Wrestling Legend Booker T Reacts to Major WWE, AEW Feud

Newsweek

13-05-2025

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WWE Hall of Famer Booker T recently shared his veteran perspective on the heated social media exchange between AEW's Ricochet and WWE NXT star Je'von Evans.
Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T analyzed the spat, suggesting Ricochet missed an opportunity and offering pointed advice to the younger Evans, especially regarding a controversial comment.
The online feud ignited after a fan praised Evans as an up-and-coming high-flyer, leading to a response from Ricochet that asserted his own established status in the wrestling business. Booker T felt Ricochet, an innovator of modern aerial wrestling, could have handled the initial interaction differently.
"I think Ricochet missed the point as far as what the question was more than anything," Booker T stated. He then lamented a common trend he sees in wrestling discourse: "I just think that's where we are in the business, where we got to try to bring somebody down as opposed to trying to lift somebody up."
Despite the online drama, Booker T had significant praise for Je'von Evans' in-ring abilities. "Because for me, if I see that young dude, Je'von Evans, and what he's doing, I don't care who I am. I'm going to give him props because he's freaking so good," the two-time Hall of Famer emphasized.
He believes established stars have a role in supporting the next generation. "To see a young brother coming up and to not push him to the next level, especially after what you've brought to the table, speaking of Ricochet, how he's innovated the game from his aerial assault prowess and whatnot—you're supposed to be pushing for that guy no matter what company he's in."
WWE Wrestler Booker T attends WWE's 4th annual WrestleMania art exhibit and auction at The Egyptian Ballroom at Fox Theatre on March 30, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.
WWE Wrestler Booker T attends WWE's 4th annual WrestleMania art exhibit and auction at The Egyptian Ballroom at Fox Theatre on March 30, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
The online exchange between the two wrestlers escalated when Evans, after some initial banter, made a highly controversial comment directed at Ricochet's current position in AEW and its owner. Booker T and his co-host Brad Gilmore acknowledged this particular remark "crossed a line."
Booker T considered the generational difference in their approach to social media, noting Evans is only 20 years old. "You got to understand that Ricochet is dealing with a young guy who's still a kid... who does this social media totally different than you and I," Booker T explained.
He further elaborated on this generational divide in communication styles. "He grew up with an iPad in his hand when he came out the womb. The way Je'von Evans talks and the way Ricochet talks is two totally different worlds."
While offering some understanding for Evans' youth, Booker T still imparted firm advice to the promising NXT star regarding the controversial comment. "That's where Je'von Evans is going to have to learn too, to leave that kind of mess in the gutter," he stated.
He continued, urging Evans to rise above such negativity in online interactions. "Don't go down to somebody else's level. If you do go down to somebody else's level, just go down to bring them up to your level."
Booker T concluded with a final piece of wisdom for Evans, who has already achieved significant milestones in NXT, including main eventing Stand & Deliver. "Especially when you're shining, like you're doing so great... Just fall back from people who are trying to bring you down."
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