Josiah Jean just took a pretty big step toward WWE, and Booker T personally showed up to deliver the news. What started as Jean talking about his problems with AJ Francis ended with him getting one of the biggest announcements of his career.
During the latest episode of Reality of Wrestling, Booker T made a surprise appearance and revealed that Jean, also known as Josiah Williams and “The Rocket Man,” has officially received a WWE ID contract. Booker first talked about how much Jean has developed during his time at Reality of Wrestling and admitted that he sees a lot of himself in the young wrestler.
“I see so much of myself in this young man right here. So much. Hardworking. I mean, since day one here at Reality of Wrestling, it’s always been about putting the work in, trying to get to that next level, trying to do exactly what it takes to stay on track. That’s what it’s about here at Reality of Wrestling.
“And me personally, I want to say I’m proud of you, all right? You’ve done a hell of a job, especially over this last year, especially over these last few months.”
Booker then revealed that Jean had already gotten an opportunity to impress WWE behind the scenes. According to him, Jean attended a WWE tryout in Orlando a couple of months ago and represented Reality of Wrestling during the process. That apparently went pretty damn well.
“Josiah got a tryout with WWE a couple of months ago, and then he went out there to Orlando, Florida, and he represented Reality of Wrestling.
“The work that this young man, Josiah ‘The Rocket,’ has put in, WWE has honored you with a WWE ID contract.
“So, I just want to say congratulations to The Rocket, Josiah Jean. This is the beginning of the journey. Now, can you dig it, sucka?”
The announcement came right after Jean addressed his falling-out with AJ Francis and House Money. Jean said he originally aligned himself with Francis because he was looking for an experienced wrestler who could help guide him, but he eventually felt like the relationship became completely one-sided.
“Since day one, I’ve tried to go out and earn it. But, you know, my best, it wasn’t enough. At the right time, I was looking for an OG. I was looking for somebody that was going to put me on the right path.
“But I found AJ Francis. Yeah, I found House Money. But all that turned into was me saving AJ Francis’ ass time after time again. All that turned into was Josiah Williams getting an opportunity and somehow AJ Francis taking it away.”
Jean then made it clear that he was done following somebody else and planned on walking his own path. Booker had a little advice for him on that front too, warning Jean that wrestling can be a pretty ruthless business.
“In this business, sometimes you’ve got to learn the hard way, all right? Learn the hard way. Smiling in your face and stabbing you in your back in this business. How many times have you heard me say it? DTA. DTA. Don’t trust nobody.”
Jean may be going his own way in Reality of Wrestling, but he now has something much bigger waiting in front of him. A WWE ID contract doesn’t guarantee where his career goes from here, but Booker made one thing pretty clear when he handed him the news — this is only the beginning of the journey.
What do you think about WWE continuing to bring promising independent wrestlers into its ID program? Let us know what you think in the comments.
This transcript was produced exclusively for Ringside News from the original recording. Republishing the transcription in full is prohibited. When using excerpts, provide prominent credit and a link to this article.
