Booker T Returning To The Ring In August, Returning For Another Run In WWE?

WWE has reportedly been looking for former WWE superstars and veterans to return to the roster to help with the brand split after the WWE Draft. Many names have been rumored to be rejoining WWE, but not much news has progressed about many resigning with the company.

On paper, it makes sense for WWE to bring back familiar names. Not only will veterans provide nostalgia for the WWE Universe as they return to programming, but they’ll be able to help get a lot of the younger guys and NXT stars over on Raw and SmackDown to ensure the brand extension transitions smoothly over the next few months of WWE television.

However, WWE may have been scouting so much outward that they’ve forgotten some of the veterans that are already with the company. For example, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has been doing commentary and been involved with WWE Network programming for a long time now. There never was an indication that the five-time WCW Champion was itching to get back into the ring, but he’ll be stepping back into the ring for the first time in a few years this August outside of WWE.

Back in 2005, Booker T started his own wrestling promotion based out of Houston, Texas. Originally called the “Pro Wrestling Alliance,” the promotion changed its name to “Reality of Wrestling” in 2012. In February 2015, he reunited with his brother Stevie Ray to reform “Harlem Heat” for one last match with the promotion. That was the last time Booker T wrestled a match.

However, Booker’s next match was revealed thanks to a report from Daily Wrestling News. His “Reality of Wrestling” promotion will be joining forces with Tommy Dreamer’s “House of Hardcore” for a show on August 6th in Pasadena, Texas.

It was originally supposed to be Mickie James teaming with Dreamer against TNA stars Pepper Parks and Cherry Bomb, but Booker T will be coming out of retirement for the match. Also announced for the show will be a match between Lance Hoyt vs. Billy Gunn. There will also be a Texas Open Challenge by Moose. Vickie Guerrero, Carlito, MVP, The Sandman, Tony Nese, Thea Trinidad are all booked to make appearances during the show.

Although it is only one match, there is some speculation that Booker T could be used after the WWE Draft and the brand split on Raw or SmackDown to help bolster the WWE roster and be one of the veterans that WWE officials are rumored to be looking for right now.

Booker T hasn’t been in a match in WWE since Wrestlemania 28 when he was the sixth and final member of Team Teddy in the fight against Team Johnny to gain control of Raw and SmackDown at the time. His last singles match in WWE was back in early 2012 against Cody Rhodes, which he lost and failed to win the Intercontinental Championship.

Those matches are acceptable, but is a loss to Rhodes on SmackDown, being the sixth member of Team Teddy, or a tag team match with Tommy Dreamer an appropriate ending for the historic career of Booker T? One final match that could even serve as a retirement match at Summerslam or another big stage seems like a much more appropriate ending to Booker T’s career. It could also be a great rub to give to a young heel.

The WWE Universe would welcome him back to the ring, but the ultimate call is up to the WWE Hall of Famer if he even wants to get back into the ring for more than a simple cup of coffee.

[Image via WWE.com]