Nigel McGuinness has detailed what it means to be back in the ring, saying wrestling has been a blessing.
McGuinness returned to action in 2024 in his hometown of London, England, and wrestled there again in this year’s tournament. All In:, facing John Moxley. Ahead of that meeting, he spoke Rene Paquet and discussed his emotions about returning to the ring.
“I will forever feel blessed to have that opportunity to wrestle again. I thought my career was long gone. You know, people were talking to me, (and saying) ‘One more game, Nigel. (I would say) No, the ship has sailed. I really felt like that at the time, because I’ve worked before, that was the mindset, you know. And then Tony (Khan) was nice enough to give me a chance the first time we played Wembley in the Casino Gauntlet and then it just built from there. Every time I go out, I realize what a blessing it is, you know.” he said
McGuinness admitted it’s a different feeling now that he knows when his career might end because it’s in his control, which makes him appreciate everything he does. He also had some kind words for Tony Khan for giving him a chance to get back into the squared circle again.
“But it’s different. It’s different now knowing that this is the end of my career than when I was a wrestler, you know. Back then I was always looking for the next step, the next step, the next step, and now I just appreciate it,” added the England star. “From Tony Khan, you know, respecting me as a competitor in the ring and giving me a chance, it’s been great in that regard.”
McGuinness returned to the ring for the 2024 edition of All In at Wembley, his first match in over a decade, and revealed that walking into the ring felt surreal.
