36-year-old open to WWE return 11 months after leaving
WWE usually releases more than a dozen wrestlers every year to make way for new Performance Center recruits. Dabba-Kato, also known as Babatunde and Commander Azeez, recently addressed whether he would return to the company.
Dabba-Kato worked for WWE between April 2016 and September 2023. The 36-year-old is best remembered for performing as Apollo Crews' bodyguard and tag team partner. He also appeared in several RAW Underground segments.
In an interview on Developmentally Speaking, Dabba-Kato confirmed he is open to the idea of returning if WWE wants him back:
"I don't see a reason why not. There is no hard feelings there, you know? This is business, man. You gotta understand an avalanche of people lost their jobs with me. It wasn't like, 'Listen, out.' It was a hundred people before and eventually it came up with my name. It's all good and it's all process. I'm staying open to all possibilities." [46:17 – 46:48]
Dabba-Kato's final WWE match ended in defeat against Tyler Bate on the September 5, 2023, episode of NXT.
Dabba-Kato's reaction to his WWE release
Earlier in the interview, Dabba-Kato said he sensed his exit was coming because his contract was due to expire around the same time.
The six-foot-nine star added that he knew how to prepare for his departure after witnessing so many talented people lose their jobs before him:
"You get that feeling, and I had that feeling the day is gonna come," Dabba-Kato stated. "I lived through so many cuts, man. So many good friends. It happened to so many guys before me, so you can prepare yourself a little bit for it, you know?" [43:55 – 44:15]
Dabba-Kato is now known as Babathunder on the independent scene. On August 31, he will face Sinn Bodhi at a Duke City Championship Wrestling event in New Mexico.
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Please credit Developmentally Speaking and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.