An emotional night for Booker T.
Roxanne Perez won the first-ever Iron Survivor Challenge at NXT Deadline, setting her up for an NXT Women's Championship match against Mandy Rose. On commentary, Booker T got emotional as he watched his former student from Reality of Wrestling hit a big accomplishment.
Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker commented on her victory.
"I feel like it is because I'm myself, I'm able to go out and be me for the first time on commentary. It feels good," said Booker, commenting on his overall work as an announcer. "As far as Roxanne goes, she's like my daughter. She was about as big as my daughter when she first joined the school. To see her grow into what she has become, in such meteoric fashion, it's been awesome. To see her go out there and win that match, which carved her a little piece of history, that's awesome. Now, set up to take on Mandy Rose, I couldn't ask for more. I'm really proud of her. I'm overjoyed at her accomplishments and success at such a young age, as well as, having her head on her shoulders at the same time and understanding that this is a once in a lifetime dream come true. Gotta love it."
When asked about breaking out the tissues for the moment, Booker said, "You just can't hold something back like that. I tried to hold it back, and I could feel a little mist in the air. When you're emotionally attached or connected, the tears come out automatically. I was really proud to see her pull it off. I didn't know she was going to win. I did not know she was going to win. I got a chance to talk to her before the match and I said, 'How do you feel?' She said, 'Nervous, butterflies are going crazy.' 'That's good. Go out here and make history tonight.' I'll be damned if she didn't go out there and pull it off. I'm so proud of Roxanne. There is so much more Roxanne Perez for you guys. The future is bright."
Perez will get her NXT Women's Title bout at NXT New Year's Evil on January 10. Fans can check out the current lineup for the show by clicking here.
Fightful will have live coverage of NXT beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
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