WWE Hall of Famer Booker T is back on NXT television after missing the past two weeks, bringing the familiar commentary team back together for the show’s post-Great American Bash episode.
While fans noticed his absence, Booker recently explained there was a personal reason behind his time away.
The June 30, 2026, edition of NXT opened with the fallout from Great American Bash before Vic Joseph welcomed Booker T back to the commentary desk, confirming the Hall of Famer’s return alongside his longtime broadcast partner.
Booker T explains why he stepped away from NXT commentary
Before returning to television, Booker addressed his absence on his Hall of Fame podcast, revealing that family responsibilities had taken priority.
“For me, let’s get the elephant out of the room. People have been asking, ‘Where has Booker T been?'” he said. “Booker T has issues just like anybody else, and I have a huge family. I’m the youngest of eight.”
The WWE Hall of Famer explained that someone in his family had been dealing with an undisclosed issue, and he felt it was his responsibility to be there.
“When something happens in your family, family comes first. Everything stops,” Booker said. “I had just been dealing with some family stuff that I had to take a step back and deal with.”
Booker also reassured fans there were no concerns about his own well-being, adding, “There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m fine. I’m perfectly fine. My health is great… I’ll be back at the desk with my man Vic Joseph.”
His promise became reality on Tuesday night. As newly crowned NXT Women’s Champion Kendal Grey made her entrance following the opening recap, Vic Joseph officially welcomed Booker back to the color commentary position.
During Booker’s absence, Corey Graves and Wade Barrett filled in, including at Great American Bash. However, the regular commentary duo is now back together. You could say Booker didn’t miss a beat — just a couple of weeks — and NXT’s broadcast team is once again calling the action “like it’s supposed to be done,” as the Hall of Famer himself promised.
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