Wade Barrett: From NXT Winner to Bad News Barrett

Wade Barrett was the winner of the first season of NXT, and it seemed like he was destined to become a major figure of the future when, in the June 7, 2010 episode of Raw, he appeared as the leader of Nexus leading an attack against John Cena, CM Punk, and company personnel. But his character kept changing until he ultimately became Bad News Barrett, losing much relevance until he decided to leave the company.

In a recent episode of the Conversation with the Big Guy podcast, Ryback reflected on why Wade Barrett didn't achieve more success in WWE.

"He is one of the guys they missed opportunities with several times. He stands over 6'3" and is always in shape. For a guy that size, you already have a great frame, although he slimmed down a bit at one point. However, they weren't doing anything with him. Several times he should have won the championship, but they never pulled the trigger at the right moment."

"When you hear something like that, you wonder why. The fan reaction was there, even if they didn't cheer him, people were interested in him. You can't dress anyone up to play that role, and he was a natural superstar that they should have maximized."

"Everyone who knows wrestling knows he has a unique wrestler's voice, he has a unique wrestler's look, he has all the tools to do much more, to be a top wrestler. He did the right thing by leaving, I know he had some things to take care of. I know his career is not over by any means. I would like to see him being used correctly someday."