Booker T Addresses Whether WWE Will Re-Sign Velveteen Dream
Booker T has offered his thoughts as to whether or not WWE will ever re-sign The Velveteen Dream. During the #SpeakingOut movement on social media in 2020, Dream was accused of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior by several minors and an up-and-coming wrestler. WWE looked into the allegations but stated that they found nothing that would warrant any action (via CBS Sports). He was released in late May (via Forbes), along with several other stars due to budget cuts. However, it is not known if this is what Dream was told or if the accusations had anything to do with it.
Dream first appeared on the sixth season of WWE reality show "Tough Enough" before being formally signed to a developmental contract in late 2015. He would make his in-ring debut in February of 2016 at an "NXT" house show, losing to Madcap Moss. Dream debuted on television in July of that year. He would introduce the Velveteen Dream gimmick the following year, ultimately winning the "NXT" North American Championship from Johnny Gargano in February of 2019. He would then unsuccessfully challenge "NXT" Champion Adam Cole the following year. His career looked promising before the allegations, and now Booker T has weighed in on his prospects of a WWE return.
Does Booker T Think Velveteen Dream Will Ever Return to WWE?
Booker T was asked by a fan whether or not he thinks WWE will ever re-sign The Velveteen Dream. "No. I do not," he said flat out on his podcast, Hall of Fame. "[Brad Gilmore always says] that you could put yourself where something could happen and it could be bad." He continued on to say that he wonders how things could have turned out for Dream if he hadn't obstructed his own career.
"Sometimes, you can never find your way back from it and I think Velveteen Dream is going to be one of those guys that would've had a hell of a career if. That's the end of that story." Booker has never been one to shy away from sharing his opinions on matters such as this in the past, specifically when asked by fans, and it's hard to argue with his assessment.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit Hall of Fame with Booker T and Brad Gilmore with an h/t to Wrestling INC. for the transcription.