Mike Johnson of PWInsider reported at 9:47 AM today that 46-year-old Nigel McGuinness was released from his WWE contract today.
McGuinness signed a contract in 2016 as the voice of the first and only WWE United Kingdom Tournament. He would then go on to serve as a commentator for both WWE NXT and NXT UK, as well as calling other WWE projects such as 205 Live.
Nigel McGuinness Released from WWE Contract
Before signing with WWE, McGuinness was best known for his body of work in Ring of Honor. He served as a wrestler, an authority figure, and a commentator for the promotion in his tenure there. As a wrestler, he had an unprecedented body of work and holds the distinction of being the first British ROH World Champion. He also wrestled for TNA, where he holds a victory over Kurt Angle.
Unfortunately, not too long after WWE pulled a deal from him due to a biceps injury, Nigel got a diagnosis of Hepatitis C, forcing him into early retirement in 2011. A documentary on him and his struggle would release in 2013, titled “The Last of McGuinness”. After this, Nigel would serve as a commentator for Ring of Honor, which eventually led to him becoming a “match-maker”; an on-screen authority figure. Nigel was the perfect choice for this, as someone who commanded a lot of respect and had deep ties to ROH. Eventually, in 2016 he would sign with WWE as a commentator.
What McGuinness Might do Now
Now that McGuinness isn’t with WWE anymore, after six-plus years with them, it’s hard to say where he’ll go. AEW and/or ROH may certainly be options, but there’s no knowing if Tony Khan has any interest in more commentators at the moment. IMPACT could also be a landing spot for McGuiness. Stay tuned to Last Word on Sports for updates as they become available.
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