Booker T is set to return to the ring on January 11, 2025 at his promotion Reality of Wrestling’s (ROW) Breakout event, facing Zilla Fatu in a highly anticipated showdown.
The match was sparked by a heated exchange at the December 29 Breakout event, where Fatu accused his former mentor of betrayal, prompting Booker T to accept his challenge.
This marks Booker’s first match since appearing in the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble and his first traditional match since July 2022 at ROW’s Summer of Champions VIII.
While active as a WWE NXT commentator and ROW mentor, Booker’s in-ring appearances have been rare.
Zilla Fatu, son of late WWE Legend Umaga and a rising star on the indy scene, had previously reconciled with Booker, who expressed interest in helping him reach WWE. However, tensions have escalated, making this clash deeply personal.
On his podcast, the former World Heavyweight Champion said the following about facing Zilla:
“This is one of those moments that just lights a fire inside you. The flame is still burning deep inside. How you gonna tell a man he can’t go out there and do it like he once did? You can’t do it.
Am I the man I used to be? No. Am I great as I once was? No. But I can still be great once.
I’m gonna spank that boy like a newborn baby when he comes out the womb. I’m gonna make this kid cry like a newborn baby. January 11, I’m back. I’m gonna go out there and give him the beating of a lifetime.
This isn’t just about stepping back into the ring; it’s about reminding myself, and everyone else, why I love this business. I’ve been training hard, staying ready for this moment, and I’m gonna give it everything I’ve got.”
WATCH: Kristal Marshall (Bobby Lashley’s Ex Wife) Strips:
