"That's the only reason I didn't go" - WWE Hall of Famer reveals why he didn't attend Backlash in Puerto Rico

A WWE Hall of Famer has explained why he was unable to attend Backlash in Puerto Rico.

WWE Backlash 2023 went down this past Saturday in Puerto Rico and the premium live event was a huge success. Bad Bunny stole the show with an incredible entrance and pulled off an upset against Damian Priest in a Street Fight. Cody Rhodes defeated Brock Lesnar in the main event of the show, but The Beast attacked The American Nightmare last night on WWE RAW and challenged him to a "fight" at Night of Champions on May 27th.

Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast with Brad Gillmore, two-time Hall of Famer Booker T disclosed why he was unable to attend WWE Backlash. He said that the company didn't bring the Kickoff panel to the show and he wanted to be there.

“The reason I wasn’t there was because the Kickoff panel didn’t go. That’s the only reason I didn’t go. Trust me, I was trying to get there, but none of us went on that trip. I won’t be on another trip until SummerSlam because everything is pretty much on location in different places, so right now, I’m off until SummerSlam. I’m still going to vacation, but I’m just going to do it on my own time," said Booker T. [H/T: Wrestling News]

Bad Bunny won a Latin Grammy for best rap/hip hop song for “Booker T”🔥twitter.com/conejo_toxico/…

Booker T praises Bianca Belair after WWE Backlash

Wrestling legend Booker T spoke highly of Bianca Belair following her victory at Backlash this past Saturday night.

The EST defended the RAW Women's Championship against IYO SKY of Damage CTRL at the premium live event. Bayley and Dakota Kai attempted to interfere but Bianca was unbothered. Belair defeated IYO at WWE Backlash to continue her historic reign as RAW Women's Champion.

During the latest edition of his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T claimed Belair was a "next-level talent" and praised her for not letting the moment get to her at Backlash.

"She went out there and handled that moment and didn't let the moment get to her or anything. She still delivered like she always does. Bianca Belair is definitely [a] next-level talent. She's special. She's truly special. I'm so glad to really see Bianca Belair have a hell of a run. She didn't just get the title because it was a prop that she was holding or anything like that. She's gotten the title because she represents her a** off. Big ups to Bianca Belair," said Booker T.

Fightful: Bianca BelAir vs. Iyo Sky from last night's Backlash got a great ovation backstage.

Well deserved. https://t.co/vxT0DQ0kXf

In addition to hosting his own podcast and running the Reality of Wrestling promotion in Texas, the 58-year-old also serves as a commentator on WWE NXT television every Tuesday night. It will be interesting to see if Booker T makes the trip to Puerto Rico if the company returns for another premium live event in the future.

Who would you like to see challenge Bianca Belair for the RAW Women's Championship next? Sound off in the comments section below.