WWE has revealed that former Nexus leader and Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett, aka Stu Bennett, has signed on as a permanent member of the NXT commentary team.
Barrett was rumoured to be in talks with WWE for a full-time position, and he's now been confirmed as an official black and gold brand announcer alongside Vic Joseph and Beth Phoenix.
Here's the report via WWE.com:
Wade Barrett has officially signed with NXT as part of the commentary team. The former Intercontinental Champion has been part of the announce team in recent weeks alongside Vic Joseph and Beth Phoenix. As first reported by Sports Illustrated, Barrett will now remain an official member of the announce team.
The former King of the Ring returned as a color analyst for the black-and-gold brand after several years away from WWE. Don’t miss Barrett and all the black-and-gold action tonight on NXT at 8/7 C on the USA Network.
Mauro Rannallo recently parted ways with NXT, and Barrett's hiring may suggest that Nigel McGuinness has also decided to leave his commentary position behind. That would be a massive shame, but Wade has been doing a terrific job over the past few weeks.