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Major Update On Whether WWE Legend Has Backstage Heat

By Monika Thapa • Published Oct 13, 2025 19:30 EDT
WWE logo over King Booker Sharmell

Is legend Booker T facing backstage heat in WWE?

On the September 9, 2025, episode of NXT, Booker T made a controversial comment during the entrance of the Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, who was accompanied by Rhea Ripley and Stephanie Vaquer. While Vic Joseph announced Stratton’s return, Booker T exclaimed, “Oh… oh my, God! What?! I gotta pop my d**k, man!”

The phrase quickly caught the attention of fans online, sparking a mix of reactions. Some called it suggestive and inappropriate, while others defended Booker T, believing it was a slip of the tongue rather than an intentional remark.​ Booker T later clarified the situation, explaining on his Hall of Fame podcast that he never meant to say what fans thought they heard.

According to him, the actual phrase was “I gotta pop my neck, man,” referring to a reaction to the moment unfolding on screen. Booker insisted it was an innocent slip-up blown out of proportion. He admitted that this controversy made him more cautious during subsequent commentary appearances, especially when filling in on SmackDown, where he refrained from saying anything that could potentially be misinterpreted.

WWE Is Not Upset With Booker T

According to a Fightful Select Q&A, despite the backlash online, Booker T has not faced any backstage heat or formal reprimands, as WWE understood it was unintentional and treated the incident more humorously than seriously.​ The general consensus has been that Booker T’s comment was a harmless mistake, not a deliberate, offensive comment.

Booker T is one of the most decorated wrestlers in professional wrestling history. He has held an impressive 35 championships across major promotions, including WCW, WWE, and TNA. After retiring from in-ring competition, he transitioned to several roles within WWE. As of 2025, he is prominently serving as a color commentator on the NXT brand. He also owns and operates his independent promotion, Reality of Wrestling (ROW) in Texas, where he helps to develop future wrestling talents.