A classic wrestling rivalry is set to unfold at the upcoming Reality of Wrestling (ROW) event, as former ROW Champion Zilla Fatu calls out the promotion’s owner, Booker T. The highly anticipated showdown will take place on January 11, 2024, marking a significant moment in Fatu’s career.
Fatu Calls Out Booker T
During a recent ROW event, Fatu took to the mic, criticizing Booker T for turning from a mentor into an adversary. "What’s your old ass gonna do?" Fatu challenged Booker. This bold declaration prompted Booker T to accept the challenge, setting the stage for their epic confrontation at the January 11 event.
Booker T’s Return to the Ring
Booker T, who last wrestled in WWE’s 2023 Royal Rumble, hasn’t competed in a singles match in nearly six years. His most recent one-on-one match occurred at a ROW event, where he defeated Rex Andrews. Booker T, a two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee—first as an individual in 2013, then again in 2019 alongside his brother Stevie Ray as part of the legendary tag team Harlem Heat—will return to the ring in a match that promises to be a memorable one.
The Mentor-Student Relationship
The relationship between Booker T and Zilla Fatu has been tumultuous. Fatu initially began his training at Booker T's wrestling school in 2022, but the two had a falling out. Despite this, Fatu made a return to both Booker T’s academy and promotion. The 2024 year has been a breakout time for Fatu, as he claimed three championships simultaneously in ROW, House of Glory, and 4th Rope. His victories included high-profile wins over notable opponents such as Real1 (formerly Enzo Amore), TNA's Moose, and Mr. Anderson. However, facing his mentor, Booker T, is poised to be Fatu’s greatest challenge yet.
Booker T’s Praise for His Student
Despite their differences, Booker T has consistently recognized Fatu’s talent. On his Hall of Fame podcast earlier this year, Booker expressed his commitment to helping Fatu reach the next level: “We concentrate on Reality of Wrestling, and our thing is I cannot think about anything other than trying to get that young man, Zilla, because he’s talent, get him to the next level. And the next level for me for Zilla is the WWE. That’s his landing zone, that’s his safe zone, the WWE, with his family.”
This upcoming match between teacher and student promises to be a pivotal moment for both men as they face off in the ring, each with something to prove.