With Survivor Series: WarGames just around the corner, speculation is swirling about a potential showdown between WWE General Managers Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis. And now, rumors hint that Pearce could have his sights set on bringing a retired fan favorite out of retirement to face Aldis—none other than former Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett.

Barrett, known for his role as the villainous leader of The Nexus back in 2010, carved out a memorable career during his time in WWE. Over six years, he built a reputation as one of WWE’s most effective heels, clinching the Intercontinental Championship five times. However, after dealing with a series of injuries, poor booking decisions, and a lack of clear direction, Barrett eventually parted ways with WWE in 2016.

Since leaving the ring, Barrett has transitioned to a successful career as a color commentator. After a stint with WWE NXT, he moved up to SmackDown in 2022, joining Michael Cole at the commentary desk. Despite finding a niche behind the mic, Barrett has teased a potential return to the ring. In a recent interview with PW Mania, he admitted that he’d consider donning his wrestling gear again “if the magic is there” and the situation was just right. “There’s always a tiny, tiny chance, but don’t hold your breath,” Barrett said, hinting that he hasn’t entirely ruled out the possibility.

The timing for a Barrett return couldn’t be better, given the growing tensions between Pearce, RAW’s GM, and Aldis, the newly appointed GM of SmackDown. The animosity between the two brands has been intensifying, with incidents like Randy Orton delivering a surprise RKO on Pearce at Crown Jewel. Adding fuel to the fire, members of SmackDown’s Bloodline, including Solo Sikoa, recently interfered on RAW and cost Jey Uso his chance to win the Intercontinental Championship.

Following these clashes, Pearce and Aldis have had heated exchanges on TV, with Pearce even calling Aldis out on RAW, urging him to rein in his roster. With Survivor Series: WarGames set for November 30, there’s a chance Pearce could be looking to retaliate by pitting Barrett, a powerhouse from SmackDown’s past, against Aldis in the ring.

Whether Barrett will indeed return to WWE as a competitor remains to be seen, but the possibility has fans buzzing. If Pearce decides to call on Barrett to face Aldis, it could be the perfect storm for Barrett’s long-awaited in-ring comeback.