AEW wrestlers have expressed that they consider their contribution to commentary more valuable than taking on backstage roles. Nigel McGuinness, who retired from active wrestling in 2011, transitioned into a commentary role with ROH before joining WWE in 2016. He left WWE in October 2022 and returned to ROH under Tony Khan’s leadership, focusing primarily on commentary duties.
In a recent interview on the Heel Sh*T podcast, McGuinness was asked about the possibility of taking on a backstage producer role at AEW. He declined, referencing his WWE experience and emphasizing that commentary occupies a significant part of his preparation and involvement in the show. He noted that while backstage roles like producing or agent duties can be demanding and ego-driven, he sees himself as more valuable in the commentary booth.
McGuinness is slated to participate in a few matches at AEW All In in August 2024, but he indicated that his future lies more with commentary than wrestling, citing time constraints and his skill set. Despite continuing to wrestle occasionally, he believes that navigating backstage politics isn’t a suitable path for him.
Following his participation at ROH Final Battle in December 2024, reports suggest he hasn’t ended his in-ring career, with three matches scheduled in 2024 and another at AEW Double or Nothing in 2025.
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Fan Take: This news highlights the evolving roles wrestlers can adapt to beyond the ring, showing AEW’s commitment to leveraging talent in versatile ways. For fans, McGuinness’s preference for commentary over backstage roles means they can expect sharp, insightful analysis while still catching occasional in-ring action from a seasoned performer.
