Booker T Reveals Original Plans For NXT Run

Booker T has revealed that he originally wasn’t meant to still be with NXT beyond the end of December 2022.

Back in October, WWE announced a reshuffle to their announce teams which saw Wade Barrett move to SmackDown, Pat McAfee take a break and Jimmy Smith leave the company altogether. As part of the switch, Booker T was brought into commentate on the action in NXT alongside Vic Joseph.

Although the WWE Hall of Famer had a remained a regular presence on WWE programming, many fans were surprised to see the star dropped into the role given he hadn’t been a full-time announcer since 2018. However, it appears that viewers will be hearing the dulcet tones of the former King of the Ring for a long time to come.

Speaking on a recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T said that he is with NXT full-time despite originally planning to leave in December.

“It was only supposed to be until the end of December,” Booker said. “Wade Barrett is gone and forgotten as you can see (he laughs). That’s my job now. That’s my job. I’m full-time now. I’m full-time on NXT. I’m gonna be in your ear every Tuesday night.

Wade Barrett, I don’t know if they’re going to keep him on, find a spot for him on RAW or SmackDown, but his ass isn’t coming back to NXT. Booker T stole that spot. I told you guys I was going to steal it. I’m like Tom Brady. Once I get in the game, I ain’t coming out. The thing is, it wasn’t something I was expecting or anything like that, but I’m excited about it. I’m excited about this new venture.”

NXT was recently rocked by the departure of it’s former Women’s Champion Mandy Rose. The star was released by WWE after they became uncomfortable with content she was posting online. Speaking elsewhere, Booker described the debacle as a “bad situation.”

H/t to WrestlingNewsCo