Booker T questions Aleister Black’s long-term impact following WWE release.
Aleister Black and his wife, Zelina Vega, were among the mix of main roster and developmental talent released by WWE following WrestleMania 42. Other names included Kairi Sane and WWE LFG Season 1 winner Tyra Mae Steele.
Black and Vega had been part of the SmackDown roster and were involved in a feud with Randy Orton prior to their release. Reports suggested Black was originally planned to be heavily featured in the Orton–Rhodes WrestleMania storyline, though that spot ultimately went to Pat McAfee.
During a recent episode of the Hall of Fame podcast, host Brad Gilmore addressed Aleister Black’s WWE departure, describing him as a “money act” and expressing confidence that he could become a top star with the right direction.
Booker T, however, pushed back by questioning Black’s long-term impact. He asked Gilmore to recall a memorable Aleister Black match, prompting Gilmore to reference Black’s NXT run, his program with Rey Mysterio, and his more recent feud with Randy Orton.
Booker T highlights challenges faced by veteran talent in WWE
Booker T went on to highlight the challenges faced by veteran talent in an increasingly competitive roster, pointing to the steady influx of NXT call-ups.
“It’s not that I couldn’t do anything with him, it’s just that there are so many people on the roster right now. With all the talent coming up from NXT, competition is tough. If you’re not a top-five megastar, you could be in trouble. When younger talent comes in, who do you think they’ll look to replace? The guys who’ve been around for over 10 years and aren’t at the very top.”
He added that unless a wrestler firmly establishes themselves among the top stars, they risk being replaced as WWE continues to evolve.
“At the end of the day, it’s business. Guys need to understand where they stand in terms of star power if they want to avoid that situation.”
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