Booker T Talks WWE Releases – Booker T shared his thoughts on the recent mass talent cuts in WWE during his Hall of Fame podcast. He mentioned that while he didn’t see Mustafa Ali’s release coming, he’s not surprised when such releases happen in the wrestling business. He also noted that WWE tends to look at trimming down their roster, especially during times like these with the merger between WWE and another entity (potentially referring to the merger with Peacock).
Booker T emphasized that wrestling is a business, and sometimes even prominent talents may find themselves released when these business decisions are made. He highlighted the importance of diversifying one’s income streams, and that’s why he has multiple jobs and stays active in various aspects of the industry.
On Mustafa Ali’s WWE release after he asked for it:
“Did I see it coming? No, but I’m not surprised by anything that happens when it comes to guys getting released. Yeah. It’s just like Mandy Rose didn’t see that coming. When it happens, it happens quickly, and it’s always been that way in this business as far as guys being on that list of guys getting released. You know and it’s always a really, really touch-and-go time of the year. It’s not a it’s not a fun time of the year at all, you know? So I get it. I totally understand it. But I didn’t see Mustafa’s name come up or anything. It wasn’t like, this guy rocking the boat didn’t see that or anything. But you never know what’s going on behind the scenes as well as with this merger.”
On WWE making the cuts:
“They’re going to be looking to trim a lot of fat. They’re going to be looking to. Hey, do we really need these guys? So that’s why I say I don’t take myself out of that category when it comes to, when guys get released when a merger happens because it’s business. And if you look at this thing as anything other than a business, you can find yourself out in the cold wondering what happened. That’s why for me, I have several jobs. That’s why I’m Hustlin all the time. I’m like Nipsey Hussle Grindin’ all my life sacrifice, hustle. Paid the price. Yes, that’s what I’m all about.”
