Semi-retired name to step foot in WWE ring after 8 years against Drew McIntyre on RAW? Possibility explored

Drew McIntyre addressed the WWE Universe during the latest episode of Monday Night RAW. He spoke about his brutal attack on CM Punk from the previous week.

McIntyre stated that he was done with Punk but had something else to address. He called out his long-time friend Wade Barrett, one of Monday Night RAW's commentators. He cut a direct promo at Barrett, which hinted at the possibility of the former Intercontinental Champion returning to in-ring action.

Drew McIntyre acknowledged that Barrett had been the voice of reason, backing him up throughout his feud with Punk. However, he expressed disappointment that Barrett tried to stop him from attacking Punk last week on RAW. McIntyre warned the 44-year-old that if it happens again, he will not be so forgiving.

General Manager Adam Pearce came out to defuse the situation, but this exchange has fueled speculation that Barrett could make an in-ring return, potentially facing McIntyre in the future.

Wade Barrett last wrestled in 2016, so if he were to come out of retirement, it would mark his return to the ring after eight years.

---

Wade Barrett has previously talked about the possibility of facing current WWE star

When Wade Barrett was released by WWE in 2016, the Englishman decided to step away from wrestling, feeling burnt out from the grueling schedule. He returned to WWE in 2020 as a commentator and has since become a key figure in that role.

In an interview with AceOdds earlier this year, Barrett revealed that if he could have just one more wrestling match, it would be against Drew McIntyre, and he would love for it to take place at Wembley Stadium.

"If I could have one match for the remainder of my days on this planet, it would absolutely be me against Drew McIntyre at Wembley Stadium. If they dangled that in front of me at any point in time, yeah, absolutely. I'm coming back, and I'm having that match sold out at Wembley Stadium. But that is a bit of a pipe dream," Barrett said.

With rumors circulating about the possibility of a WWE Premium Live Event at Wembley Stadium in the future, it will be interesting to see if this dream match between Barrett and McIntyre could finally come to fruition.