Booker T Not Surprised By WWE Releases

Booker T has admitted WWE releases are now an expected part of the business.

On May 2, several WWE main roster and NXT Superstars were released by the company seemingly out of the blue. Across Raw and SmackDown, the likes of Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, and Shayna Baszler were cut, while Gigi Dolin and Cora Jade were among those who were removed from NXT.

A day later, it was confirmed that Shotzi will also be leaving the company when her contract expires in July.

Booker T Believes Preparation Is Key

During a recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, WWE veteran and current NXT announcer Booker T gave his thoughts on the departures. Unlike some, Booker said he wasn’t surprised to see cuts made as they’ve been a feature of the company for several years.

“It didn’t catch me off guard at all. I’ve been a part of WWE now for a very, very long time, and every year, especially after WrestleMania, a list comes out, and guys get cut… getting released is something that’s been happening since I’ve been in this business at a certain time of the year.”

The veteran went on to explain that the releases were an unfortunate part of the business, but it’s something talent shouldn’t ever feel won’t happen to them. The WWE Hall of Famer revealed that he’s spent the best part of two decades expecting the company to move him on.

“Do you want to be on that list? Of course not, but this is a business, and that’s one thing that you better always keep in the back of your head that you might be getting let go sooner or later.

I’m gonna tell you right now. I’ve been planning to get that note for about 20 years. I’ve been preparing for what’s next knowing that they’re going to come to me one day and go, ‘Hey, Book, man, we appreciate everything you’ve done here, but we’re going a different route.’”

When asked what advice he would give to young talent in such situations, Booker placed a big emphasis on being prepared and thinking ahead. He believes this would help talent be able to respond to setbacks in the right way.

“That’s my advice to these young guys. Hopefully they are preparing for a moment like this, so they’ll be ready just to keep everything moving.”

Although the future is uncertain for those who have been let go, many in WWE feel that Dakota Kai could eventually land in AEW. According to a report reflecting on the releases, those within the company remain fans of Kai and think she could, and perhaps should, become All Elite.

H/t to WrestlingNews.Co