In a moment of candor while discussing the recent WWE releases, WWE Hall of Famer and NXT commentator Booker T reflected on his own job security in the TKO era, admitting he believes he “could be next on the chopping block.” Speaking on his “Hall of Fame” podcast, Booker T explained his proactive mindset in the new corporate environment.
The conversation began while discussing the fan outcry over R-Truth’s departure (he’s back now, as everyone knows by now). Booker T explained his perspective on the situation as a veteran. “When the TKO people came in, endeavor and all those guys, this was my first thought process. These guys may not know me from Adam. Okay, so let me be proactive and get ahead of this thing, because I could be next on the chopping block,” he revealed. “And the only thing I want to know is guys just give me a heads up. Okay, that’s it.”
He stressed that any performer of his generation needs to be realistic about their position in a business that is constantly evolving and trending younger. “But don’t think I didn’t talk to someone and say, ‘Hey guys,’ because you know why? Because I understand, like so many out there, perhaps don’t, that this is a young man’s business,” Booker stated. “It’s a young man, a young woman’s business, and somebody at my age, if they’re not thinking about a phone call coming at some point in time, they’re delusional. They’re not thinking properly.”
He applied this same logic to the R-Truth situation. “So when it happened with our truth, I’m thinking just like I’m thinking right now… If I’m not thinking that way, I’m being delusional,” he said. “No matter how many people out there would love and the outpouring support hopefully will come out and say, you know, ‘give a job back,’ don’t think I would be expecting to get it, you know? I mean, because I would know my number have come.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit The Hall of Fame with Booker T & Brad Gilmore with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
