Booker T was dealing with family issues.
The WWE Hall of Famer had been absent from the NXT commentary desk for the past few weeks without an explanation, with Wade Barrett filing in for him. He even missed the Great American Bash PPV this past Sunday, raising questions about his status with the company.
Before he finally returned to the development show on the June 30 episode, the wrestling veteran gave an explanation for his time off on the Hall of Fame podcast. Booker T mentioned that he is the youngest of eight siblings and needs to be there for his family:
I’m the youngest of eight, and when something happens in your family, family comes first. Everything stops. For me, I always said being the youngest in my family it’s my responsibility to make sure I step up and be there at all times.
My Health Is Great: Booker T
While Booker T did not go into details of the family troubles, the 61-year-old did assure fans that the recent absence was not caused by any health issues on his part:
For me, I had just been dealing with family stuff that I had to take a step back and deal with it. And then get back to work because I cannot deal with things without working at the same time, you know what I mean?
It’s one of those things where I gotta keep my mind going. But no, that’s all it’s been, man. I feel good. There’s nothing wrong with me. I’m fine, I’m perfectly fine. My health is great.
Tonight’s NXT featured a number of noteworthy moments including a highly anticipated debut. Though the show also saw a title match being cancelled due to an apparent injury. You can check out some backstage news on the matter here.