Brady Booker, formerly known as Bodhi Hayward in WWE, discusses his release and shares his thoughts on his future.
As Hayward, Booker debuted on WWE TV in January 2022. Over the next several months, he was featured as part of Chase U alongside Andre Chase. But WWE released Booker, along with multiple other NXT Superstars, on November 1.
Speaking with Scott Mitchell of PWMania.com, Booker described how he felt when he got released. He noted that it came put of nowhere, as he thought Chase U could eventually make its way to the main roster. He noted that he realized there's a lot about the business that he still has to learn about, and he stated that he views the end of his time with WWE as an opportunity.
“My first initial thought was, I was in shock. It was 100% out of the left field. I was upset too. I felt the relationships I had there that were being built were good. I was shocked, and it was a big blow to my confidence. I was thinking Chase U main roster, but I was shocked and hurt. It showed me that there is a lot more to this business that maybe I do have to learn about. In some way shape or form, you are always in control. I look at this as a great opportunity. I feel that I’m made for this. Physically, and mentally. The one thing I always wanted was to cut an in-ring promo. I love being in front of crowds. I never feel more comfortable than being in front of them. That’s what will make me successful in this business. I love the Brodies and they’re loving me back. I want to love everyone for who they are as well," Booker said.
When asked whether he felt like he should have done more in WWE, Booker described how he thought Chase U was working as an entertaining act and getting over with the fans, though he didn't get to showcase his wrestling skills. He noted that when he was informed about his release, he was told that he wasn't maximizing his potential.
“When I came in there were talks that there would be an evolution. It was meant to evolve as I evolved. As we got more people, I always felt like I would be taken care of as well. I got injured but got cleared and felt safe and thought they wanted to protect me. Every opportunity I thought was passed over wrestling-wise, we were on television entertainment-wise. I thought the wrestling opportunities were coming. Maybe I wasn’t there wrestling-wise for television, but that’s just how TV is. That’s the part I was really confused about. It was a 45-second phone call to let me know I wasn’t maximizing my potential and let go. I thought that there would have been me graduating from Chase U, maybe having issues with Mr. Chase, and turmoil starting. Maybe Duke would have been a match for me as well, to show that I can wrestle with a good opportunity. I felt that the Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes vs. Me and Mr. Chase match was great. When I did wrestle, I felt like it was good. With the reaction we were getting, I didn’t think I had to go to the top rope to do a moonsault. But if that’s what I have to prove, so be it," Booker said.
Moving forward, Booker stated that he has connections, and plenty of people are looking out for him. He mentioned that he's excited about potential opportunities in Japan and in the United Kingdom. Booker also named Parker Boudreaux and EJ Nduka as two people he keeps in touch with.
“I have a whole new world now. I’m connected with a bunch of great people. Matt Riddle, Liv Morgan, Karrion Kross, and Shinsuke Nakamura, those guys are my rolling partners. There are so many more too who are looking out for me. People know I got it and they don’t want to see me fail. I’m looking forward to Japan, and UK opportunities as well. I got to spend 10 days in the UK with Trent Seven. Talking to Parker Boudreaux, see what’s going on in his neck of the woods. MLW too with EJ 'The Judge' talking to him as well. I hope to continue evolving as a wrestler and finding my style," he said.
Andre Chase thanked Hayward and wished him well in the aftermath of his release. More information is available here.
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