Booker T has credited wrestling’s next generation with helping him stay relevant, saying supporting younger talent has become one of the most rewarding parts of his career.

Speaking to Chris Van Vliet on the Insight podcast, the WWE Hall of Famer explained that respect should go both ways between veterans and emerging stars. He pointed to Bad Bunny naming a song after him as an example of how a younger performer introduced his name to a different audience.

“I always say that sometimes it may take someone else to keep you relevant. People say respect your elders, but I say you got to respect your young guys these days because they’re the future,” said Booker T. “It’s like when Bad Bunny made the song, Bad Bunny was keeping me relevant in a totally different genre.”

That same sense of pride extends to Reality of Wrestling. For Booker, seeing talent connected to his promotion and school appear across wrestling is a reminder of the difference he continues to make.

“Then working with the young guys now, and they go out there and look at all the banners around. Over WrestleMania weekend I see the blueprint and the footprint of Reality of Wrestling all over so many different shows, it’s amazing. So for me I’m just living my best life.”

Booker also admitted he never expected his involvement with WWE to last this long. He had prepared for a future away from the mainstream spotlight by building somewhere he could develop talent, tell stories and maintain his passion for wrestling.

“I planned on retiring a long time ago from wrestling. But as far as mainstream, as far as WWE and stuff like that, I planned on that going away a long time ago. I didn’t expect to be in it this long, at all. But that’s why I built the wrestling school because I hear so many guys, like old guys. I’m one of those old guys now, but I hear so many old guys get out of business and then they complain, they’re bitter, you know what I mean? They’re talking about the shows. They’re critiquing the shows. I say, instead of doing that, I’m gonna just build my own, create my own stories, and still have a great love for the business. Something that has given me so much. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the wrestling business.”

His enthusiasm has also been a familiar part of NXT commentary, with his animated reactions helping showcase performers such as Trick Williams and Stephanie Vaquer.

Whether behind the commentary desk or helping wrestlers find their feet, Booker continues to find fulfilment in giving back to the business that shaped his life.