AEW Announcer Nigel McGuinness Clears Up Misconceptions About His In-Ring Retirement

Nigel McGuinness has had a momentous year in 2024, culminating in his return to the wrestling spotlight during the AEW All In event and his match against Bryan Danielson at the Grand Slam edition of "AEW Dynamite." Although he is well-known for retiring from in-ring competition in 2011, the circumstances surrounding his retirement have often been misunderstood. In a recent episode of "Talk is Jericho," McGuinness clarified the series of events that led to his decision to step away from wrestling.

The Road to Retirement

McGuinness explained that his retirement was not a simple decision; it was influenced by a combination of personal and professional challenges. "I got signed by WWE, but they decided to rescind the contract due to an old arm injury, even though my doctor confirmed it was fully healed and I had been competing with it for two years," he recounted. This setback was particularly disheartening for McGuinness, as he had worked hard to prove his fitness.

He noted that, despite passing WWE’s physical examination, he was candid with the medical team about a partially torn bicep that he had previously sustained. WWE viewed this injury as significant enough to require surgery, which led to the termination of his contract. Faced with the loss of his WWE opportunity, McGuinness chose not to undergo surgery and instead joined TNA Wrestling in 2009. He felt that this period allowed him to deliver some of the best matches of his career, particularly against renowned wrestler Kurt Angle.

Health Challenges and Career Setbacks

Unfortunately, McGuinness's time in TNA took a drastic turn when he tested positive for Hepatitis B. This diagnosis prevented him from wrestling for several months and ultimately resulted in his release from the promotion just two weeks before he was medically cleared to return to the ring. "With no money and no company to work for, I made the tough decision to retire," McGuinness reflected, acknowledging the financial and emotional toll of the situation.

"There I was, pretty much broke. I hadn't wrestled in a year. WWE wasn’t interested in me due to the bicep issue, and I didn’t want to return to Ring of Honor and wrestle in that style again. I was left wondering, ‘What was I going to do?’" This difficult period marked the end of McGuinness's in-ring career, which he formally announced at the close of 2011 during a three-week retirement tour that was later chronicled in his acclaimed documentary, "The Last of McGuinness."

The Retrospective

Looking back, McGuinness has expressed some regrets about his decision to retire. "Sometimes I think about it and say, ‘Well, maybe I should have just gone to Japan,’" he admitted. He cited wrestlers like Finn Balor, Jay White, and Kenny Omega as examples of athletes who successfully carved out successful careers outside of WWE, particularly in the independent wrestling scene. "I could have potentially done that, but at the time, I felt so beaten down by fate that I just thought, ‘Forget it,’" McGuinness confessed, highlighting the emotional impact of his experiences.

The Inspiration Behind His Documentary

The idea for his documentary came to fruition after the success of Colt Cabana’s "Wrestling Road Diaries." Cabana encouraged McGuinness to capture his retirement journey on film, leading him to purchase a video camera and document the process. The teaser trailer for the project quickly gained traction, raising over $50,000 in less than a week and providing McGuinness the opportunity to create what he describes as one of the best self-produced wrestling documentaries of all time.

In an unexpected turn of fate, McGuinness got to fulfill a part of his WWE dream years later when he signed with the company as a commentator in 2016. WWE even produced their version of his documentary, which aired on the WWE Network, allowing him to revisit his story in a new light.

A New Chapter

As he continues his role as an AEW commentator and navigates this new chapter of his career, McGuinness's experiences serve as a reminder of the complexities that often accompany life in professional wrestling. His journey illustrates the resilience required to overcome adversity and the importance of remaining true to oneself in the face of challenges.

In the wrestling world, McGuinness's narrative resonates with many who have faced their own battles and setbacks. His candid reflections on his retirement process and the hurdles he encountered provide insight into the mental and physical demands placed on wrestlers, underscoring the need for support systems within the industry.

The Legacy of Nigel McGuinness

Despite the hurdles he faced, McGuinness has successfully re-established himself within the wrestling community. His return to the ring and involvement in AEW have allowed him to contribute to the sport he loves while inspiring a new generation of wrestlers. As he continues to share his story, McGuinness hopes to foster a more supportive environment for those who navigate similar challenges.

His perspective highlights the need for dialogue surrounding mental health, injury management, and the often turbulent nature of professional wrestling careers. As McGuinness embarks on this next phase of his journey, his voice will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping conversations about the future of wrestling and the experiences of those who dedicate their lives to the craft.

Looking Forward

As Nigel McGuinness continues to engage with fans and fellow wrestlers alike, he remains committed to advocating for change within the wrestling industry. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by many wrestlers, and his willingness to share his experiences could pave the way for more open discussions about health, safety, and mental well-being in the sport.

With a successful career behind him and a promising future ahead, McGuinness is poised to make an enduring impact in the wrestling world. His return to AEW and ongoing commentary work reflect not only his love for the sport but also his desire to contribute positively to the wrestling community. As he moves forward, fans and colleagues alike will be watching closely, eager to see what new chapters he will write in his storied career.