Report: Nigel McGuinness Released By WWE

Nigel McGuinness was released by WWE this week, according to reports from PWInsider and Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful. His release comes after a broadcast team shake-up that saw Raw play-by-play announcer Jimmy Smith also leave the company.

McGuinness had been a part of WWE since signing for the company in 2016, initially providing commentary for the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament. He later transitioned to NXT as a colour commentator and was a popular member of the black-and-gold brand before exiting that role. 

In recent times, McGuinness could be found commentating for NXT UK before the brand was shuttered in August. He would also do the announcing for NXT Level Up alongside Sudu Shah.

McGuinness is well-known for his in-ring career outside of WWE, being one of the most-acclaimed wrestlers of the 21st century with memorable matches against the likes of Bryan Danielson, Takeshi Morishima, and Kurt Angle in Ring of Honor and TNA. 

His run as ROH Pure Champion is fondly remembered and he also reigned as ROH World Champion for 545 days between 2007 and 2009.