Booker T’s Predictions: Who and Why
Bron Breakker & Gunther
Following WWE’s SummerSlam 2024 event, where both Breakker and Gunther won championships for the first time on the main roster, Booker T declared them as “future of the business” material. Wrestling Inc.+2TJR Wrestling+2
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Bron Breakker captured the Intercontinental Championship after defeating Sami Zayn.
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Gunther won the World Heavyweight Title, establishing himself as one of WWE’s top names.
Booker’s view is that these two are part of a “next wave”—talent that can appeal to younger wrestlers, fans, and help sustain WWE’s relevance in a changing landscape. He emphasized their roles in defining this era and attracting fresh talent into the business.
Roxanne Perez
Another superstar Booker has repeatedly praised is Roxanne Perez. He has gone on record predicting that she will have a standout WrestleMania moment, describing her as someone who “doesn’t need coattails” and is already operating solo made to shine.
Roxanne’s story is already impressive: multiple title runs, long reigns, strong in-ring work, and a growing profile even as she transitions toward more prominent storylines.
Other Rising NXT Stars
Booker has also pointed toward other NXT talent in his commentary:
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Cora Jade: Booker remarked that she has “something that just stands out,” and that once she reaches WWE’s main roster, her uniqueness will become even clearer.
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Axiom: Booker once said of Axiom that he has what it takes to become a major masked superstar, comparing him to legendary figures like Mil Mascaras and Rey Mysterio.
Historical Context: Why These Predictions Matter
To fully understand why Booker T’s voice carries weight and why these predictions are significant, we need to look at WWE’s evolution, talent pipelines, and the shifting dynamics of wrestling entertainment.
Booker T’s Legacy & Credibility
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As an in-ring performer, Booker T is a six-time world champion across WCW and WWE, with numerous tag titles and a reputation for technical ability, charisma, and adapting to eras.
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He’s been involved with NXT commentary and developmental-level wrestling, giving him a firsthand view of emerging talent. This vantage point gives some legitimacy to his predictions.
NXT’s Role as a Talent Incubator
WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, has often been analyzed in terms of how effectively it builds stars:
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Historically, WWE’s development system (from Florida Championship Wrestling, Ohio Valley Wrestling, etc.) served as the stepping stone for many future stars. NXT inherited and expanded this role, especially since WWE shifted to make it more TV-friendly and globally visible.
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Booker’s observations seem tied to this system’s evolution: whether talent emerges from NXT, from other independent circuits, or via WWE’s newer programs (like NIL, Performance Center, etc.).
The New Wave & Generational Transition
The wrestling audience is also shifting. Younger fans are influenced by indie wrestling, international promotions, crossover media, social media presence, etc. WWE needs stars who can:
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Work in the ring with athleticism and storytelling
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Have charisma and personality in promos, presence in the entrance, merch, etc.
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Adapt across platforms (TV, streaming, social media)
Booker’s picks seem aligned with these criteria: Breakker and Gunther are imposing presences with strong work; Roxanne Perez shines in promos and matches; Axiom brings mask tradition and physicality.
What This Means for WWE & the Wrestling Industry
Elevating Next-Level Talent
By highlighting these rising stars, WWE can lean into fresh storytelling. Instead of relying heavily on established stars, the company can build new main-event talent. That allows wrestlers like Breakker, Gunther, and Perez to carry shows and attract new viewership.
Risks & Challenges
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Overexposure / Hot-Shotting: Sometimes, when a new star is pushed too quickly, the risk is that fans won’t fully connect, or backlash may occur if storytelling or performance doesn’t sustain. WWE has historically stumbled when pushing someone too hard before their character is fully defined.
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Injury & Burnout: Booker has mentioned concerns about injuries holding talent back. This is real professional wrestlers, particularly those working intense schedules, are vulnerable. Ensuring a balance is key. WWF Old School+1
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Audience Patience: Some fans prefer a gradual rise; others want quick reveals. WWE has to manage expectations—both internally (talent, creative) and externally (fans, media).
Potential Strategic Moves
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Involving these talents in high-profile storylines, tag matches, and co-main events to test their draw.
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Utilizing social media and crossover appearances to build character outside the ring.
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Managing title reigns strategically long enough to build credibility, but not so long as to stagnate.
Analysis & What to Watch
Looking ahead, here are indicators and benchmarks to see whether these predictions hold true:
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Title Reigns & Matches: Do Bron Breakker, Gunther, or Roxanne Perez secure long and credible title reigns on main roster shows? How do they perform in big PPVs or WrestleMania-type events?
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Promo & Character Development: It’s not enough to win; how do they connect with the crowd, tell stories, develop personas, and show depth? Booker often praises traits beyond physical ability.
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Merchandise & Fan Engagement: Popularity in social media, fan polls, and merchandise sales will give tangible proof of being “future stars.”
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Longevity & Injury Avoidance: Avoiding career-slowing injuries, maintaining consistency in performance, and visibility.
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Transition from NXT to Main Roster: How cleanly and effectively WWE transitions these wrestlers from the developmental brand to Raw/SmackDown will be telling. Some do it smoothly; others fade in transition.
Commentary & Perspective
From my perspective, Booker T’s picks seem well-chosen. The ones he’s talking about are not casual or “hot take” choices; they are wrestlers already showing potential along many axes: in-ring skill, character, audience connection, marketability. WWE is in a position where it can no longer rely solely on legacy acts or nostalgia draws; the audience demands authenticity, athletic ability, and compelling characters.
One thing that turns out to be crucial, historically: it’s not about being called a “future star” once; it’s about performance over time. Many have been hyped and failed to sustain. Booker seems to understand that he praises not just what these stars are now, but what they *could become *with better booking, better storytelling, good health, and fan backing.
Conclusion
Booker T’s recent endorsements of Bron Breakker, Gunther, Roxanne Perez, and others as the future of WWE are more than just praise—they are signals of a shift. WWE seems to be in a generational handoff phase, where the next wave of stars needs to rise to fill the space being left by veterans.
Whether those predictions bear out depends on WWE’s creative decisions, the wrestlers’ continued improvement, fan engagement, and the ability to avoid pitfalls like rushed pushes or overpromising. For now, though, the potential is unmistakable, and for fans of the scene, it’s an exciting time.
