Booker T is finally speaking out after getting dragged into controversy over a resurfaced photo showing him in the ring with registered sex offender Chasyn Rance—and he’s not holding back.

Rance, who was arrested on April 2, 2025, for violating terms of his sex offender registration, has long been a controversial figure in the wrestling world. According to the Orange County Inmates log, Rance was busted for “failing to report a change in vehicle owners, failing to report internet ID, webpage, or app name (twice), and providing false registration info (three times).” He’s been listed on the Florida Sex Offender Registry since 2014 following a 2011 conviction for lewd or lascivious battery of a victim between the ages of 12 and 15.

The arrest came just one day after DJ Vlad accused Booker T of knowingly associating with Rance. But now, with a photo of Booker T and Rance in the ring together circulating online, fans started asking if Booker had any involvement with Rance’s Team Vision Dojo—a school that’s faced heat before.

Booker finally addressed the backlash on April 3 via X, shutting down the narrative with a direct statement:

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“I’ve been a guest trainer at hundreds of wrestling schools over the years, helping to teach and mentor up-and-coming talent. I don’t conduct background checks on every trainer or individual I’ve crossed paths with or taken photos with along the way.”

He continued, “This feels like a clear attempt to falsely associate me with something I have 100% nothing to do with and absolutely no knowledge of!”

“Any student who’s trained with me can vouch for the kind of coach, mentor, and person I am. My record speaks for itself.”

The photo in question appears to have been taken during a training session last month, leading some to question whether Booker unknowingly worked a seminar at Rance’s facility. Whether he was aware or not, the optics have triggered heated debate online—especially with Rance’s arrest happening just days later.

So far, Booker hasn’t clarified the exact location or timing of the photo, but he’s drawing a firm line—this situation, he says, is not on him.

Should Booker T have done more to vet where he was training talent? Or is this guilt by association gone too far? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Steve Carrier is the founder of Ringside News and has been reporting on pro wrestling since 1997. His stories have been featured on TMZ, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and more.

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