Who Is Brady Booker?
Brady Booker is an American professional wrestler and former college football player who competed on Survivor 51 in 2026. Wrestling fans may recognize him by his former WWE ring name, Bodhi Hayward. Before joining the CBS reality competition, he appeared on WWE NXT, NXT: Level Up and AEW Dark.
Booker was 27 when he joined Survivor 51, according to CBS. Originally a member of the Toka tribe, he attracted attention after accidentally cutting off part of his thumb while chopping wood at camp. The medical team treated the injury and allowed him to continue competing.
His time on the show ended during the November 4, 2026, merge episode. He received nine votes at Tribal Council, becoming the first member of the season’s jury.
Brady Booker: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Brady Booker |
| Age | 27 when cast for Survivor 51 |
| Date of birth | |
| Hometown | La Salle, Illinois |
| Residence | Knoxville, Tennessee, according to CBS |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Professional wrestler |
| Former WWE name | Bodhi Hayward |
| College | University of South Dakota |
| Previous college | Iowa Central Community College |
| Field of study | Political science, according to his 2019 roster |
| High school | St. Bede Academy |
| Parents | Bill and Manuela, according to his college roster |
| Height | 6 feet 3 inches, according to his 2019 roster |
| College playing weight | 235 pounds, according to his 2019 roster |
| Survivor season | Season 51 |
| Original tribe | Toka |
| Survivor result | First jury member |
Early Life and Family
Brady Booker is from La Salle, Illinois. When he joined Survivor 51, CBS listed Knoxville, Tennessee, as his current residence.
His interest in Survivor began long before he appeared on the show. According to his official CBS cast profile, he enjoyed watching the competition with his large family. Becoming a contestant gave him an opportunity to experience the challenges and strategy of a programme he had followed for years.
The University of South Dakota’s football roster identifies his parents as Bill and Manuela. However, detailed information about his siblings and wider family is not widely documented in the sources available for this profile.
Education and College Football Career
Before pursuing professional wrestling, Booker played competitive football. He attended St. Bede Academy in Illinois, where he developed a reputation as an accomplished high school athlete.
His achievements included four all-conference selections and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. He also received all-state and academic all-state recognition.
Booker later attended Iowa Central Community College during the 2018–19 period. The University of South Dakota’s football records show that he subsequently joined the Coyotes and redshirted the 2018 season.
His University of South Dakota Football Career
In 2019, Booker appeared on the University of South Dakota football roster as a sophomore studying political science.
The university listed him at 6 feet 3 inches and 235 pounds. He appeared in all 12 games that season, mainly on special teams, and recorded four tackles.
His college record provides useful background to his later professional wrestling career. It documents his experience in organised athletics, although it does not establish whether he completed his political science studies.
Professional Wrestling Career as Bodhi Hayward
Brady Booker moved into professional wrestling after his college football experience. He competed in WWE under the ring name Bodhi Hayward, appearing on the company’s NXT programming.
His appearances included:
- WWE NXT
- NXT: Level Up
- AEW Dark
Booker’s wrestling career placed him in a different kind of competitive environment from college football and reality television. Professional wrestling combines athletic performance, character development, physical training and cooperation with other performers.
WWE released Booker in November 2022. He subsequently continued pursuing opportunities outside the company, including appearances associated with AEW Dark.
Brady Booker on Survivor 51
Booker joined Survivor 51 in 2026 as one of the show’s first-time contestants. The season premiered on September 23, 2026, on CBS and Paramount+, with 21 castaways competing for the $1 million prize.
He began the competition on the Toka tribe. His background in football and professional wrestling gave him experience in physically demanding environments, while his interest in Survivor meant he entered the game familiar with the show’s basic format.
As the season progressed, alliances and voting plans became increasingly complicated. Booker remained in the competition through the pre-merge stage, but his journey eventually ended at the first merged Tribal Council.
The Thumb Injury That Made Headlines
Booker became one of the season’s most talked-about contestants after an accident during the September 30 episode.
While chopping wood at camp, he accidentally severed part of his thumb. The injury required immediate attention from the show’s medical team, and Booker was concerned that it might force him to leave the competition.
The medical staff treated the wound, wrapped his thumb and provided antibiotics. They cleared him to continue playing, allowing him to remain in the game.
Booker later discussed the unusual aftermath of the accident in an interview. He explained that the severed piece had been preserved and turned into a necklace by the show’s art department.
The injury did not end his Survivor journey. He continued competing with the other Toka castaways before eventually reaching the merge.
Why Was Brady Booker Eliminated From Survivor 51?
Brady Booker’s elimination came during the November 4, 2026, episode of Survivor 51. The remaining 13 castaways entered the merge and competed as members of the Tovutu tribe.
The episode also featured the season’s first individual immunity challenge, which Mike Pinsky won. His victory affected the voting plans and added uncertainty to the discussions around camp.
Booker became caught up in the shifting conversations after Kristin Flickinger confronted him about a plan to target her. He later questioned Mike about information being shared among the contestants.
Their conversation produced one of Booker’s memorable comments. He told Mike, “You broke my heart like I was the girl at the prom.”
The disagreements added to the tension before Tribal Council. Although the contestants discussed several possible targets, the vote ultimately went against Booker.
He received nine of the 13 votes and was eliminated. His departure made him the first member of the Survivor 51 jury.
For more coverage of the season, see our Mike Pinsky Survivor 51 profile.
What Is Brady Booker’s Net Worth?
Brady Booker’s net worth has not been established through reliable public financial records. His professional wrestling career and television appearance are some of the sources of his income.
Brady Booker’s Instagram handle is @bradybooker_
Frequently Asked Questions About Brady Booker
How old is Brady Booker?
CBS listed Brady Booker as 27 when he joined Survivor 51.
Where is Brady Booker from?
Brady Booker is from La Salle, Illinois. CBS listed Knoxville, Tennessee, as his residence when he joined Survivor 51.
What was Brady Booker’s WWE name?
He wrestled in WWE under the name Bodhi Hayward. He appeared on WWE NXT and NXT: Level Up before continuing his wrestling career outside the company.
Did Brady Booker play college football?
Yes. Booker played college football at the University of South Dakota after attending Iowa Central Community College. The university’s 2019 roster lists him as a sophomore studying political science.
Who are Brady Booker’s parents?
The University of South Dakota’s football roster identifies his parents as Bill and Manuela. The record does not provide further verified information about their personal lives.
What happened to Brady Booker on Survivor 51?
Booker was voted out during the November 4, 2026, merge episode. He received nine of the 13 votes and became the first member of the season’s jury.
Did Brady Booker leave Survivor because of his thumb injury?
No. The medical team treated his thumb injury and cleared him to continue competing. He was later eliminated following a Tribal Council vote.
Is Brady Booker still on Survivor 51?
No. Booker was eliminated during the November 4, 2026, episode and became the season’s first juror.
