NXT Level Up talent will be given a golden opportunity to hone their skills in Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, the latter promotion has confirmed. Talent from the NXT secondary show will be part of ‘Breakout’ events from Reality of Wrestling, the Texas-based promotion run by NXT commentator/two-time Hall of Famer Booker T.

This is a huge deal reached for WWE NXT Level Up, which features talent at the very start of their wrestling journey. From there, wrestlers ‘graduate’ to WWE NXT and if they continue to improve, eventually make it to the main roster. The show launched in February 2022, as a replacement for 205 Live, and it goes head-to-head with AEW Rampage.

WWE NXT & Reality of Wrestling

Though this new agreement will see more regular involvement by NXT talent, Reality of Wrestling has hosted gold-brand talent in the past. In September 2023, Charlie Dempsey and Axiom appeared at the ‘Grand Opening’ event. Mere months later, Roxanne Perez appeared at ROW One Night Only, the first event for the promotion of 2024. It’s fitting that ‘The Prodigy’ was at the event given that she was trained by Booker, a fact referenced multiple times on WWE NXT TV.

Competing in Reality of Wrestling presents a golden opportunity to NXT Level Up talent to develop their skills in front of a crowd without the pressure of a TV production. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for the latest on their crossover and the latest news from the world of pro wrestling.

Fans attending an upcoming UFL game will get much more than football as they will also be able to attend a show from the Reality of Wrestling promotion. 

On Instagram, the Reality of Wrestling account revealed that attendees for the upcoming game of the Houston Roughnecks will also be able to attend the wrestling show. The ROW show will start at 4:30pm CT on Saturday, April 27, from ‘The Rig.’ Not only will fans get both wrestling and football, but Reality of Wrestling founded Booker T will also host a meet and greet with those in attendance. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C6IAGaVuQ0D

The UFL was announced in December 2023 with the merger of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s XFL and the USFL. Johnson purchased the XFL in 2020 after Vince McMahon’s attempt to relaunch the alternative to the NFL was snuffed out due to safeguarding measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As for Booker’s promotion, Reality of Wrestling has been around since 2005 (as Pro Wrestling Alliance) and often features the two-time Hall of Famer at shows. ROW alum includes ROH Women’s World Champion Athena and WWE NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez. The latter’s connection to Booker is often highlighted on weekly WWE NXT programming. 

Teaming with the UFL is just the latest big move for Reality of Wrestling. Booker’s promotion has often welcomed stars from WWE NXT in an example of the proverbial ‘forbidden door.’ In February 2023, ROW reached a partnership with WWE NXT that has seen gold brand performers add some star power to shows. Ivy Nile, who was an NXT Superstar at the time, appeared at an event later that same month. In July, Trick Williams appeared for Reality of Wrestling.

Reality of Wrestling, the promotion run by Booker T & Sharmell Huffman, are in search for their next break-out star with their ‘Search for the Ultimate Athlete.’

In a statement, Booker T shared the following information about their search: 

Embark on a Journey of Grit and Glory with “ROW Games: The Search for the Ultimate Athlete”

Reality of Wrestling (ROW), co-founded by WWE Hall of Famers Booker T and Sharmell Huffman, is excited to announce the launch of a groundbreaking competition series, “ROW Games: The Search for the Ultimate Athlete.” Hosted by the enigmatic Marty “The Boogeyman” Wright, this intense series will pit 20 of the country’s most promising athletes — 10 men and 10 women — against each other in a series of grueling physical challenges.

Over the span of six episodes, these competitors will test their limits, showcasing their strength, agility, and determination, all for the chance to be crowned the Ultimate Athlete and claim a grand prize of $5,000.00. The twist? Stars from Reality of Wrestling will not only serve as officials but also participate in the challenges, blurring the lines between competitors and the seasoned pros.

“ROW Games is not just another athletic competition; it’s the heart of what wrestling embodies — the blend of physical prowess, mental toughness, and sheer will to succeed,” says Booker T. “These athletes are about to face a challenge like no other, and only the best will make it to the end.”

Sharmell Huffman adds, “We’re looking for those who have the spark, the charisma, and the story that will inspire. It’s more than a competition; it’s about finding that star quality that shines even when the going gets tough.”

The Reality of Wrestling Games will be held at the Texas Entertainment Xperience (TEX), the largest indoor entertainment and gaming complex in the state of Texas located at 10000 Emmett F Lowry Expressway in Texas City, TX 77591. This top-tier venue is set to provide a spectacular backdrop for the physical prowess on display, ensuring an unforgettable experience for both participants and spectators.

Auditions are set to take place at the Texas City World Gym, with production slated to start on April 20th, 2024. The ROW Games will be accessible to its nearly 750,000 subscribers on the Reality of Wrestling YouTube Channel, bringing fans closer to the sweat, tears, and triumphs of these aspiring athletes. Check realityofwrestling.com

Searching For a Wrestler

It’s fitting that Marty Wright will have a role in the search for the ultimate athlete. Wright appeared on 2004’s edition of WWE Tough Enough but was ejected early on after he was found lying about his age to make the show’s limit. 

TNA Wrestling has also had its share of competitions to find new talent. In addition to TNA Gut Check, the promotion also had two seasons of TNA British Boot Camp. The first season resulted in Rockstar Spud earning a contract with TNA, while Mark Andrews would secure a contract after winning season 2. Notable names from British Bootcamp include Kris Travis, Grado, Noam Dar, Alba Fyre, Nikki Cross, and Piper Niven. 

Fans of Reality of Wrestling will soon see Zilla Fatu back in action despite his previous exit from the promotion being over “irreconcilable” differences. 

Fatu is part of the famed Anoa’I wrestling family, which includes industry staples such as The Rock, Rikishi, Roman Reigns, and the late Yokozuna. Zilla is the son of the late WWE Superstar Edward ‘Umaga’ Fatu, who would become a two-time Intercontinental Champion and challenged for the WWE Championship multiple times before his passing in 2009.

Returning to Reality of Wrestling

In late 2022, Zilla began training in professional wrestling to follow in the footsteps of his father. The following year, Zilla made his in-ring debut for the Reality of Wrestling promotion, which he was also training with. In September of last year it was announced that Fatu had left ROW due to irreconcilable differences. Fatu would later explain that his vision for his wrestling career differed from what ROW had planned. 

It now appears that these irreconcilable differences could be reconciled after all. Taking to Twitter, Zilla shared that after “heartfelt discussions” he and ROW head Booker T have agreed to work together again. Fatu tagged the two-time WWE Hall of Famer and the official ROW account. 

Fatu Outside Reality of Wrestling

ROW isn’t the only place fans have been able to see Zilla Fatu. Last month, Fatu made his debut for GCW. Zilla teamed with his relative Jacob Fatu to defeat Jay Lyon and Midas Black at the Look At Me event. 

Roxanne Perez has made her name as part of WWE NXT for some time now, but The Prodigy will soon make an appearance for Reality of Wrestling. 

On Twitter, the official ROW account announced that Perez will be coming “home” for the upcoming ‘One Night Only’ event. The show will take place in Texas City, Texas, on January 13, 2024. 

?? BREAKING NEWS ??

NXT Superstar @roxanne_wwe makes her return home to Reality Of Wrestling for One Night Only on Saturday, January 13th for the first event of 2024. #Slamuary

?9300 Emmett F Lowry Expressway
Texas City, TX 77591

? https://t.co/dL6mvFzIm3 pic.twitter.com/2hmdnPewhv

— Reality of Wrestling (@TheOfficialROW) December 18, 2023

Roxanne Perez and ROW

It’s fitting that Perez will be at the upcoming Reality of Wrestling show given her history with the promotion. After training under Booker T, Perez made her in-ring debut for the Texan legend’s Reality of Wrestling promotion in December 2018. As Rok-C, Perez is a former ROW Diamonds Division Champion. Booker has often referred to his personal connection to Perez on WWE NXT as the two-time Hall of Famer serves as a commentator for the gold brand. 

Reality of Wrestling & WWE NXT. 

Roxanne Perez isn’t the only notable name to be associated with Booker T’s promotion. In February, ROW reached a partnership with WWE NXT that has seen gold brand performers add some star power to shows. Ivy Nile, who was an NXT Superstar at the time, appeared at an event later that same month. In July, Trick Williams appeared for Reality of Wrestling. In September, fans attending ROW’s The Next Chapter show got two appearances for the price of one as NXT’s Charlie Dempsey and Axiom both competed on the show. 

What does Roxanne Perez make to performing in her hometown? Click here to find out. 

WWE and Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling have announced a partnership involving NXT.

In a social media post, Reality of Wrestling said “Reality of Wrestling is taking the roster to the NEXT Level! We are proud to announce that we’ll be working with NXT to bring our fans incredible match ups they can’t see anywhere else.”

Ivy Nile will be competing on Saturday, February 11 in Texas City.

Booker T tweeted that he is “excited to merge my NXT favorites with the roster of my students at ROW.”

NXT Allowing Talent to Work Indies

NXT’s current Women’s Champion, Roxanne, is a product of ROW. She and Booker T both competed in the Royal Rumble matches last Saturday. The WWE Hall of Famer had previously said “if I get an invitation I’m definitely going to execute it.”

Bryan Alvarez tweeted that “NXT is going to allow talent to work select indies going forward, which is a pretty big deal.” It is unclear if any other indie promotions will be involved or if it just ROW.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest.

• Lanny Poffo: Underappreciated WWE ‘Golden Era’ Wrestler Who Was Ahead Of His Time

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T is making his in-ring return next month. The 53 year-old will be returning to action for his Reality of Wrestling promotion.

ROW Heavyweight Champion Rex Andrews had issued a challenge to Booker at the Christmas Chaos 8 event, which he accepted. The two will face each other next month at the promotion’s event titled “The Last Stand” which will take place on 19 January. More details on that show can be found at the Reality of Wrestling website.

Booker T’s wife (and former WWE personality) Sharmell also posted a video of him in the ring with Rex at ROW.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br_njaEFCWb/?utm_source=ig_embed

The last match Booker T was involved in was at the Preston City Wrestling promotion, where he defeated Lionheart at the SpringSlam event in April of 2016. Booker had also won the ROW Tag Team Title with Stevie Ray in February of 2015. As for the WWE, Booker T hasn’t wrestled any matches for the company since 2012, and his last televised singles match being against Cody Rhodes in December of 2011.

#BREAKING @BookerT5x has accepted @rexandrews challenge at @TheOfficialROW! https://t.co/7axLafGfci

— Brad Gilmore (@bradgilmore) December 30, 2018

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T is keeping the door open for another match. On a recent episode of his Heated Conversations podcast, the 5-time WCW Champion stated that he never officially retired from wrestling and wants to get back in the ring again at some point.

At 53 years old, Booker T wrestling would be more of a special attraction than anything. He says his body still feels good and it wouldn’t take an opportunity to compete at WrestleMania again to lure him back. Of course, he’d welcome the chance to appear at a WrestleMania, but said his retirement match would probably be best suited for his Houston-based Reality of Wrestling promotion.

Booker would go on to say part of him feels the need to prove to himself and his students that he can still go. Additionally, he’d like to wrestle in front of his kids one last time.

Below, you can listen to Booker T’s comments about not being retired:

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T’s Texas-based Reality of Wrestling promotion has partnered with digital streaming service FITE TV, which will now air RoW’s weekly show.

Reality of Wrestling Partners with FITE TV

HOUSTON, TX – August 21, 2017 – Reality of Wrestling is proud to announce that we will be bringing our weekly episodic show to FITE TV, the streaming leader in combat sports, starting in September. Reality of Wrestling has been the “flagship of Texas wrestling” for the past five years, and now ROW founder Booker T looks to expand the reach of the television show and compete with all independent wrestling shows around the world.

Booker T commented on the big day for ROW saying that, “Reality of Wrestling is excited to partner with one of the top streaming networks in order to bring my vision for professional wrestling on a worldwide platform.”

FITE TV will also serve as the exclusive home for Reality of Wrestling’s pay-per-views and ROW will stream it’s first ever live pay-per-view event on FITE on December 9th, 2017 with it’s annual Christmas Chaos event. This year’s Christmas Chaos will be the biggest event in the company’s history and will feature an appearance from actor and marital artist, Jason David Frank, known world round as Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger from the 1990s series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

CONTACT: Brad Gilmore
EMAIL: bradgilmore@realityofwrestling.com
WEBSITE: realityofwrestling.com

Here’s this week’s episode of Reality of Wrestling, Booker T’s independent promotion based out of the Houston, Texas metropolitan area. Focusing on a mix of his students and outside talent, Booker’s promotion has been running a weekly TV show for the last several years.

On Saturday, May 14th from Texas City, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling promotion made history. Working with Diamondview Studios, the 360° Crixeo camera captured a Fatal 4-Way match between Terrale Tempo, Mysterious Q, Bryan Keith and champion Rex Andrews for the ROW Television title.

For those unfamiliar with 360° video, here are the viewing instructions, courtesy of Crixeo:

• To watch 360° videos on your computer, you need the latest version of Chrome, Opera, Firefox or Internet Explorer. Then you can click and drag to move the camera around.
• On mobile devices, use the latest version of the YouTube app for Android or iOS. You can tilt and rotate your mobile device or use your finger to drag the camera to the action you want to see.

Medallion Press sent in a press release earlier today that their Crixeo Magazine has partnered with Booker T’s Texas-based Reality of Wrestling promotion to film a match in 360° for the first time ever. Here’s the official announcement:

Crixeo Magazine and Reality of Wrestling Partner to Bring Fans a 360° View!

Chicago, IL—April 2016—Crixeo magazine, a subsidiary of Medallion Press, Inc., has partnered with Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling (ROW) to bring fans the first-ever 360° video shot from inside a wrestling ring.

On May 14, 2016, at Booker T’s World Gym Arena in Houston, TX, wrestling fans will be able to see what it’s like to be in the middle of the Reality of Wrestling as the action unfolds around them. The 360° Crixeo Camera will place fans in the center of the ring during a Fatal 4-Way match with four of ROW’s hottest stars.

The 360° Crixeo Camera will allow wrestling fans to have total control over how they want to view the match, giving them unprecedented access to all the hard-hitting action delivered by the shining stars of ROW.

The 360° video will be available on June 1, 2016 at Crixeo.com. Just watch the video on your personal device and tilt the camera to be in full control of what you see.

Booker T’s Reality Of Wrestling promotion issued the following …

Booker T and Reality of Wrestling are bringing the fight to breast cancer this Saturday night when ROW presents live wrestling from the Clear Lake Sports and Recreational Center. All fans in attendance are asked to wear pink to help with ROW’s “Pink Out” Initiative. At the event, donations on behalf of the Susan G. Komen foundation will be accepted. Booker T and his wife, former WWE Diva and Nitro Girl Sharmell, will match all donations received. In addition, special commemorative “Pink Out” Reality of Wrestling T-shirts are already available for purchase with all the proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Tickets and merchandise for the show are available at Realityofwrestling,com.

Are you currently undergoing cancer treatment or are you a breast cancer survivor? Reality of Wrestling wants you to be their special guest. To receive a free ticket and special t-shirt for the event please contact Porsche Anderson at 713-927-2830. Representatives from the Memorial Hermann Breast Cancer Center will be in attendance with information about breast cancer awareness, ways for people to get involved and other information.

“Breast cancer is something that affects everyone. Not just the person who is afflicted with the illness. We all know someone who has been affected by this disease. Sharmell and I want to do our part to help get rid of cancer. And that is something we can all dig!” – Booker T

For more information on the upcoming show and ticket information, please visit Realityofwrestling.com.

– As previously noted, Daniel Bryan was listed as questionable for next week’s edition of WWE RAW, which takes place in St. Louis, Missouri. It was also announced that he would not be appearing at the non-televised WWE live events in Toronto, Rockford and Peoria. It was later announced on WWE Main Event that Bryan would in fact be appearing in St. Louis for RAW next Monday night.

– The new WWE NXT announcer Rich Brennan (real name Rich Bocchini) was originally the announcer for Booker T’s “Reality Of Wrestling” promotion out of Houston, Texas. His background included announcing for the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League, as well as the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League. He was also once the Communications Manager for Comcast Sports Houston.

WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T recently added a new video to the official YouTube channel for his “Reality Of Wrestling” independent promotion. The video, which you can watch below, is accompanied by the following description: “Booker T and Sharmell with a statement on Reality of Wrestling’s plans for 2014.”

– WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T teased a “big announcement” . The announcement, involves his “Reality Of Wrestling” promotion. To find out what the announcement is, check out the following Booker T tweet:

Go to http://t.co/klyT1BQ6uM NOW!!!! My big announcement is up! It is going to be a BIG year for @BTROWrestling!!!! #DigIt

— Booker T. Huffman (@BookerT5x) January 10, 2014

– WWE has added a job listing for a “Network Coordinator” who will be responsible for making sure the WWE Network stream will be issue-free. For more information, visit Careers-WWECorp.icims.com.

– James Avery, who was most known for his role as “Uncle Phil” on “The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air,” passed away at age 65 on Wednesday. Avery also worked as the voice for the late WWE Hall Of Famer Junkyard Dog on the old Hulk Hogan’s Rock & Wrestling cartoon.

– There is a new Q&A with former WWE Superstar John Morrison up at John-Morrison.net.

– Former WWE Superstar Rob Van Dam will be working at Booker T’s upcoming “Reality Of Wrestling” event on January 11th in Houston, Texas.

The following is a video of WWE announcer Michael Cole doing the commentary for a recent “Reality of Wrestling” event.

Part One

Part Two

• NEW Photo Of Vince & Triple H Backstage Working During WWE RAW

– The final WWE NXT live event at the Tampa Arena in 2013 will take place on December 19th. For tickets, visit NXTTickets.Ticketforce.com.

– WWE announcer Michael Cole will be the special guest host for Booker T’s “Reality Of Wrestling Christmas Chaos” event on December 14th in Clear Lake City, Texas. Also scheduled to appear at the show are former WWE Superstars The Boogeyman and Shelton Benjamin. Former WCW star Stevie Ray is also scheduled to make a rare appearance and promises a special announcement.

– WWE Hall of Famer Booker T and his wife Sharmell Sullivan were at the Houston Texas vs. New England Patriots NFL game on Sunday.

– Speaking of Booker T, his former “Harlem Heat” tag-team partner Stevie Ray is scheduled to join him at the Reality Of Wrestling event in Houston, Texas on December 14th. Also scheduled for the event, which is being dubbed “Christmas Chaos VIII,” is former WWE Superstar The Boogeyman.

– WWE Hall Of Famers Jim Ross and Gerald Brisco were at the Oklahoma State vs. University of Oklahoma wrestling match in Norman, Oklahoma on Sunday. Also in attendance, serving as a guest coach for the Sooners, was wrestling legend Danny Hodge.

-South Africa’s Daily News is currently running a story regarding several WWE Superstars, including Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio, visiting a teenager in the hospital who was attacked by bullies at his school. Apparently in the midst of the attack, the bullies performed a tombstone piledriver on the kid.

For more information on this unfortunate story, visit IOL.co.za.

-The following is episode 38 of Booker T’s “Reality Of Wrestling” show from YouTube.

Subscribe to the official channel to watch future episodes online at YouTube.com/user/TheBookerTROW.

http://youtu.be/0Mu07d8hT5Y

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