WWE Once Had Plans for Wade Barrett to Win Money in the Bank

Wade Barrett had a memorable first run in WWE which saw him win the first season of NXT, become the leader of The Nexus and have championship runs. Barrett returned to WWE in 2020 and has been playing a color commentator in the company since. That said, it appears he was supposed to win the Money In The Bank match in 2011 but Vince McMahon changed his mind.

Without question, the gimmick that garnered him the most recognition was his portrayal of “Bad News Barrett,” which captivated the hearts of numerous fans. Prior to adopting this character, his career had reached a stalemate.

Wade Barrett took part in the 2011 Money in the Bank ladder match for an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship. Cody Rhodes, Daniel Bryan, Heath Slater, Justin Gabriel, Kane, Sheamus, and Sin Cara competed in the match in order to determine the next Mr. Money In The Bank.

While speaking to What Culture, Wade Barrett recalled being told he was going to win the match and rehearsing for the same. However, Vince McMahon changed his mind and had Daniel Bryan win instead.

“That’s actually one of the rare matches that we rehearsed because there are ladders involved and timing has to be perfect. We went into rehearsal the day before that and the rehearsal had me winning the match.

Then about an hour [before] we went live on the pay-per-view, we had a meeting and Vince had changed his mind and wanted Daniel Bryan up. Obviously, it was disappointing for me at the time, but Daniel Bryan did a great job with it, so fair play, but at one point, I was supposed to win it.”

Barrett’s last match took place on the April 4, 2016, episode of RAW. He teamed up with Sheamus in a losing effort against Big E and Kofi Kingston. He remains part of the commentary team alongside Michael Cole and is more than happy in his role. For him, that is all that matters right now.

What’s your opinion on what Wade Barrett said? Do you believe he should have reached greater heights in WWE? Let us know in the comments!