WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, a respected veteran in the industry, has claimed thatAEW is a “retirement spot” for wrestlers, suggesting that the promotion pays talent “without having to work extensively.” Speaking on the latest episode of his Hall of Fame podcast with co-host Brad Gilmore, Booker T claimed that Jericho might choose Tony Khan’s promotion over WWE, because, according to him, wrestlers there get paid without having to work extensively.
A Safe Haven with Light Workload
Booker T, reflecting on his own career, admitted that he would have jumped at the opportunity to work under such a schedule and financial arrangement. He joked about settling in for the long haul if AEW had existed during his prime working years.
“I wish they had AEW around when I was doing this thing. I would have just camped out. Made me a little tent. I would have been going nowhere, man. I’m serious. They pay you not to work in AEW.”
He reiterated his point by officially labeling the Jacksonville-based company. “It’s a safe haven. It’s definitely a retirement spot, if you’re definitely looking to wrap this up in the right way. I get it, man. I get it. Seriously.”
Booker T’s comments tap into a popular talking point among wrestling fans: the belief that many established former WWE performers transition to AEW toward the end of their careers for a lighter schedule and guaranteed pay. Indeed, notable wrestlers such as Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, and Paul Wight have all signed with AEW in recent years.
Questioning Ric Flair’s Status
Booker T used the example of Ric Flair to illustrate his point about the company’s lack of a demanding schedule. He noted that Flair is reportedly still under contract with AEW despite not having a significant in-ring presence in the company. Booker T spoke about Ric Flair’s contribution to the company.
“Ric Flair is still under contract [with AEW] from what I’ve been hearing. What has he done? What has Ric Flair done for AEW?”
Ric Flair had been advertised to appear live on the Dynamite Blood & Guts show recently with Ricky Steamboat. However, that live television appearance was ultimately scrapped after the Nature Boy suffered a rotator cuff injury.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Hall of Fame podcast with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can listen to the Hall of Fame podcast on YouTube.