Report: WWE, Wade Barrett Negotiating Full-Time Announcer's Deal

After stepping in as color commentator on last week's edition of NXT, Wade Barrett is reportedly in negotiations with WWE for a full-time return in that role, according to a report from Mike Johnson of PWInsider.

Barrett is also set to appear on tomorrow's special Tuesday edition of NXT. This is part of a general "feeling out" process to see if both sides are interested in something long-term.

Johnson's report claims that if WWE and Barrett come to terms on a full-time deal, it would be solely for announcing, and not wrestling. Additionally, there are discussions about using Barrett as an announcer for the returning NXT UK brand as well.

The 40-year-old Barrett has not wrestled since April of 2016, competing in a Tag Team title match the night after WrestleMania 32. He left WWE the following month.

In between WWE stints, the five-time former Intercontinental champion has made non-wrestling appearances for promotions such as Lucha Underground, WCPW, World of Sport, and, most recently, with the National Wrestling Alliance as a color commentator. He has also embarked on an acting career.