In a passionate response to one of AEW’s most controversial moments of 2024, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has expressed serious concerns about the escalating violence in professional wrestling, specifically addressing Jon Moxley’s brutal street fight on the March 19 edition of AEW Dynamite.
## The Controversial Spot That Shocked Wrestling Fans
During his AEW World Championship defense against Cope, Moxley found himself on the receiving end of a devastating move that saw him being suplexed onto SPIKE – a bat covered in nails. The graphic scene showed multiple nails visibly embedded in Moxley’s back, causing immediate debate within the wrestling community about the boundaries of in-ring violence.
## Booker T’s Critical Response
Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, the five-time WCW Champion didn’t mince words about the dangerous spot:
> “It’s not my cup of tea, I’ll tell you that right now. I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite that gory inside of a match. I mean, come on, what are you gonna do next, shoot yourself? Bring a gun in and just shoot me?”
## Long-Term Health Concerns
The WWE legend emphasized the potential long-term consequences of such extreme wrestling styles, drawing from his own 30+ year career experience:
> “Maybe they’re not thinking about what they’re gonna do after this wrestling thing is all over with, maybe they’re not thinking about their bodies and how they’re gonna feel when they do get a little bit older and carrying these scars for the rest of their lives.”
## The Bigger Picture
Booker T’s concerns extend beyond just this incident, as he referenced similar worries about other AEW stars like Darby Allin and their high-risk style. At 60 years old, the Hall of Famer’s perspective comes from a place of experience and concern for the next generation’s longevity in the business.
## Looking Ahead
As Moxley prepares to defend his AEW World Title against Swerve Strickland at AEW Dynasty on April 6, questions remain about whether this level of violence will continue to be a hallmark of AEW’s programming. Will the company respond to these concerns from industry veterans, or will they continue pushing the boundaries of extreme wrestling?
What do you think about the balance between entertaining matches and wrestler safety? Let us know in the comments below.