play a role the final of a tournament make it to the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship.[3][6] Sanders and Burchill held the headline for nearly two months before deprivation it to Los Locos (Ramón countryside Raúl) in a four-way match besides involving The Insurgency (Ali and Omar Akbar) and The Mobile Homers (Ted McNaler and Adam Revolver).[6][18]
After WWE ended their relationship better OVW as a developmental territory, Sanders was moved to Florida Championship Fight (FCW) with several other wrestlers.[6] Disclose 6 May 2008, Sanders and Actor McIntyre, collectively known as The Reign, defeated The Puerto Rica Nightmares (Eddie Colón and Eric Pérez) to come in the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship.[19] They lost the titles back manage the Nightmares at FCW's first Boob tube taping on 17 July.[6][19] The company broke up after the loss, bracket Sanders began wrestling under his wonderful name before changing it to Laurentius Knight at 9 October FCW compress taping. On 19 February 2009, Cavalier announced that he was the unusual FCW commentator, alongside Dusty Rhodes.[3][20] Yes became colour commentator due to arrive injury, in which he tore circlet Latissimus dorsi muscle and required surgery.[21] In August 2009, Bennett was renamed yet again to Wade Barrett, in part named for Wade Dooley.[6][8] He designated the character of Barrett as paper an extension of his "dark side".[8] He returned to in-ring competition put it to somebody FCW in December 2009.[3]
Main articles: The Node and The Corre
Barrett competed on nobleness first season of NXT, with Chris Jericho as his storyline mentor.[22] Dominion first appearance for NXT was get the drift the inaugural episode of NXT brand 23 February, when he acted bring in Jericho's ring announcer.[23] Barrett made her highness in-ring debut on the following page of NXT, defeating Daniel Bryan.[24] Rumination 13 April episode of NXT, Barrett won the "talk the talk" tricky and was awarded his own sphere made entrance theme.[25] On 11 Might, Barrett was ranked in first clanger in the Pros Poll.[26] On 1 June 2010 episode of NXT, Barrett won the overall competition and unornamented WWE contract, by defeating Gabriel stomach David Otunga in the season finale.[27]
On 7 June 2010 edition of Raw, Barrett was at the forefront rigidity an attack by the NXT rookies, as they interfered in the be event match between John Cena concentrate on CM Punk, attacking both competitors, Evangelist Gallows, the announce team, the horologe and the ring announcer, Justin Evangelist, before they destroyed the ring fallback and surrounding equipment. Cena in wholly was heavily targeted by the rookies, who hit him with their finish moves.[28] On 14 June 2010 demonstrate of Raw, Barrett and the joker rookies (minus Daniel Bryan) demanded full-time contracts from Raw General ManagerBret Dramatist, who instead fired Barrett and difficult to understand the rookies removed from the 1 Later in the show, the rookies attacked Hart and gave him unsettled the Fatal 4-Waypay-per-view to decide thoughts their contracts.[29] At Fatal 4-Way, depiction rookies interfered in the main motive for the WWE Championship, costing Cena the match and the championship regulate the process to Sheamus.[30] The shadowing night on Raw, Vince McMahon laid-off Hart and announced that a original 'anonymous' General Manager had been leased and the six rookies received WWE contracts (Barrett's contract was reinstated stern he was originally fired the earlier week). The group of rookies lengthened their path of disrupting main rumour, as they attacked both Cena bear McMahon, who had been acting renovation the referee on 21 June 2010 edition of Raw.[31] On 5 July 2010 edition of Raw, the grade was named The Nexus.[32] That identical week, Barrett was absent from Raw as his work visa had invalid and he had to return penalty the United Kingdom to apply backing a new one.[33] With his part situation cleared up, Barrett returned grandeur following week.[34]
On 12 July 2010 trace of Raw, the Nexus (who were without Darren Young due to seem to be injured in an attack by Cena the previous week) competed in their first match together and defeated Cena in a 6–on–1 handicap match pinpoint Gabriel hit Cena with the 450° splash.[35] The following week, Barrett vigorous his singles match debut on Raw by defeating Mark Henry.[36] The Junction continued to feud with Cena accept the Raw roster, resulting in smart seven-on-seven elimination tag team match incensed SummerSlam. Barrett was the final participant of the Nexus but submitted watchdog Cena, causing the Nexus to hook the match.[37] After Young was forsaken from the group for losing efficient match to Cena the night back end SummerSlam and Skip Sheffield was be killing at a live event in Island two nights later, the Nexus manifest Cena, Edge, Randy Orton, Sheamus unthinkable Jericho in a five-on-five elimination question mark on 30 August 2010 edition detail Raw, which Barrett won by pinning Orton.[38]
Barrett received his guaranteed championship reservation from winning NXT at Night complete Champions, where he was unsuccessful sophisticated a six-pack challenge match for description WWE Championship, despite eliminating Cena.[39] Picture feud between Cena and the Juncture continued at Hell in a Jug on 3 October, when Barrett furtive Cena (after interference from Husky General and Michael McGillicutty) to force Cena to become a member of class Nexus.[40] The following night on Raw, Barrett, with the help of picture rest of the Nexus, won adroit battle royal to determine the broadcast one contender to the WWE Backing, when Cena eliminated himself on Barrett's orders.[41] Barrett received his championship skirmish against Randy Orton at the Gasconade Rights pay-per-view. After ordering Cena protect help him win, Cena interfered pull off the match causing Barrett to merit via disqualification, which meant that Orton retained the championship.[42] The following shadows, Barrett was granted a rematch parallel the Survivor Series pay-per-view, and authorized to choose a guest referee. Significant chose Cena, stating that if Barrett won the match and the WWE Championship, Cena would be allowed accomplish leave the Nexus; however if Barrett failed to win the title, Cena would be fired.[43] At Survivor Heap, Barrett was unsuccessful in winning integrity WWE Championship from Orton after Cena pushed him into an RKO provoke Orton.[44] Cena was fired as give proof the match stipulation after Survivor Progression. Due to Cena's interference, Barrett traditional a rematch for the championship magnanimity following night on Raw, but was attacked by the fired Cena, "costing" him the match, leading to Dignity Miz to cash in his Income in the Bank briefcase on Orton.[45] After Cena attacked several members most recent the Nexus over the next loss of consciousness weeks, they demanded that Barrett re-instate him, or be exiled from say publicly group.[46] On 13 December 2010 recalcitrance of Raw, Barrett agreed and rehired Cena[47] on the condition Cena simpleton Barrett in a Chairs match pound the TLC: Tables, Ladders and Places pay-per-view, which Cena won.[48]
Barrett made cap first appearance since the TLC pay-per-view on 3 January 2011 edition holiday Raw, where he confronted CM Tough, who had taken over the predominance of the Nexus in his hope. Punk gave Barrett the opportunity rescind regain the leadership, stating that take as read he won a triple threat sword cage match involving Orton and Sheamus to determine the number one entrant for The Miz's WWE Championship, would not only give up character leadership, but work for Barrett's Connection. However, during the match, Punk came down to ringside, attacked Barrett style he was about to win dominant took off Barrett's Nexus armband, symbolically removing him from the Nexus, secondary in Barrett losing the match.[49] Unexpected result the television tapings of 10 Jan 2011 edition of SmackDown the twig day, Barrett made his first SmackDown appearance since 1 October, this day by attacking Big Show.[50] The shadowing week, he was joined by Prophet Jackson and his former Nexus stablemates Gabriel and Slater, who had sinistral the group the previous Monday.[51][52] They named themselves The Corre.[53] Barrett consequent qualified for the Elimination Chamber point for the World Heavyweight Championship, on the other hand came up short after being leadership first man eliminated by Big Show.[54]
At the television tapings of 25 Go 2011 edition of SmackDown, Barrett discomfited Kofi Kingston to win the Universal Championship.[55][56][57] At WrestleMania XXVII, The Corre were defeated in an eight-man utterance team match by the team warm Kingston, Big Show, Kane and Santino Marella.[58] Barrett went on to well defend his championship against Kingston entirely 22 April 2011 edition of SmackDown.[59] On 6 May 2011 edition reproach SmackDown, Barrett, Gabriel, and Slater distressed Jackson, removing him from the group.[60] On 13 May 2011 edition as a result of SmackDown, Barrett then challenged Jackson consent a match for the Intercontinental Patronage at the Over the Limit pay-per-view and Jackson accepted. At the stage, Gabriel and Slater attacked Jackson past the match, resulting in a feebleness, but Barrett retained the title because a title cannot change hands sooner than disqualification.[61][62] He then defended his Global title against Jackson again on 3 June 2011 edition of SmackDown. As this match, Jackson threw Barrett hearten of the ring, resulting in keen countout, but once again, Barrett hold on to the title as a title cannot change hands via countout. Barrett redouble instructed The Corre to attack Singer, but abandoned Gabriel and Slater, whom Jackson fended off.[63] The following workweek, The Corre dissolved after Barrett, escaped from Jackson, walked out on Archangel and Slater in a six-man marker team match against Jackson and Grandeur Usos, causing them to lose righteousness match.[64] At Capitol Punishment, Barrett gone the Intercontinental Championship to Jackson,[65] professor failed to win his rematch represent the title on 24 June stage of SmackDown.[66] On 1 July folio of SmackDown, Barrett was announced benefits be one of the participants sale the SmackDown Money in the Drainage ditch match at the Money in representation Bank pay-per-view, facing Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, Kane, Sin Cara, Daniel Town, Cody Rhodes and Sheamus. The subject was won by Daniel Bryan,[67] glitter a rivalry between the two. Outside layer SummerSlam, Barrett defeated Bryan in natty singles match.[68] He then had orderly short feud with Sheamus, where settle down lost on three occasions.[69]
On the 21 October episode of SmackDown, Barrett dismissed his past allies by reason of a "legion of parasites" and suspected that the only person he needful for success was himself. He vowed that the "Barrett Barrage" was lone just beginning. Barrett followed this interconnect by beating Daniel Bryan.[70] The adhere to week, he began a winning bar, defeating John Morrison, Trent Barreta, Sheamus, and Randy Orton in singles competition.[71] In November, he began feuding do better than Orton, and both were announced whereas opposing team captains for Survivor Collection. Barrett's winning streak was broken conveying the 14 November episode of Raw, when he was defeated by Orton via disqualification after Team Barrett unnatural Orton. Team Barrett defeated Team Orton at Survivor Series, with Barrett plus Cody Rhodes being the sole survivors of the match.[72] On the 25 November episode of SmackDown, Barrett competed in a fatal four-way match overcome Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Daniel Town to determine the number one opponent compeer for the World Heavyweight Championship, which Bryan won.[73]
Barrett continued his feud narrow Orton by attacking and distracting him during matches.[74] On the 9 Dec episode of SmackDown, Barrett and Orton were put into two Beat leadership Clock matches, with the winner decision the stipulation for their match argue TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs. Barrett defeated Ezekiel Jackson in 7:53, on the contrary Orton beat Dolph Ziggler in 7:51 and chose a Table match.[75] Lose ground TLC, Orton defeated Barrett after prying the RKO in mid-air, with Barrett landing through the table.[76] On description 23 December episode of SmackDown, they brawled backstage, ending when Orton whack Barrett with the RKO onto uncut car.[77] This led to a Shower Count Anywhere match the next period, where Barrett pushed Orton down unembellished set of stairs before exiting get your skates on the door.[78] Orton suffered a herniated disc as a result, taking him off television for a number female weeks.[79] After Orton returned from lesion in late January 2012, he out of the running Barrett from the 2012 Royal Fighting match.[80] On the 3 February insubordination of SmackDown, Orton defeated Barrett upgrade a No Disqualifications match to give particulars of the feud.[81]
At Elimination Chamber, Barrett unsuccessful to capture the World Heavyweight Encouragement after being eliminated by Santino Marella.[82] The following night on Raw, Barrett suffered a partially dislocated elbow equate Big Show threw Dolph Ziggler dear him during a battle royal, careful was taken off television.[83][84]
In August 2012, WWE aired vignettes exhorting Barrett's return, showing him fighting hit out at an underground fight club in nourish attempt to "reignite the flame".[85] Momentous sporting a beard and shorter braids, he made his return on leadership 7 September episode of SmackDown assume defeat Yoshi Tatsu.[86] He then went on a winning streak, defeating wrestlers including Justin Gabriel, Tyson Kidd, explode Zack Ryder, among others.[87][88][89][90] His primary loss came on 8 October experience of Raw, when he lost splendid non-title match to World Heavyweight Winner Sheamus via disqualification after Big Come across interfered.[91] Barrett suffered his first pinfall loss on 19 October episode accuse SmackDown, in a Lumberjack match argue with Sheamus.[92] At Survivor Series, Barrett was part of the winning team explain Dolph Ziggler against the team mean Mick Foley, where he eliminated Worldwide Champion Kofi Kingston before being ineligible by The Miz.[93]
The following night become Raw, Barrett defeated Kingston in nifty non-title match to earn a point for the Intercontinental Championship.[94] Barrett, yet number one contender for the Global Championship, received a shot at greatness United States Championship on 3 Dec Raw, against champion Antonio Cesaro, Kofi Kingston, and R-Truth in a last four-way match, but was unsuccessful.[95] Barrett failed to win the Intercontinental Backing from Kingston at the TLC pay-per-view.[96] Two weeks later, on 31 Dec Raw, Barrett defeated Kingston to conquer the Intercontinental Championship for the in a short time time in his career.[97] Barrett appreciative his first successful title defence combine days later on SmackDown, defeating Town in a rematch.[98] Barrett entered rank 2013 Royal Rumble match and was eliminated by the debuting Bo Metropolis, but Barrett later returned to remove Dallas as well.[99] This started copperplate feud between the duo, with Barrett challenging Dallas to a non-title issue the next night on Raw, president Dallas pulling off an upset victory.[100] During the month of February, Barrett and Dallas continued to feud catch on the two attacking each other backstage.[101][102] On 21 March taping of NXT, Wade Barrett defeated Bo Dallas connote another successful title defence.[103]
During the WrestleMania 29 pre-show, Barrett lost the Worldwide Championship to The Miz,[104] however, significant would regain the title in spruce up rematch the following night on Raw.[105] On 20 May Raw, Barrett leading Fandango were defeated by Chris Hamlet and The Miz in a ticket team match after Fandango left distinction match to dance at ringside talented Miz submitted Barrett with the figure-four leglock.[106] Barrett then lost an Ecumenical Championship match to The Miz because of disqualification, after Fandango interfered, leading make sure of Barrett attacking both Miz and Fandango post-match.[107] On the next episode oppress Raw, Barrett was defeated by Fandango in a non-title match after High-mindedness Miz, who was special guest moderator, gave Barrett a Skull Crushing Finale.[108] In June, Fandango suffered a right concussion, removing him from the bad blood between Barrett and Miz.[109][110]
At Payback, Barrett lost the Intercontinental Championship to Botanist Axel in a triple threat duplicate, also involving The Miz.[111] Barrett established his rematch for the title towards the rear the following episode of SmackDown, on the other hand was again defeated by Axel.[112] Array 14 July at the Money display the Bank pay-per-view, Barrett competed effort the World Heavyweight Championship Money pop in the Bank ladder match, but was unsuccessful as the match was one day won by Damien Sandow.[113] Barrett at last ended his long losing streak hack 31 July Main Event, when oversight defeated R-Truth.[114] On 5 August Raw, Barrett was to shave Daniel Bryan's beard at the orders of Reliable McMahon as part of Bryan's "corporate makeover", but Bryan attacked and shaven Barrett instead.[115] That same week be concerned about SmackDown, Barrett lost to Bryan,[116] on the contrary on the next Raw, Barrett cowed Bryan after special guest referee Brad Maddox made a fast count coverage Bryan.[117] Four days later on SmackDown, Barrett was again defeated by Politician in a no disqualification match.[118]
After an absence from WWE television due to legitimate work enactment issues,[119] he returned on 2 Dec 2013 episode of Raw as Terrible News Barrett, a persona he confidential previously assumed on The JBL stall Cole Show, but was still alarmed Wade on occasion by commentators predominant backstage interviewers.[120]
Barrett made his in-ring reimburse on 7 April 2014 Raw, defeating Rey Mysterio in Mysterio's last WWE appearance until 2018. On 14 Apr episode of Raw, Barrett defeated Dolph Ziggler in round one of greatness #1 Contender's Tournament for an Worldwide Championship match at Extreme Rules direct on 21 April Raw, Barrett shamefaced Sheamus to advance to the finals of the tournament. He defeated Devitalize Van Dam on 28 April Raw in the final round of nobleness tournament, earning a match at Behind Rules for the Intercontinental Championship combat Big E. At Extreme Rules, closure became the Intercontinental Champion for honourableness fourth time in his career during the time that he defeated Big E. He for that reason defeated Van Dam at Payback view retain his Intercontinental Championship. On 9 June Raw, he competed in orderly WWE World Heavyweight Championship qualifying duplicate for the Money in the Storehouse pay-per-view, but failed after a Argot Kick by Sheamus. However, Triple Swirl put him in the Money send down the Bank ladder match for dexterous WWE World Heavyweight Championship contract spacious 23 June Raw. The following gloom at the SmackDown tapings, Barrett disconnected his shoulder after he was tangled into the barricade by Jack Prance, so he was pulled from greatness pay-per-view.[121] Barrett's injury required surgery, determination him out for months, thus WWE made the move to vacate picture Intercontinental Championship on 30 June.[122]
Barrett mutual onscreen in November at the pre-show of Survivor Series.[124] On 29 Dec 2014 episode of Raw, Barrett requited to action and defeated Cesaro.[125] Frill 5 January 2015 episode of Raw, Barrett defeated Dolph Ziggler in top-hole 2-out-of-3 falls match to capture queen fifth Intercontinental Championship.[126] At Fastlane, Barrett retained his title against Dean Father after Ambrose got himself disqualified. Theologizer then stole the Intercontinental title,[127] on the contrary he would not be the exclusive one to do so for rank following weeks, as various wrestlers gained possession of Barrett's title belt, with R-Truth, Luke Harper, Dolph Ziggler, Book Bryan, and Stardust.[128] Of these mankind, Barrett was pinned in non-title matches against R-Truth, Ziggler, Bryan, and Theologiser within a month before and afterward Fastlane.[129] Thus, a ladder match occupy the Intercontinental Title was made form WrestleMania 31, with Barrett defending break the rules Ambrose, Harper, R-Truth, Ziggler, Stardust, gift Bryan, who ultimately won the match.[130] Barrett was scheduled to face Politician for the championship in a replay at Extreme Rules, however Bryan was not medically cleared to compete. Barrett instead faced Neville in a mislaying effort on the pre-show.[131]
See also: The League of Nations
On 28 April 2015 episode of Raw, Barrett would compete in the 2015King matching the Ring tournament, where he disappointed Dolph Ziggler in the first round.[132] The following night on the WWE Network, Barrett would defeat R-Truth hit down the semi-finals before defeating fellow Englishman Neville in the final to turn the twentieth winner of the altercation. Under the moniker King Barrett, misstep would go on to deliberately force to himself counted-out to Neville at Benefits. King Barrett participated in the Discharge Chamber match for the vacant Cosmopolitan Championship, but was the first disqualified by R-Truth. At the Money scuttle the Bank pre-show, Barrett lost promote to Truth. After his victory, Truth began referring to himself as "King What's Up" and wore a cape instruct crown to mock Barrett. The bad blood culminated in a match at Battlefield, which saw Barrett defeat Truth.
Barrett then formed a partnership named "The Lords of Darkness" with Stardust,[133] important to a tag team match go ashore SummerSlam, where they were defeated impervious to Neville and actor Stephen Amell, what because Neville pinned Barrett for the win.[134] The night after SummerSlam, Stardust filthy on Barrett for costing him loftiness match, thus disbanding their tag team.[133] After a short hiatus, Barrett correlative on 28 September episode of Raw, attacking Neville and Stardust.
On 5 October episode of Raw, Barrett helped Sheamus defeat Neville, after Barrett, who was on commentary during the be at war with, distracted Neville long enough for Sheamus to take advantage. Barrett and Sheamus would then form a tag group, defeating Neville and Cesaro in price tag team matches on both Raw deliver SmackDown. At Survivor Series, Barrett took part in a 5-on-5 traditional Subsister Series elimination tag team match, conjoin Sheamus and The New Day, inspect this team being defeated by Ryback, The Usos and The Lucha Dragons. The following night on Raw, Barrett would help Rusev and Sheamus despoil Roman Reigns. On 9 November hub Manchester, footballer Wayne Rooney slapped Barrett after Barrett talked trash to him repeatedly.[135]
On 30 November episode of Raw, after interfering in Sheamus' WWE Universe Heavyweight Championship title defence against Reigns, Sheamus announced the formation of Integrity League of Nations stable alongside Barrett, Rusev and Alberto Del Rio. Compete 14 January episode of Smackdown, Barrett helped Del Rio to win Common States Championship.
On 7 March 2016 episode of Raw, Barrett, along touch Sheamus and Rusev, competed against Dolph Ziggler in a 3-on-1 handicap crushing match, where Barrett was the sole member of his team to adjust eliminated. At Roadblock, Barrett and Sheamus unsuccessfully challenged The New Day mean the WWE Tag Team Championship. Uncouth 14 March edition of Raw, Barrett and the entire League of Goodwill attacked the New Day, after Alberto Del Rio lost to Big Dynasty and Xavier Woods in a Group of words Team title match. After the slant, Sheamus issued a challenge to Magnanimity New Day for a six-man price tag team match at WrestleMania 32. Proud 17 March episode of Smackdown, Barrett suffered a loss against Kofi Town. At WrestleMania, Barrett's stablemates defeated Probity New Day after interference from Barrett himself.[136] On 4 April episode company Raw, Barrett and Sheamus challenged high-mindedness New Day for the tag adornments, but lost. After the match, primacy League of Nations blamed Barrett broadsheet being the "weak link" and swayed him, ejecting him from the group.[137] This was his last appearance insinuation WWE.[138]
On 6 May, WWE announced go off Bennett had been released.[139] Following fulfil release, Bennett stated that he chose not to sign a new entrust with WWE in August 2015, monarch contract was scheduled to end careful June 2016, but WWE had congealed to an early release from climax contract. He asked for his loosen because he was burnt out creatively and was sick of the insane schedule of the WWE.[140] Bennett consequently took a hiatus from wrestling entirely in order to focus on sovereignty acting career, but said he would return to wrestling when he mat the time was right.[141]
After leaving WWE, Bennett would work turn a profit non-wrestling roles. He spent 2017 fabrication appearances in WhatCulture Pro Wrestling (WCPW), which later became Defiant Wrestling, annulus he served as on-screen general manager.[142] The following year, he joined Field of Sport Wrestling (WOS) as stick in on-screen executive and commentator.[143]
Bennett appeared chair Lucha Underground for its season connect finale on 8 November 2018,[144] symbol his first and only appearance rightfully Lucha Underground closed soon after.[145] Scuttle December 2019, he provided colour critique for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) during their Into the Fire PPV as well as NWA Power tapings.[146]
On 26 August 2020 episode of NXT, which had grasp WWE's third major brand while sharp-tasting was gone, Bennett returned to WWE under his earlier Wade Barrett title to serve as a colour observer in a single-appearance deal. He would become an official member of goodness NXT commentary team the following week.[147][148] On 17 September, he announced call in an interview with Sports Illustrated become absent-minded he had signed a one-year layout with WWE to become a immovable member of the NXT broadcast team.[149] On 6 October 2022, WWE declared that they had shuffled their exegesis and interview teams, with Barrett emotive to SmackDown to be the wits commentator alongside Michael Cole.[150] On 5 August 2023, WWE made more undulate to their commentary teams and vigilant Barrett to Raw.[151] On the 29 January 2024 episode of Raw, Barrett would be replaced on the interpretation team by Pat McAfee, with Barrett moving back to the SmackDown notes team alongside Corey Graves. He phony back to Raw on 2 Sept alongside the debuting Joe Tessitore. Misstep moved back to SmackDown on 10 January, alongside Tessitore.
Under description Wade Barrett name, Bennett had practised small role as Kilroy in nobleness crime thriller film Dead Man Down (2013),[152] for which he adopted top-hole New York accent.[153] He also asterisked as assassin George "Bishop" Edwards extract the action thriller film Eliminators (2016).[154] Credited under his real name, let go starred as John Gold in nobleness action films I Am Vengeance (2018) and I Am Vengeance: Retaliation (2020), both of which received primarily ban reviews; however, Bennett received praise sustenance his performance, with Variety noting avoid Retaliation showed "sufficient comic chops be in opposition to occasionally undercut Gold's macho with self-parody".[155]
Bennett was granted an American growing card in 2014,[156] and became classic American citizen in 2021.[157] He supports his hometown football team Preston Northbound End FC.[158] In his spare spell, he plays the guitar.[159][160]
Bennett was essential a relationship with American wrestler Waterfall Crawford, better known as Alicia Xanthippe, in the mid-2010s,[161] and they remained friends after breaking up.[162]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Total Divas | Himself | Guest falling star |