Booker T Gives Clarity On His New Role With NXT

Last week, WWE announced a complete revamp for all of their commentary teams on each of the Raw, Smackdown and NXT brands. With NXT in particular, Booker T would land a job alongside Vic Joseph to call the action on 2.0.

On the most recent episode of his “Hall Of Fame” podcast, the six-time world champion said he wasn’t expecting WWE to call him for the gig.

“You got to always stay ready just so you don’t have to get ready.”

Booker T went on to thank all of the people who helped get him the job, but wouldn’t name any particular names. Well, except for one.

“If it wasn’t for him none of this would be possible, and that’s Michael Cole, man. Michael Cole has been my guy for quite some time, man. He’s been in my corner. So I just want to thank Michael Cole for making this all happen.”

However, the WWE Hall of Famer quickly mentioned that he won’t be making fanciful commentary while working the booth with Joseph.

“I’m not a commentator. I will be coming in as an analyst, critiquing these guys trying to see where the money actually really is. Who may be the next-level NXT superstar and the quality that they bring to the table.”

With the hiring of Booker T, it signals Triple H’s and Shawn Michaels’ interest in more analysis at the NXT level, especially considering it’s supposed to be viewed as a developmental branch of WWE.

Booker T has executive experience in this role, running his Reality of Wrestling school and promotion in Houston, which has launched the careers of multiple talents, including former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion Roxanne Perez.

The WWE Hall of Famer then went on to imply that he was going to help develop NXT talent behind the scenes, though there hasn’t been any official announcement made from WWE saying so.

“I will be an advisor in certain aspects of guys. I’m all about trying to show these young guys what it takes to work at the top of the card.”

Booker T takes the place of Wade Barrett, who is replacing Pat McAfee on WWE Smackdown after he went on a temporary hiatus to join ESPN’s “College Gameday.” Michael Cole has retained his Smackdown hosting duties and will be alongside Barrett.

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription