Wade Barrett was not removed from WWE commentary due to a conflict with Nikki Bella

Wade Barrett and Nikki Bella have been at the center of controversy in the past week. It all started at Clash in Paris, when the British wrestler, acting as the heel commentator he is, made a comment about Nikki that did not sit well with the WWE Hall of Famer. So much so, that the wrestler herself pointed out on her podcast that Barrett had crossed a line and had been avoiding her all weekend.

The commentator wasted no time in denying the accusations, making it clear that he never intended to disrespect his colleague, and also stating that he never avoided her. In fact, he would have liked to address the issue with her if she had explained that his comment had upset her.

What started as just another anecdote from that weekend has taken on greater dimensions in the last few hours after it was revealed that Corey Graves will replace Barrett at the commentary table on SmackDown (as seen on last night's show in Chicago). This news has stirred up a part of the community, which has quickly pointed the finger directly at Nikki Bella as the one responsible for everything.

This situation has led Barrett to take to social media to clarify the situation. The British wrestler has not only denied the rumors suggesting his permanent departure from the SmackDown commentary table, but has also defended his colleague, making it clear that she does not deserve the hate she has received in the last few hours.

"I usually ignore trash reports like this, but it is generating unnecessary hatred towards people I work with. WWE has kindly granted me a couple of weeks off for personal reasons (requested nine months ago), and then I will return to work as usual. A story of no importance. The end," Barrett wrote on his X account.

So, it seems that Barrett will take a couple of weeks off before returning in time for Wrestlepalooza, the WWE event that will kick off on ESPN. Until then, Corey Graves and Michael Cole will be in charge of the commentary on the blue brand.