Booker T Responds to Being Voted “Worst Announcer,” Calls Out Meltzer’s Influence

NXT commentator and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has addressed being voted the “worst” pro-wrestling announcer of 2025 in the annual Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards. The top five in the category were Booker T, Pat McAfee, Michael Cole, Vic Joseph, and Tony Schiavone – a list that once again sparked debate about the validity and relevance of the Observer’s voting base.

Criticism of Dave Meltzer’s Influence

Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T made it clear he wasn’t bothered by the ranking itself, but rather by what he sees as the influence Dave Meltzer holds over his readership. He believes Meltzer’s followers are inclined to agree with his perspectives.

“I hope this quote gets picked up out there. I don’t blame the students. I blame the teachers. I never blame the students,” Booker said. “Meltzer got a lot of people that’s following him, that’s listening to him. And when you got people listening, they’re willing to agree. I’m more than likely to disagree.”

Taking the Fun Out of Wrestling

Booker argued that Meltzer’s audience often adopts his perspective without forming their own, adding that the negativity surrounding wrestling discourse removes the joy from the business. “When you accept the fun out of professional wrestling, we’ve lost it. We really truly have.”

Support from Fellow Personalities

His comments approach shortly after Eric Bischoff also criticized the Observer awards, calling the voters “culturally isolated” and the awards themselves meaningless. Booker T went on to thank those who publicly defended him, including Sam Roberts, Jonathan Coachman, and AEW World Champion MJF.

MJF’s Defense and Booker T’s Longevity

Booker praised MJF’s comments in particular, saying the champion’s words rang true. “If you’re really, really good, like an MJF, like a Booker T, your name will get there way before you do… For him to say I’m the blueprint of him, it’s true.”

He also noted that his longevity behind the desk – five years in a role he expected to last only three months – speaks for itself. His focus, he said, remains on having fun and helping young talent grow into stars.

Acknowledging a Unique Style

Booker acknowledged that his commentary style isn’t for everyone, pointing out that his voice and background naturally set him apart. “There aren’t that many black commentators. There aren’t too many people that talk like me… I can’t talk like Vic Joseph or Michael Cole. I’m just me.” He compared his style to gumbo – something not everyone appreciates, especially those unfamiliar with it. “Somebody like Meltzer, he’s probably never had a bowl of gumbo in his life.”