Booker T Calls AEW a Retirement Spot for Aging Wrestlers

Booker T isn’t holding back when it comes to his thoughts on AEW’s roster—especially when it comes to the veterans.

On his Hall of Fame podcast, the two-time WWE Hall of Famer took a direct shot at the way All Elite Wrestling uses legendary talent, calling it a “safe haven” for stars nearing the end of their careers.

The conversation started when Ric Flair’s name came up. According to Booker, Flair is still under contract with AEW, despite making little impact since his signing. That prompted Booker to call out what he sees as a larger pattern with how AEW operates.

“Ric Flair still under contract from what I’ve been hearing.” Booker questioned whether AEW got anything in return from the Nature Boy, making it sound like Flair’s deal benefited only one side.

“He got paid. You know exactly what that’s what they did for him. What did he do for them?”

That led Booker into his most direct statement yet about AEW’s role for aging talent. “Like I say, it’s a… it’s a… it’s a safe haven.” Then he took it a step further, clearly labeling AEW as the place to go when you’re wrapping things up.

“It’s a… it’s a… it’s a… it’s definitely a retirement, you know, uh you know, spot if you definitely looking to, you know, wrap this thing up the right way.”

Booker T has been critical of AEW in the past, but this time he’s framing the company as less of a competitor and more of a destination for wrestling’s old guard. Whether that’s praise or a dig depends on how you look at it. Booker’s take may not sit well with AEW loyalists, but it reignites the debate on whether AEW is building for the future or simply handing out legacy contracts to the past.

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