Wade Barrett

At 44 years old, Wade Barrett has this physical status:

Stuart "Stu" Alexander Bennett (born 10 August 1980) is an English actor, professional wrestler, and former bare-knuckle boxer best known for his time with WWE under the ring name Wade Barrett.

He now works for World of Sport Wrestling, NWA Wrestling, as a commentator and executive. Wade made his Raw debut on June 7th in 2010 and rose to prominence as the leader of The Nexus, consisting of the remaining NXT rookies of season 1.

During the remainder of 2010, he headlined five WWE pay-per-view shows, three of which featured the WWE Championship.

Barrett formed the Correspondents in January 2011 with former Nexus members Heath Slater and Justin Gabriel winning his first Intercontinental Championship, which he has won overall five times.

He was Bad News Barrett before becoming the 20th King of the Ring champion in 2015 and changing his ring name to King Barrett.

He appeared on WWE in May 2016 and hasn't wrestled since then.

However, he has served in non-wrestling positions on the international independent circuit, including as a commentator for World of Sport Wrestling and a general manager for Defiant Wrestling under the name Stu Bennett.

Early life

Stuart Alexander Bennett was born in Penwortham, Lancashire, on August 10, 1980. He grew up in Preston before moving to Wales with his family at the age of six. He was inspired by his mentor Davey Boy Smith and named the WWF Intercontinental Championship match in 1992 between Smith and his other childhood hero Bret Hart as his favorite match of all time. He earned a bachelor's degree in marine biology and then went to work in a science lab and as a recruitment consultant while training to become a wrestler.

Personal life

Bennett lives in Los Angeles. Before obtaining American citizenship in January 2021, he was issued an American green card in November 2014. He is a devoted fan of Preston North End FC, his hometown football team.

Bennett used to be in a match with American wrestler Alicia Fox, with whom he remained friends after they broke up.

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Bare-knuckle boxing career

Bennett grew to be Europe's top bare-knuckle boxer, fighting in countless countries. In a game in Budapest dubbed "The Battle of Buda" by the bare-knuckle underworld, he defeated a credible adversary for a significant cash prize. Later, while walking through an alleyway in search of a taxi to the airport, someone stabbed him with an eight-inch knife by someone who tried to steal the money. He has declined to comment on the incident for medical reasons, but has stated that he seriously wounded his attacker and recovered with the money despite widespread blood loss. He suffered from his upper back to halfway down his right arm, and the punches he took during his bare-knuckle career left him with a disfigured nose, but he has expressed no regret about that period of his life. He turned his bare-knuckle career into a WWE gimmick at Dusty Rhodes' behest, becoming the first European bare-knuckle champion to defend on Europe's streets. Since the scene of several of his battles, his Wasteland move was chosen.

Professional wrestling career

Bennett decided to become a professional wrestler at the age of 21, and was coached by Jon Ritchie and Al Snow. In a 30-man wrestling match fought by NWA UK Hammerlock Wrestling, he made his professional wrestling debut in June 2004 using the ring name Stu Sanders. Sanders appeared at numerous Dropkixx Wrestling, Real Quality Wrestling, and All Star Wrestling tournaments, as well as wrestling in Wales for Welsh Wrestling. Danny Beckwith was defeated by the Dropkixx IWC Heavyweight Championship in June 2005. In 2005, he feuded with Nick Aldis and Danny Dexter in Dropkixx Wrestling.

Barrett appeared on a show on November 13, 2006, and was part of a security team on a Manchester police team, but later that month, he tried out for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). In 2007, he had another tryout and agreed to a developmental contract with them in October. He was drafted to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he defeated Ace Steel in a dark match. He and Paul Burchill formed a tag team, and the two teams competed against the Major Brothers in multiple matches. Sanders and Burchill defeated Colt Cabana and Charles Evans in the final of the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on January 2, 2008. Sanders and Burchill retained the title for almost two months before losing it to Los Locos (Ramón and Ral) and The Mobile Homers (Ted McNaler and Adam Revolver) in a four-way match involving The Insurgency (Ali and Omar Akbar) and The Mobile Homers.

Sanders was moved to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) with several other wrestlers after WWE ended their association with OVW as a developmental territory. Sanders and Drew McIntyre, collectively known as The Empire, defeated The Puerto Rica Nightmares (Eddie Colón and Eric Pérez) to win the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship on May 6, 2008. At FCW's first TV taping on July 17, they lost the titles back to the Nightmares. Following the loss, the team broke up, and Sanders began arguing under his real name before changing it to Lawrence Knight at 9 o'clock on FCW television broadcasting. Knight and Dusty Rhodes announced on February 19 that they were the new FCW commentator. He became a colour commentator due to an accident in which he tore his Latissi muscle and required surgery. Bennett was renamed again in August 2009 by Wade Barrett, who was partially named for Wade Dooley. Barrett's character, he said, was an extension of his "dark side." In December 2009, he returned to in-ring action in FCW.

Barrett appeared on the first season of NXT with Chris Jericho as his storyline mentor. On the first episode of NXT, he appeared as Jericho's ring announcer for the first time. Barrett made his in-ring debut on the following episode of NXT, defeating Daniel Bryan. Barrett took the "talk the talk" challenge on NXT's 13 April episode on April 13 and was given his own custom made entrance theme. Barrett was ranked in first place in the Pros Poll on May 11th. Barrett gained the overall battle and a WWE deal in the season finale by defeating Gabriel and David Otunga on June 1, 2010.

Barrett was at the forefront of a battle between John Cena and CM Punk as they interfered in the main event match between John Cena and CM Punk, with Luke Gallows, the announcer, and Ring announcer Justin Roberts all being stabbed before destroying the ring area and surrounding equipment on June 7th. The rookies, in particular, had a big effect on Cena, who struck him with their finishing moves. Raw, Barrett and the other rookies (minus Daniel Bryan) all agreed to full-time employment, but Raw General Manager Bret Hart dismissed Barrett and had the rookies removed from the building. The rookies ripped Hart and gave him until the Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view to decide on their terms later in the show. The rookies in Fatal 4-Way interfered in the main event of the WWE Championship, costing Cena the match and the championship in the process to Sheamus. Hart was fired by Vince McMahon on Raw and announced that a new 'anonymous' General Manager had been recruited and that the six rookies were granted WWE contracts (Barrett's was reinstated after being fired the previous week). The group of rookies continued their march of disrupting main events as they assaulted both Cena and McMahon, who had been working as the referee on the Raw version of June 21. The Nexus was the group's name on the Raw 5th July 2010 issue. Barrett was banned from Raw for the second week because his work visa had expired, and he was forced to return to the United Kingdom in order to apply for a new one. Barrett returned the following week after his visa situation was resolved.

The Nexus (who were injured in a Cena attack last week) defeated Cena in a 6–on–1 handicap match on July 12, 2010 after Gabriel hit Cena with the 450° splash. Barrett made his singles match debut on Raw by defeating Mark Henry the following week. The Nexus continued to feud with Cena and the Raw roster, resulting in a seven-on-seven elimination tag team match at SummerSlam. Barrett had been the last Nexus member but had to Cena, causing the Nexus to be disqualified. The Nexus faced Cena, Edge, Sheamus, and Jericho in a five-on-five elimination match on August 30, 2010 edition of Raw, which Barrett defeated by pinning Orton after Young was suspended from the team for missing a match to Cena the night after SummerSlam and Skip Sheffield was hospitalized in Hawaii two nights later.

Barrett earned his guaranteed championship match from winning NXT at Night of Champions, where he lost in a six-pack challenge match for the WWE Championship despite excluding Cena. On October 3rd, Cena and the Nexus feud raged at Hell in a Cell, as Barrett defeated Cena to force Cena to become a member of the Nexus. Barrett, the following night, with the support of the majority of the Nexus, won a battle royal to determine the number one contender to the WWE Championship, when Cena pulled him on Barrett's orders. At the Bragging Rights pay-per-view, Barrett saw his championship match against Randy Orton. Cena intervened in the match, causing Barrett to win by disqualification, which resulted in Orton's retaining the championship after ordering Cena to assist him. Barrett was granted a rematch at the Survivor Series pay-per-view and was allowed to choose a guest referee the following night. Barrett opted Cena, meaning that if Barrett wins the match and the WWE championship, Cena will be allowed to leave the Nexus; however, if Barrett doesn't win the title, Cena will be suspended. Barrett was unsuccessful in winning the WWE Championship from Orton after Cena pushed him to a RKO by Orton. After the Survivor Series, Cena was dismissed as per the match's stipulation. Barrett was given a rematch for the championship on Raw the next night, but the fired Cena "costing" him the match, causing The Miz to cash in his Bank briefcase on Orton, thanks to Cena's interference. Following Cena's slew of attacks in the Nexus over the next few weeks, they demanded that Barrett re-instate him or be exiled from the group. Barrett accepted and rehired Cena on the condition that Cena meets Barrett in a Chairs match at the TLC: Tables, Ladders, and Chairs pay-per-view, which Cena won after dropping 23 steel chairs on Barrett in the 2010 edition of Raw.

Barrett made his first appearance since the TLC pay-per-view on January 3, 2011 edition of Raw, where he confronted CM Punk, who had assumed over the Nexus's leadership in his absence. Punk gave Barrett the opportunity to regain control by saying that if he wins a triple threat steel cage match involving Orton and Sheamus to determine the number one contender for the Miz's WWE Championship, Punk will not only give up the leadership but also work for Barrett's Nexus. However, Punk came down to ringside, taunting Barrett as he was about to win and took off Barrett's Nexus armband, effectively ending Barrett's play, resulting in Barrett's disqualification of the match. Barrett made his first SmackDown appearance since 1 October at the television tapings of the 10th edition of SmackDown, this time by attacking Big Show. He was joined by Ezekiel Jackson and his former Nexus stablemates Gabriel and Slater, who had left the organization the previous Monday, and the group was dubbed The Correspondent. Barrett later qualified for the World Heavyweight Championship, but came up short of being the first man to be disqualified by Big Show.

Barrett defeated Kofi Kingston to win the Intercontinental Championship at the television tapings on the 25th edition of SmackDown in 2011. The Corres were disqualified in an eight-man tag team match fought by Kingston's Big Show, Kane, and Santino Marella in WrestleMania XVII. Barrett continued to defend his title against Kingston on April 22nd, 2011's SmackDown. SmackDown, Barrett, Gabriel, and Slater assaulted Jackson, effectively removing him from the group on 6 May 2011. Barrett was then challenged by Jackson to a match for the Intercontinental Championship at the Over the Limit pay-per-view on May 13, 2011; Jackson accepted. Gabriel and Slater assaulted Jackson during the match, resulting in disqualification, but Barrett retained the title as a possession that does not change hands by disqualification. On the 3rd edition of SmackDown, he defended his Intercontinental crown against Jackson once more. Barrett threw Barrett out of the ring, resulting in a count out, but Barrett retained the title as a champion cannot change hands by countout. Barrett ordered The Corret to hurt Jackson, but the Correspondent and Slater were both killed, but Jackson didn't attack Gabriel and Slater, who Jackson saved. In a six-man tag team match against Jackson and The Usos, Barrett, a randing from Jackson, causing them to forfeit the game. Barrett lost the Intercontinental Championship to Jackson in San Francisco and did not win his rematch for the title on SmackDown's 24th episode on June 24. Barrett was revealed to be one of the participants in the SmackDown Money in the Bank match at the Money in the Bank's pay-per-view on July 1, 2019, alongside Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, Kane, Sin Cara, Daniel Bryan, Cody Rhodes, and Sheamus. Daniel Bryan won the match, sparking a rivalry between the two teams. Barrett defeated Bryan in a singles match at SummerSlam. He then had a brief feud with Sheamus, where he lost on three occasions.

Barrett referred to his experience as a "legion of parasites" on SmackDown's October 21st episode, saying that the only thing he needed for success was himself. He confessed that the "Barrage" was only just getting off; he said it was a promise. Barrett won Daniel Bryan after this announcement. In singles, Randy Orton started winning streak by defeating John Morrison, Trent Barreta, Sheamus, and Randy Orton. He began feuding with Orton in November, and the two men were confirmed as opposing team captains for Survivor Series. After Team Barrett attacked Orton, Barrett's winning streak was snapped off on the 14th November episode of Raw, when he was defeated by Orton by disqualification. At Survivor Series, Team Barrett defeated Team Orton, with Barrett and Cody Rhodes being the only survivors of the match. Barrett played in a critically four-way match against Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Daniel Bryan on November 25th in determining the top contender for the World Heavyweight Championship, which Bryan defeated.

Barrett's rivalry with Orton escalated by attacking and distracting him during games. Barrett and Orton were divided into two Beat the Clock matches on December 9th, with the winner determining the stipulation for their match at TLC: Tables, Ladders, and Chairs. Barrett defeated Ezekiel Jackson in 7:53, but Orton won a Table match over Dolph Ziggler in 7:51. Orton defeated Barrett in mid-air after smashing the RKO in mid-air, with Barrett crashing across the table. They roared backstage on the 23rd episode of SmackDown, culminating when Orton hit Barrett with the RKO onto a car. Barrett pushed Orton down a set of stairs before rushing out the door. Orton had a herniated disc as a result of his surgery, putting him off television for a few weeks. Barrett was banned from the 2012 Royal Rumble match after Orton recovered from injury in late January 2012. Orton defeated Barrett in a No Disqualifications match on February 3rd to bring an end to the feud.

Barrett was unable to participate in the World Heavyweight Championship after being disqualified by Santino Marella. Barrett suffered a partially dislocated elbow after Big Show threw Dolph Ziggler at him during a royal conflict, and was taken off television.

WWE aired vignettes promoting Barrett's return in August 2012, showing Barrett battling at an underground fight club in an attempt to "reignite the fire." Barrett, who had a complete new look, made his return to SmackDown on September 7th, defeating Yoshi Tatsu. Justin Gabriel, Tyson Kidd, and Zack Ryder, among other wrestlers, went on a winning streak, defeating wrestlers such as Justin Gabriel, Tyson Kidd and Zack Ryder. On the 8th episode of Raw, he lost a non-title match to World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus by disqualification after Big Show interfered. In a Lumberjack match against Sheamus, Barrett suffered his first pinfall defeat on September 19th episode of SmackDown. Barrett competed for the Dolph Ziggler team against Mick Foley, where he was defeated Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston before being disqualified by The Miz.

Barrett defeated Kingston in a non-title match on Raw the following night, earning a match for the Internal Championship. Barrett, the current champion of the Intercontinental Championships, had a shot at the United States Championship on December 3rd Raw against champion Antonio Cesaro, Kofi Kingston, and R-truth in a thrilling four-way match, but it was unsuccessful. At the TLC pay-per-view, Barrett failed to win the Intercontinental Championship from Kingston. Barrett defeated Kingston on December 31 for the second time in his career two weeks later. Barrett defeated Kingston in a rematch in his first successful title defense on SmackDown four days later. Barrett was disqualified by Bo Dallas, the first time, but Barrett later returned to Dallas to defeat Dallas. Barrett and Dallas played Dallas for a non-title match on Raw next night, with Dallas winning by a surprise. Barrett and Dallas continued to feud during the month of February, with the two groups of adversaries battling each other backstage. Wade Barrett of NXT defeated Bo Dallas on Tuesday for his second straight title defense on March 21.

Barrett lost the Intercontinental Championship to The Miz during the WrestleMania 29 pre-show, but he would regain the title on Raw the following night. After Fandango retired the game to dance at ringside, Barrett and Fandango were defeated by Chris Jericho and The Miz in a tag team match on May 20. Miz submitted Barrett with the figure-four leglock. Barrett then disqualified from an Intercontinental Championship match against The Miz by disqualification after Fandango interfered, resulting in Barrett's assault of both Miz and Fandango post-match. Barrett was disqualified by Fandango in a non-title match after The Miz, the special guest referee, gave Barrett a Skull Crushing Finale. Fandango had a legitimate concussion in June, removing him from Barrett and Miz' feud.

Barrett lost the Intercontinental Championship to Curtis Axel in a triple threat match that also involved The Miz. On the next episode of SmackDown, Barrett was matched for the title, but Axel defeated him. Barrett competed in the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank ladder match on July 14th, but was dissatisfied as the match was ultimately decided by Damien Sandow, who was unsuccessful. Barrett finally stopped losing streak on July 31 after defeating R-Truth. Barrett was supposed to shave Daniel Bryan's beard at Vince McMahon's "corporate makeover" on August 5, but Bryan attacked and shaved Barrett instead. Barrett lost to Bryan this week, but Barrett defeated Bryan on the next Raw after special guest referee Brad Maddox made a quick count on Bryan. Barrett was defeated by Bryan in a no disqualification match four days later on SmackDown.

After a absence from WWE television due to legitimate employment visa issues, Bad News Barrett, a person who had previously assumed on The JBL and Cole Show, was subsequently identified as Wade on occasion by commentators and backstage interviewers, but he returned to Raw on December 2nd, 2013 as Bad News Barrett.

In Mysterio's last WWE appearance until 2018, he made his in-ring return on April 7, 2014 Raw, defeating Rey Mysterio. Barrett defeated Dolph Ziggler in round one of the first Contender's Tournament at Extreme Rules on April 14, and Barrett defeated Sheamus in the tournament's finals. He defeated Rob Van Dam in the final round of the tournament on April 28th for the fourth time in his career, defeating Big E instead of Payback to keep his Intercontinental Championship. He participated in a WWE World Heavyweight Championship qualifying match for the Money in the Bank pay-per-view on September 9, but lost after a Brogue Kick by Sheamus. On the other hand, Triple H was put in the Money in the Bank ladder match for a WWE World Heavyweight Championship contract on June 23rd Raw. Barrett pulled his shoulder after being thrown into the barricade by Jack Swagger, so he was banned from the pay-per-view. Barrett's injury required surgery, keeping him out for months, so WWE decided not to participate in the Intercontinental Championship on June 30.

Barrett appeared on television in November at the pre-show of Survivor Series. Barrett returned to action on December 29, 2014, defeating Cesaro. Barrett defeated Dolph Ziggler in a two-out-of-3 falls match on January 5th, his fifth Intercontinental Championship. After Ambrose was disqualified, Barrett retained his title against Dean Ambrose at Fastlane. Ambrose gained the Intercontinental championship after only one to do so for the next week, including R-Truth, Luke Harper, Dolph Ziggler, Daniel Bryant, and Stardust. Barrett was pinned in non-title matches against R-Truth, Ziggler, Bryant, and Ambrose a month before and after Fastlane. WrestleMania 31, then a ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship was played, with Barrett defending Ambrose, Harper, R-Truth, Ziggler, Stardust, and Bryan, who ultimately won the match. Barrett was supposed to face Bryan in a Extreme Rules rematch, but Bryan was not eligible to participate. Barrett instead met Neville in a losing proposition on the pre-show.

Barrett will appear in the 2015 King of the Ring tournament, where he defeated Dolph Ziggler in the first round on April 28. Barrett would face R-Truth in the semi-finals before defeating Neville in the final to become the tournament's twentieth champion. He would continue to deliberately get himself counted out to Neville at Payback under the moniker King Barrett. King Barrett appeared in the Elimination Chamber match for the vacant Intercontinental Championship, but R-Truth was the first to be disqualified by R-Truth. Barrett denied to Truth at the Money in the Bank pre-show. Truth began to say "King What's Up" after his victory and branded himself as "King What's Up" after his capture and crown mocked Barrett. Barrett defeated Truth at Battleground, bringing the renewed feud to an end.

Barrett and actor Stephen Amell then formed "The Lords of Darkness" together with Stardust, resulting in a tag team match at SummerSlam, where they were defeated by Neville and actor Stephen Amell before Neville pinned Barrett for the victory. Stardust's SummerSlam proved costly to him the game and broke the team's tag team. Barrett returned from hiatus on September 28th, criticizing Neville and Stardust.

Barrett helped Sheamus defeat Neville on October 5, after Barrett, who was on commentary during the game, distracted Neville long enough for Sheamus to profit. Barrett and Sheamus will then form a tag team, defeating Neville and Cesaro in tag team matches on both Raw and SmackDown. Barrett competed in a 5-on-5 traditional Survivor Series elimination tag team match with Sheamus and The New Day, with this team being defeated by Ryback, The Usos, and the Lucha Dragons. Barrett will help Rusev and Sheamus against Roman Reigns the following night. After Barrett yelled insult to Barrett repeatedly, Manchester footballer Wayne Rooney slapped him on 9 November.

Sheamus revealed the formation of The League of Nations stable alongside Barrett, Rusev and Alberto Del Rio on Monday on 30 November edition of Raw after interfering in Sheamus' WWE World Heavyweight Championship title defense against Reigns. Barrett helped Del Rio win the United States Championship on January 14th on Smackdown.

Barrett, along with Sheamus and Rusev, competed against Dolph Ziggler in a 3-on-1 handicap elimination match, where Barrett was the only one of his team's to be disqualified on March 7, 2016. Barrett and Sheamus unsuccessfully attempted The New Day for the WWE Tag Team Championship at Roadblock. After Alberto Del Rio lost to Big E and Xavier Woods in a Tag Team championship match on Wednesday, the entire League of Nations attacked the New Day. Sheamus, a WrestleMania 32, put on a challenge to The New Day for a six-man tag team match. Barrett suffered a loss against Kofi Kingston on the 17th of March in Smackdown. Barrett's stablemates won The New Day in WrestleMania after Barrett himself interfered. Barrett and Sheamus challenged the New Day for the tag titles on April 4th on Raw, but lost. The League of Nations chastised Barrett for being the "weak link" in the match and banned him from the team, ejecting him from the team. This was his last appearance for WWE.

Bennett had been suspended on May 6th, according to WWE. Bennett said that after his release, he said he did not want to sign a new deal with WWE in August 2015, but that WWE had agreed to an early termination from his deal. Bennett went on a break from wrestling altogether in order to concentrate on his acting work, but he said he would return to wrestling when the time was right.

Since leaving WWE, he'll be working in no-wrestling roles. Bennett appeared in WhatCulture Pro Wrestling (WCPW), where he appeared on-screen as the on-screen general manager. Bennett also worked with World of Sport Wrestling (WOS) in the early 2000s as an on-screen executive and commentator.

On the 8th of November 2018, Bennett appeared on Lucha Underground for its season four finale. Bennett was never going to return to Lucha Underground after season 4, so he didn't have to return to the company. During the National Wrestling Alliance's Into the Fire PPV tournament, Bennett gave color commentary as well as NWA Power tapings.

Bennett returned to WWE under the Wade Barrett name as a color commentator in a single-appearance contract on August 26, 2020. The following week, he will become a full member of the NXT commentary staff. Barrett revealed in an interview with Sports Illustrated on September 17 that he had signed a one-year contract with WWE to become a permanent member of the NXT broadcast team. WWE revealed on October 6, 2022, that they had shuffled their commentary and interview staff, with Barrett moving to SmackDown to be the color commentator alongside Michael Cole.

Acting career

Barrett played Kilroy in the crime thriller film Dead Man Down (2013), in which he borrowed a New York accent. He starred in the action thriller film Eliminators (2016) as assassin George "Bishop" Edwards and was largely critical; however, his role as John Gold in the action thriller "I Am Vengeance: Retribution (2020), which received mainly critical feedback; nevertheless, Variety said he had "sufficient comic chops to occasionally undercut Gold's macho with self-parody."

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