WWE Hall of Famer Booker T Announces Return to Pro Wrestling

WWE Hall of Fame member and pro wrestling legend Booker T is headed back to the ring.

More News: Tony Khan Dismisses Claims That AEW Is Struggling To Sell Tickets

At the Reality of Wrestling (ROW) Breakout event last night, Zilla Fatu, the son of the late WWE star Umaga, took aim at Booker T, calling him an enemy instead of a mentor.

This heated confrontation quickly escalated, and soon after, a match between the two was officially announced for January 11, 2025, at an upcoming ROW event.

This will mark Booker T's first match in ROW since the Summer of Champions VIII in July 2022.

The 59-year-old, two-time WWE Hall of Famer, and five-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, had previously expressed his intention to return to the ring after a face-off with Fatu.

In an emotional video captured from Sunday's event, Fatu accused Booker T of betraying him, saying, "You were supposed to be a mentor, but you turned me into an enemy. And it hurts."

Booker T, fired up by the challenge, responded, "Tell you what... January 11. It's gonna be you and I. You in trouble, dog."

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. Moses Robinson/Getty Images

Fatu, the former ROW Champion, has had a successful run in the independent circuit, with Booker T's promotion playing a key role in his early career.

However, their relationship soured briefly in the past, with Fatu leaving ROW before ultimately reconciling with Booker earlier this year.

Booker T has been a huge promoter of Fatu and has previously said that he believes it's only a matter of time before he is approached by WWE (i.e., the big leagues).

On an episode of his "Hall of Fame" podcast, Booker T specifically described how ROW (which he founded and owns) is essentially prepping Fatu for the big time.

"We concentrate on Reality of Wrestling, and our thing is I cannot think about anything other than trying to get that young man, Zilla," Booker T said. Because he's talent, get him to the next level. And the next level for me for Zilla is the WWE. That's his landing zone, that's his safe zone, the WWE, with his family."

More News: CM Punk Calls Dominik Mysterio a "T***"

In 2024, Fatu had a breakout year, winning three championships simultaneously in ROW, House of Glory, and 4th Rope, and securing major victories over wrestlers like Real1 (formerly Enzo Amore), Moose, and Mr. Anderson.

The upcoming match against his former mentor will undoubtedly be his toughest challenge yet. For Booker T, this bout offers a chance to not only test his in-ring abilities after his surprise entry into the 2023 WWE Royal Rumble but also elevate Fatu's stock within the wrestling industry.

Given their complicated history and the emotional stakes, fans are eager to see if the veteran can still "bring it" in the ring and whether Fatu can finally prove himself against one of his biggest influences.

For more on professional wrestling, head to Newsweek Sports.