Hall of Famer blasts Wrestling Observer award and questions credibility
Summary
– Booker T voted Worst Television Announcer in 2025 awards
– He publicly criticized Dave Meltzer and the Wrestling Observer
– Booker claims the vote was personal and politically motivated
Booker T is not backing down after being voted Worst Television Announcer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s 2025 Year-End Awards. The longtime commentator received 516 votes in the category and used his Hall of Fame podcast to respond directly.
During the February 17, 2026, episode, Booker dismissed the award as meaningless. He criticized Dave Meltzer and questioned how the publication positions itself within the wrestling industry. Booker argued that labeling someone the worst announcer serves no real purpose and called the entire concept unnecessary.
He also suggested that the vote may have been fueled by personal tension rather than professional evaluation. Booker referenced a past encounter with Meltzer during a Jericho Cruise, claiming that their history could have influenced the outcome. According to Booker, he does not view the award as a reflection of his work.
Booker went further, accusing Meltzer of harming the business and challenging the awards’ independence. He pointed to multiple AEW wins in various categories as evidence that the voting lacked neutrality. Despite the criticism, Booker maintained that the result does not affect him personally.
He emphasized that his focus remains on helping talent grow and contributing to the product. Support from fans has continued online, with many praising his passion and energy as key elements of NXT programming.
Rather than debating the award itself, Booker shifted the conversation toward credibility and influence within wrestling media. His response ensured the story would extend far beyond a single category in a year-end poll.
