Former WWE Champion Sheamus’ future has sparked plenty of discussion this week. Now, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has shared why he believes there is no such thing as a “lifer” in the wrestling business.
Reports recently claimed WWE offered Sheamus a restructured contract extension. However, the veteran reportedly turned down the offer. His current deal is now expected to expire soon.
WWE legend Booker T says nobody stays with one company forever
Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T addressed the reports of Sheamus’ exit from the company. He questioned why fans expect wrestlers to spend their entire careers with one company.
He said, “I hear the term ‘lifer,’ you know. I thought he was going to be a lifer. I thought he was. What the hell does that really mean in a job? When you work at a job, what does that really mean? You’re going to be a lifer. I mean, does anybody expect any basketball player to stay on the team forever?”
The Hall of Famer also defended Sheamus’ career decisions. He pointed out that the former WWE Champion has spent nearly 20 years with the company and likely prepared for this stage of his career.
He said, “This guy’s had damn near a 20-year career as a professional wrestler in one company. Look here, I’m going to tell you right now. I tell people all the time, I started thinking about retirement when I was 30 years old, okay? I said, at 45, I know I’m going to be wrapping up.”
“I know I’m going to be done. And so, 20 years ago, I opened my wrestling school, okay? Because I knew I was going to have to have a backup plan, to do something, okay? And I’m sure Sheamus has worked his plan and been expecting this moment to come, just because he’s 48 years old.”
Booker T says fans shouldn’t blame WWE for every departure
Booker T also pushed back against fans that blame WWE for every departure. He said roster changes happen in every business and shouldn’t always be viewed negatively. “So, when I hear people literally trying to make WWE the bad guy when somebody gets released, laid off, or fired, that just gets because that happens in any corporation.
Despite the reports, the NXT commentator said he believes every career eventually reaches its end. “I don’t want to see Sheamus leave WWE, but everything comes to an end. Everything has an expiration date on it.”
Booker added that if Sheamus decided to reject a new offer, that was completely his choice. “I know people have been saying, allegedly, that he had a five-year contract that he just signed not too long ago.”
“And maybe he did, and maybe they did come to him and say, ‘Hey, can we restructure this and whatnot?’ He said, ‘Nah, I really don’t feel that.’ That’s his prerogative, to do that and to say, ‘Hey, let’s just move on. Hey, we had a hell of a run together.'”
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