Nigel McGuinness on his WWE release: “It wasn’t a huge shock to me”

Nigel McGuinness signed with WWE back in 2016, initially as an announcer for the WWE UK Classic before being brought on as a commentator for various shows, including NXT, NXT UK, Main Event, and 205 Live until he was let go by the company in 2022.

His departure was around when WWE announced a major shakeup of its commentary teams. WWE also shut down the NXT UK brand.

Now, he will be doing a magic show, CELEBRATION: The Magic of Nigel McGuinness’, this coming Thursday in Santa Monica, California.

While appearing on the Two Man Power Trip of Wrestling Podcast, Nigel noted that the release wasn’t a shocking move.

“It wasn’t a huge shock to me (being released from WWE). I don’t think so. I think with the NXT U.K. brand being put on hiatus and moving a lot of guys over to NXT, I kind of wasn’t being used as much as I might be and so I understood. Certainly, I’m not sure how much longer that role was gonna be there. I was very grateful to still be employed as long as I was, doing the smaller shows in terms of (NXT) Level Up or 205 (Live). The ability to work with younger guys and stuff like that and watch younger guys just breaking into this industry, that was a great experience in and of itself but to answer your point, there wasn’t a huge shock. Again, I just had felt very grateful about everything that had happened there and very appreciative of the six years of the learning and the education and the experience.”

Regarding his wrestling future, he noted that he’s willing to listen to offers and wants to stay in the business. He would be an excellent hire for any promotion. 

H/T to POST Wrestling for the transcription