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Tag: Booker T

  • Booker T Reacts To Rene Dupree’s Accusations Against Goldberg

    Booker T Reacts To Rene Dupree’s Accusations Against Goldberg

    Booker T is aware of Rene Dupree’s injury accusations hurled towards Goldberg.

    Dupree had been signed with WWE from 2002 through 2007. He got called up from OVW in 2003. He had been on television during Goldberg’s first run with WWE. At some point, Dupree had a pretape with the former WCW Champion. During an appearance on That 90’s Wrestling Podcast, Dupree alleged that Goldberg broke his collarbone after several botched spots where he was hit with the French flag.

    On a recent edition of his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T questioned why Dupree is all of sudden publicly airing out his issues with Goldberg.

    “When I hear that kind of talk like that, as far as he broke my shoulder (collarbone) or whatever, the time to speak up about that collarbone thing was back then, and say, ‘What the hell are you doing? You’re about to hurt me. Hit me like that one more time and see what happens, we’re going to be in a fight.’

    “I’m just saying, that’s what I would have said. I wouldn’t be talking 15 years later about how bad it hurt. We would have had to confront each other about something like that happening. I just hate to hear people talk about, ‘WWE is desperate.’ I’m sure he (Dupree) wished he was the person in that spot where still the company was ‘desperate’ but he was the guy in that spot.”

    Booker T also brought up an infamous incident involving Dupree and Hardcore Holly. It’s been said that Holly put the boots to Dupree over failing to admit he racked up parking tickets after letting him borrow his car.

    Do you agree with Booker T’s comments on Rene Dupree airing his grievances with Goldberg?

  • Booker T Praises Nick Gage, Says Other Wrestlers Can Learn From Him

    Booker T Praises Nick Gage, Says Other Wrestlers Can Learn From Him

    Nick Gage’s recent performances in GCW and AEW have gotten a lot of people talking. One of those people is Booker T. He mentioned on his Hall of Fame show recently that if more wrestlers were like Nick Gage, the industry would be better off for it.

    “I’ll tell you this. Nick Gage, I have never met this dude before in my life. But I’ll tell you, if everyone in this business had the same thought process as a Nick Gage, the business would be in a much, much better place,” Booker said.

    “This guy, Nick Gage, you pull up photos of this guy, and you’ll never gonna see him smiling in any of them. He’s got the same look on his face in every photo, in every picture I have ever seen him in. There is not a picture of him being happy. It’s a picture of a guy who’s getting ready to go into a deathmatch, each and every night. He’s the real deal.”

    Booker T Praises Nick Gage

    40-year-old Nick Gage is a 21-year pro, having first made his debut in February of 1999. He was trained by the CZW school and John Zandig. Gage is a 4x CZW World Champion and was inducted into the CZW Hall of Fame in 2009.

    “The guys in WWE, Impact Wrestling, AEW – they can learn a whole lot from Nick Gage, and that’s just my opinion. I don’t know a lot about him, but when someone sees something different about you in this business, it’s uncanny.”

    Booker continued to say he’s not actually seen Gage wrestle, but that doesn’t impact his opinion. Gage feels different, serious and real, and that is what is appealing about him to Booker.

    “I’ve never watched one match. But I know when you look at this dude, he isn’t the guy you’re gonna walk up on and say, ‘What about that wrestling stuff ya’ll do?’ Because he might hit you. He’s the real deal. If everybody walked along that same line and took it as serious as this guy does, it would be a much better place.”

    H/T transcriptions via 411 Mania

  • Booker T On Reports Of Daniel Bryan’s AEW Signing

    Booker T On Reports Of Daniel Bryan’s AEW Signing

    Recent reports of former world champion Daniel Bryan signing a contract with AEW have excited fans. WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T recently commented on it.

    The former WCW star talked about this major development on the latest episode of his Hall Of Fame podcast. He said that he is not going to hate this decision.

    Booker explained how WWE shouldn’t hate the decision either, giving the example of basketball players who change teams every year. He then mentioned how Bryan will be able to do his own thing in AEW:

    “One thing about Daniel Bryan and AEW, he’s going to be able to pretty much write his own ticket, go out and have the matches that he wants to have. Go ahead and create the stories that he wants to create.

    That’s what guys want to do, they want to be able to do their own thing” said Booker T, “And AEW has given a lot of these guys a chance to do their own thing.”

    Daniel Bryan’s contract with WWE expired in May this year. While WWE officials were said to be pushing hard to re-sign him, there hadn’t been any positive update in the direction since then.

    A report then came out earlier this week that claimed the former world champion has made his choice. It mentions that he has officially signed a contract with AEW and his debut date for the promotion is already set.

  • Booker T Believes Finn Balor Needs to Prove Himself to be a Contender

    Booker T Believes Finn Balor Needs to Prove Himself to be a Contender

    Finn Balor is back on the WWE main roster. Many will say it is where he should have always been. However, one Hall of Famer has spoken up about the challenge that Finn now faces. Booker T doesn’t expect Balor to have an easy time of things after moving back up from NXT to Smackdown.

    “I’m going to tell you this, Finn Balor being back on the main roster, he’s gonna have to work, man. It’s almost like you’ve got your 1-10 contenders. Right now I would say is No. 10. He’s going to have to work his way back up to that No. 1 spot through his performance — through his performance and that alone. I’m going to tell you right now, if Finn Balor is lucky enough to have a dance partner like Sami Zayn, that’s going to be definitely one for him to be able to go out there and create some magic in a match like that and let the world see exactly what Finn Balor is all about.” Booker T said while talking on his Hall of Fame podcast.

    Booker T Says Finn Balor Needs to Connect with the Fans

    Booker T wasn’t done there. It went on to say that Finn Balor will need to build a connection with the fans.

    “I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, you want to make the fans feel you in the ring …You got a guy like Finn Balor who can go out there and be not just a top Superstar on the roster, *the* top Superstar on the roster.

    Booker T’s words seem mildly out of place for a star like Finn Balor. The fans know exactly what he can do, and already have a deep connection with the Irish star. The NXT audience blew up when Balor made his first-ever appearance for the brand and reacted the same way every time he worked a show.

  • The Rock Talks One of His ‘Biggest’ WWE Career Regrets

    The Rock Talks One of His ‘Biggest’ WWE Career Regrets

    International megastar and former WWE Superstar Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson recently revealed a career ‘regret’ from his time in WWE, specifically from The Invasion in 2001 when WCW and ECW ‘invaded’ the company.

    Hurricane Helms tweeted that he was watching an old Rock vs Booker T match from SummerSlam 2001. “Doing cardio watching @TheRock vs @BookerT5x from @WWE SummerSlam 2001. Two of my favorite opponents and favorite people I’ve worked with in the Biz. I wish these two woulda had more matches together.”

    The Rock then responded to this, saying that he too wishes he had the opportunity to work more with Booker T when both men were in WWE. “Thank you, brother. I do too actually” Dwayne Johnson revealed. “One of my biggest regrets was not having a long run w Book.”

    The Rock vs Booker T

    “He was one of my fav workers and the best pure athlete I’ve ever wrestled” The Rock continued. “Fluid, sharp, believable movements and work style. I always say his moves had a rare swagger.”

    The feud between The Rock and Booker T during the Invasion was a dud, as was the whole angle itself. Booker T should’ve been shown as on the same level as The Great One for the angle to even work, and WWE (then WWF) decided to have The Rock steamroll through the five time WCW Champion.

    It’s arguably the biggest misstep in Booker T’s WWE career, as it took years to rehab the character until he was seen as a legitimate main event talent…this was before he lost to Triple H at WrestleMania 19, but that’s a different story.

  • Booker T Responds To Reports Of Controversial Triple H Angle Being Omitted From His Documentary

    Booker T Responds To Reports Of Controversial Triple H Angle Being Omitted From His Documentary

    The latest episode of the A&E’s Biography: WWE Legends series focuses on the wrestling career of Booker T. It looks at the various achievements and career highlights of the veteran wrestler. However, the documentary attracted some controversy over the omittance of his 2003 feud with Triple H for the world heavyweight championship held by the game at the time.

    Booker T addressed the rumors about the feud intentionally being left out of the episode which originated from a tweet of writer David Dennis on his Hall Of Fame podcast. He claimed that he has never given the story a whole lot of credence:

    “How can it be pulled from the bio, okay you talked about it – it wasn’t in there and it got pulled out, it never actually got in. To write it like that makes it seem like there was a whole lot of meat and potatoes on the bone of the story of Booker T, Triple H, WrestleMania 19.

    Me personally, I’ve never given that story a whole lot of credence. They talk about the story that went into, and I understand that being a young black kid looking up to my heroes – trust me I understand that as well.”

    The former world champion went on to say that he has never framed his career around one match and he got paid more money for the one match with Triple H than any other match in his life. T said that he understands why people have interest in the story. Though the former WCW star explained that for him, that’s not what his story is about:

    “For me, I just want everybody to know that, that was not what my story was about at the end of the day. It’s not about the dark side of WrestleMania 19 and Booker T and Triple H. And for people to want to make it about that, I get it, I get it. I’m not naive or anything like that. I understand. But for me personally, that’s not what Booker T’s career makeup is all about.”

    Booker T had a feud with Triple H in 2003 leading to a match between the two at WrestleMania 19. The angle became controversial due to its racial overtone and the fact that Triple H ended up beating his opponent clean.

    The issue became a topic of discussion when writer David Dennis, who appeared in the documentary, mentioned how producers filmed him speaking about the angle. However, in the since-deleted tweet, Dennis suggested that it won’t be included in the episode, which turned out to be the case.

  • Booker T Says Miss Elizabeth Deserves To Be Inducted Into WWE Hall of Fame

    Booker T Says Miss Elizabeth Deserves To Be Inducted Into WWE Hall of Fame

    Many fans feel that one notable omission from the WWE Hall of Fame currently is the lovely Miss Elizabeth. Booker T recently spent some time talking about her on his Hall of Fame podcast with Brad Gilmore.

    “I echo the sentiment. Lovely Elizabeth definitely deserves her spot inside the Hall of Fame,” Booker T said.

    “Elizabeth, of course, she wasn’t a wrestler, but what she gave to the business and the footprint that she left is definitely something — we’re talking about it right now — it’s definitely something that’s going to be remembered for many, many years.”

     “I don’t think there would’ve been a King Booker and Queen Sharmell if there wasn’t the Macho Man Randy Savage and the lovely Elizabeth. I just don’t think it would’ve been. The Macho Man, finger up in the air, and King Booker’s pinky up in the air, it never would’ve happened if it wouldn’t have been for the Macho Man and the lovely Elizabeth. So, I think it’s yes, she deserves a spot inside the Hall of Fame. Hopefully, she’ll get there.”

    Elizabeth Ann Hulette was with WWE from 1985 to 1992 and then WCW from 1996 to 2000. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 43.

    Booker T’s full comments about Elizabeth can be viewed in the player below:

  • Booker T Talks Christian Cage Leaving WWE for AEW

    Booker T Talks Christian Cage Leaving WWE for AEW

    WWE Hall of Famer and former TNA star Booker T recently discussed Christian Cage making his way to the All Elite Wrestling roster. Cage was revealed at this past Sunday’s AEW Revolution event, ‘signing’ in-ring to confirm that he was now a member of the AEW team.

    “I didn’t see it coming, but I didn’t not see it coming either,” Booker T said on the Hall of Fame podcast. “It was one of those deals where Christian has always been a guy that writes his own script. [That’s] in terms of ‘it’s not working out here, let me go try it out over there.’”

    “Maybe the grass is greener on the other side” Booker T continued. “Or maybe I just need a change up. Christian, after you saw him in the Rumble, looked pretty good. The brother looked like he can still go. He’s my brother man, we’re tight like that. Some guys man, they feel like they still got something left in the gas tank and they want to go. They don’t want to be told no.”

    Booker T on Christian Cage

    Booker T also lamented the fact that this may be the last time that he gets to work alongside Captain Charisma. Christian Cage and Booker T were both part of the WWE Backstage show which aired on FOX; although right now the future of that show appears to be up in the air.

    “If it was the last time him and I worked together on WWE Backstage, I just wanna say I’m gonna miss him” Booker T stated. “Christian was always like my right hand man, always a guy I loved to be around, always the guy that wasn’t going to be the sore thumb at the party. He is a guy who’s taken every finisher better than anybody else.”

    Christian Cage has joined AEW with his new catchphrase being ‘Out Work Everyone.’ The former WWE Intercontinental, World Heavyweight and TNA Champion will be looking to put on some stellar performances as he heads into the twilight of his career.

    h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

  • Bad Bunny Match Reportedly Planned For WrestleMania

    Bad Bunny Match Reportedly Planned For WrestleMania

    Rapper Bad Bunny reportedly has a WrestleMania match set. The rap star has been training at WWE’s Performance Center and is set to appear in-ring at WrestleMania 37 on either April 10th or 11th.

    eWrestlingNews has the scoop that Bad Bunny will be teaming with Booker T at the show. Booker T is of course the subject of Bad Bunny’s new mega-hit track; and now the 2-time WWE Hall of Famer will apparently be entering the ring with the Puerto Rican rapper.

    It was recently rumoured that WWE Superstar Damian Priest would be appearing at WrestleMania in April to team with Bad Bunny. Bunny appeared at the Royal Rumble on Sunday for a performance of the aforementioned ‘Booker T’ track. The man himself Booker stood on the entranceway during the performance.

    Bad Bunny then appeared later in the night when The Miz destroyed his DJ’s equipment during the Men’s Royal Rumble match. Bunny finally appeared on RAW with Damian Priest; and from that point it was being rumored that the duo would go on to the ‘Showcase of The Immortals’ in April.

    With this news it looks as though Booker T will be getting that slot instead.

    Are you looking forward to seeing Bad Bunny at WrestleMania? Do you want to see him team with Booker T or Damian Priest? Let us know in the comments

  • Bad Bunny To Perform “Booker T” At Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble PPV

    Bad Bunny To Perform “Booker T” At Sunday’s WWE Royal Rumble PPV

    Multi-platinum recording artist Bad Bunny will perform the song “Booker T” live this Sunday at the WWE Royal Rumble. The news was first reported by Billboard.

    This will be the first live performance of Booker T off the album, El Último Tour Del Mundo.

    “Performing at the Royal Rumble is a childhood dream come true,” said Bad Bunny. “I have been a lifelong fan of WWE and I am excited to take the stage and entertain fans around the world.”

    Neil Lawi, WWE Music Group’s Senior Vice President and General Manager, says they are thrilled to provide Bad Bunny with this global platform.

    “Bad Bunny is at the top of the music industry, and a pop culture icon with strong ties to WWE and our fans around the world,” said Lawi. “We are thrilled to provide a global platform for his first-ever live performance of ‘Booker T’ as we kick off the road to WrestleMania.”

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T stars in the music video named after him. You can check that out here:

    For more information on Bad Bunny’s Royal Rumble performance, visit WWE.com.

  • Booker T Stars In Bad Bunny Music Video

    Booker T Stars In Bad Bunny Music Video

    Rap sensation Bad Bunny has released the new music video for his latest hit, Booker T. The song is off the album, El Ultimo Tour Del Mundo (‘The Last Tour in the World.’)

    Lyrics for the Spanish-language song can be read at Genius.com. The chorus of the song is as follows, including English translation:

    Porque estoy en mi peak (ey)
    Estoy en mi peak (‘toy en mi peak)
    Soy un rey, campeón, Booker T (wuh, wuh, wuh) (Booker T)
    Estoy en mi peak, ey (‘toy en mi peak)
    Estoy en mi peak, ja (‘toy en mi peak)
    Mírame en lo que me convertí (mírame, mírame)

    Because I’m at my peak (hey)
    I’m at my peak (‘toy at my peak)
    I’m a king, champion, Booker T (wuh, wuh, wuh) (Booker T)
    I’m at my peak, hey (‘toy at my peak)
    I’m at my peak, ha (‘toy at my peak)
    Look at me what I’ve become (look at me, look at me)

    The 5-time World Champion stars in the video, which can be seen in the YouTube player embedded below:

  • Booker T Shares His Issues With Modern Wrestlers’ Work Ethic

    Booker T Shares His Issues With Modern Wrestlers’ Work Ethic

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has shared his thoughts on modern wrestlers’ “work ethic.”

    Booker T broached the subject during a recent episode of his Hall of Fame Podcast. He acknowledged how “the game has changed” compared to his time actively wrestling. Booker T also noted how modern wrestlers also “look at the game a lot differently” before admitting he doesn’t think he’d fit in today’s locker room.

    “I would probably clash with a lot of the guys because I don’t agree with a lot of the work that’s going on in the ring. I don’t agree with a lot of the work ethic that’s brought to the table today. I just don’t,” Booker T said. “People can take that and say whatever they want and make whatever they want out of it, but some guys have work ethic and go out there and study it. But, there’s a term that’s called calling it in or phoning it in. There are a lot of guys that phone it in.”

    He stressed how he never phoned in a performance. Booker T’s goals were to be remembered alongside “the greatest wrestlers who ever put on a pair of boots.” He added how he will always “give props” to those who deserve it. However, “[…] when I watch a lot of stuff, there is stuff to be worked on and maybe nobody is telling them.”

    Booker T On Big E’s Potential

    One current WWE Superstar Booker T has a lot of faith in his New Day’s Big E. For him, Big E has “all the tools” to be a top Superstar.

    “[…] I said it from the beginning, that Big E is a guy who has world championship potential. As far as a guy that can step into that stratosphere of world heavyweight championship, not just runs, but reigns,” Booker T said. “He is a guy that can have multiple runs in that position. A guy that carried it. People won’t just say he won the championship. He carried the championship. There’s a big difference.”

    Big E competed against WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn on last week’s episode of SmackDown. The two faced off in a non-title bout which Zayn won via Count Out.

  • Booker T On A Potential Sting Vs. Chris Jericho Match In AEW

    Booker T On A Potential Sting Vs. Chris Jericho Match In AEW

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has discussed the idea of a Sting versus Chris Jericho match taking place in AEW. He broached the hypothetical bout during an episode of his Hall of Fame podcast after Jericho shared a fanmade image teasing interest in a match with “The Icon.”

    Booker T argued that the image, which features Jericho in his NJPW Painmaker gear and makeup, managed to convince him. 

    Referencing the Painmaker look, Booker T admitted, “You know what? I never thought about this. The blackjack with the spikes on. That was actually really cool. Nah man. It works.”

    “Not that Sting can’t touch the career of Darby Allin and some of those other guys. I really think there’s a place there for him as a character. That’s one thing about wrestling is that no matter how old you are, you can still be a character.”

    Booker T noted that, although Sting is 61-years-old, he can “still go out there and go.” He believes Sting can still deliver in the ring, even if it’s only “a little something.” As far as he’s concerned, a matchup between Sting and Jericho would deliver because it will “tell a story.”

    “I think it really wouldn’t matter for him and a guy like Jericho. I really think they can go out there, pretty much, with smoke-and-mirrors, and tell a story. With no disrespect to anyone, I think there is enough knowledge in their head to do smoke-and-mirrors and tell the story, even at the age Sting is right now. Even still at the age of Chris Jericho right now, I think, no disrespect.”

    Booker T On Why Jericho Is The Right Opponent For Sting

    Booker T then likened a potential bout between the two to Shawn Michaels versus The Undertaker. He argued how “At that time, it was about 100 years [combined] because both them were about 50 at the time. And they went out and had the best match on the card by far that night. They told the best story by far that night on the card.”

    He believes that Chris Jericho is the perfect opponent for Sting to not only deliver a good matchup but also protect him, ensuring “The Icon” can also walk out of the ring afterward. 

    Booker T then speculated on a potential feud between the two. He imagined they could have as many as three matches together:

    “So, my thing is yeah, who’s the right guy? […] Chris Jericho, take nothing away from the guy. Over the years, he has learned what the game is truly all about. He’s like a walking encyclopedia as far as the wrestling game goes. So yeah, I could see that happening, and surely the fans of AEW would tune in to check that out. Without a doubt.”

    Sting appeared during last night’s episode of AEW Dynamite. He teased his intentions in the promotion during a segment with Cody and Darby Allin.

  • Booker T On His Favorite Part Of Undertaker’s Final Farewell

    Booker T On His Favorite Part Of Undertaker’s Final Farewell

    Booker T was one of the legends who were brought in for Undertaker’s Final Farewell segment at this year’s edition of the Survivor Series PPV.

    The former WCW Champion talked about his experience on the show and the legacy of the Dead Man in detail on the latest episode of his Hall Of Fame podcast.

    Revealing his favourite moment of the segment which had many layers, Booker T picked out the spot where Undertaker paid tribute to the late Paul Bearer:

    “That guy was a legendary figure in the business. He really– people need to do their research and go in-depth, and really understand what Paul Bearer really did to the business. He wasn’t just a character.

    He was a guy that contributed more in so many ways behind the scenes than one would know… To appreciate it and give Paul those props, it was awesome.” said Booker T, “That was the best part of the whole thing for me, was having Paul Bearer just there with the urn. It just made me feel good.”

    The wrestling veteran also gave his thoughts on the highly debated topic of whether it was the real send-off for Taker or we will see the Dead Man in the ring again in future.

    Booker T claimed that he thinks the segment was his real send off, mentioning how he’s coming off the Boneyard match at WrestleMania 36 which will be really hard for anyone to top, including Taker himself.

  • Booker T Reflects On The Undertaker’s ‘Final Farewell’ At Survivor Series

    Booker T Reflects On The Undertaker’s ‘Final Farewell’ At Survivor Series

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has reflected on his appearance during The Undertaker’s ‘Final Farewell’ at Survivor Series. He talked about the farewell segment during his Hall of Fame podcast.

    Booker T was one of several Superstars and Hall of Famers who came to the ring to honor “The Dead Man.”

    However, none of them were given the opportunity to talk about The Undertaker or his career. Although some found their muted inclusion to be odd, Booker T sees no problem in how it was presented. He argued that the moment wasn’t for them at all, it was for The Undertaker.

    “I look at it a little bit different. We were just there to be there for that moment, for the Undertaker. That moment wasn’t for us to—it was for the Undertaker,” Booker T said. “It was for him, it was his moment. Anything we would’ve said could’ve overshadowed what he said because we know the Undertaker and he was never a guy that was going to talk a whole lot.”

    He then joked about how the last thing fans want is to give a microphone to a “bunch of old wrestlers.” Booker T then confessed that being asked to be out there meant a lot to him and that he got emotional.

    He then acknowledged how there should have been thousands of cheering fans in attendance to say goodbye to “The Phenom.”

    Out of everything with how ‘Taker’s ‘Final Farewell’ went, the lack of an audience is the thing that bothered him the most.

  • Booker T Reflects On His Rivalry With The Rock: “I Could Have Done So Much More”

    Booker T Reflects On His Rivalry With The Rock: “I Could Have Done So Much More”

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has looked back on his feud with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson during an episode of his podcast, The Hall of Fame.

    Booker T confessed when he first arrived in WWE and eventually feuded with The Rock, he “didn’t let loose.” He acknowledged how he didn’t “work the way I normally worked” in WCW.

    “I felt a little soft with The Rock even though we had some great stuff. But I still felt like I held back a little bit too much as far as when I was out there working with The Rock,” Booker T said. “Now saying that, I must say, The Rock worked a whole lot different than every other guy that I ever worked with in the business. The Rock was so meticulous about every detail being right. That’s why he is so great as far as the promos go.”

    Booker T believes this same meticulous nature is why The Rock has also been so successful in Hollywood. He shared how working with The Rock was like being on a movie set. He explained this is because “everything had to be right with this guy.”

    “I appreciate him for saying that I was one of the most athletic guys he ever worked with and one of the most entertaining guys he ever worked with,” Booker T said. “But, I was thinking way too much when I worked with Rock. In hindsight, looking back on it, I felt like I could have done so much more working with him.”

    Booker T faced off against The Rock in a WCW Championship match at SummerSlam 2001. You can watch their match below:

  • Booker T Reflects On His Friendship With The Undertaker

    Booker T Reflects On His Friendship With The Undertaker

    Following The Undertaker’s ‘Final Farewell’ at Survivor Series, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has looked back on his friendship with “The Dead Man.” 

    Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T shared how, although he was a similar age to The Undertaker and both men are from Texas, he “looked at Taker a little bit different from the rest of the boys in the locker room” when he first came into the then-WWF.

    He explained how he couldn’t help but look at him differently because he was The Undertaker. Booker T added how “everyone else” also looked at him differently because of who he was and what he had accomplished.

    It’s a respect that Booker T was adamant he give to “The Phenom.” 

    “I made sure when I came in the WWF, WWE now, that I wasn’t coming in saying, hey, I’m here. It wasn’t anything like that. I said I’m going to come in here and make this thing work out. Taker was the first guy to come up to me and say, ‘Take it all in. It’s WrestleMania. It doesn’t get any bigger than this. Just slow it down and have some fun out there.’”

    Booker T revealed that The Undertaker was the first person to invite him into the TV locker room. He explained how only eight people were in there, but he was chosen to join them. Despite ‘Taker’s invitation, however, Booker T declined the offer.

    “I didn’t take it upon myself to dress in the TV locker room. I made sure I dressed in the locker room with all the boys and there were probably 30 plus guys in there,” Booker T explained. “He was gracious enough to see something in me as well. I thought that was pretty cool.”

    He continued, “But to watch him the way he came up and the way he did it, not just with one guy or two guys. The Undertaker did it with every guy on the roster. He put Maven over. People don’t remember that kind of stuff. People don’t see that kind of stuff. They don’t understand. It’s like the wind. They can feel it but they can’t touch it.”

    Booker T then noted how fans don’t get to see many Superstars celebrate 30-year careers. He acknowledged how people may work for 20 years in the industry; however, they wouldn’t consistently perform in the way The Undertaker did.

    He added how modern Superstars should “pick the brain” of The Undertaker and experienced Superstars like him. Booker T argued they should be focused on asking critical questions about longevity as wrestling “is not about how fast you do it.”

  • Booker T Discusses Zelina Vega’s WWE Release, Chelsea Green Injury

    Booker T Discusses Zelina Vega’s WWE Release, Chelsea Green Injury

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has shared his thoughts on Zelina Vega’s recent WWE release, noting how Vega is one of his “Fav 5” who had been on her way up in the company.

    Booker T addressed her release during a recent episode of his podcast, The Hall of Fame. He shared how “She was coming up and one day she’s here, the next day she’s gone. Watching her on her Twitch Channel talk about it broke my heart watching her cry.”

    Booker T shared how he’s sad to see her go as he thought she was incredibly talented. He believed Vega was the kind of Superstar that “really made a huge difference as far as the card.”

    Booker T then expressed how other Superstars who used third-party social media like Vega will now have to “figure out how this thing is going to work” going forward.

    “Guys, figure it out because at the end of the day, it’s a bigger picture,” Booker T said. “At the end of the day, you hope the pot of gold is at the end of the rainbow or you have someone like Zelina who said I created that pot of gold for myself. I can appreciate that as well but I wanted to say above all, I’m going to miss her because she was talent.”

    Booker T On Chelsea Green’s Injury

    Booker T also discussed Chelsea Green’s recent wrist injury, which unfortunately occurred during her SmackDown debut.

    He revealed how he talked to Green only a few weeks ago about how he was using her match against Charlotte Flair as a study match for his classes.

    “I was showing a match with her against Charlotte Flair. It was a match she had in NXT. I was talking about how green Chelsea was and how experienced Charlotte was and the difference between the two of them and how they were working in that same match with each other,” Booker T explained. “You can see and notice the difference between the two. None of it was the big things they did. All of it was the small things. That’s what Chelsea needs to work on. “

    Booker T admitted he didn’t see what caused Green’s injury. He added how he noticed how she was moving in the ring. According to him, she didn’t “really pay attention to where she was going before she started her trip. It seemed like she would get on a road and start going and then she would pull out the GPS and figure out on the road where she was. You can’t do that in this business.”

    He then shared how he always says people need to learn how to “navigate” their way through a match. Booker T extrapolated this, saying that people needed to know where they were going before they got there, something he argued Chelsea Green didn’t do.

  • Booker T Lists His Top Five Modern-Day WWE Superstars

    Booker T Lists His Top Five Modern-Day WWE Superstars

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has shared a list of his top five modern-day Superstars during a recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast.

    At number five is former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. Number four is The Hurt Business’, Bobby Lashley, who Booker T would like to see “move up to next phase as far as beating up the upper tier guys to get to that upper level.”

    Kevin Owens also made the list, with Booker T noting that KO “is always” somewhere in his personal top five rankings. He explained how “Kevin is one of those guys who is grinding and is always trying to better himself in every way, at home as well as on the job.”

    The number two slot belonged to the current WWE Universal Champion, Roman Reigns. Booker T pointed to Reigns’ impactful return and pivot into The Tribal Chief gimmick, stressing how it “definitely sparked the wrestling world.” He added how Reigns is now looked at as a “totally different person” thanks to the character change.

    Booker T’s Number One Pick

    “Coming in at number 1 is Sami Zayn. I wish I had 10 Sami Zayn’s,” Booker T said. “I could build a great company around guys with that knowledge and that talent, and know how to do their job and do their job to the best of their ability until something better comes along. That’s the type of guy that Sami is. He is not looking to hang in the back. He is always the guy that is going to be raising his hand looking to get to the front of the class.”

    Booker T explained that Sami Zayn stands out because of how Zayn makes wrestling “real” for him. He noted that this is just his opinion. Still, because of this skill, it made Zayn’s inclusion at the number one spot a “no-brainer” for Booker T.

  • Booker T On If Matt Riddle Fits WWE’s Championship ‘Protocol,’ Riddle Responds

    Booker T On If Matt Riddle Fits WWE’s Championship ‘Protocol,’ Riddle Responds

    Matt Riddle has responded to Booker T’s comments stating how “The Original Bro” shouldn’t be wrestling in his bare feet. During a recent episode of Booker T’s podcast, The Hall of Fame, he suggested how Riddle is doing himself a disservice by not wearing wrestling boots.

    According to Booker T, the lack of footwear was one of the first things he noticed about Riddle. It didn’t leave a positive impression, as he stressed how “that’s not the look of a world heavyweight champion.”

    The Hall of Famer argued how “There is a protocol there” in what makes a Superstar World Heavyweight Champion material. “How many World Heavyweight Champions were bare feet [while wrestling]? How many of them were greater than Superfly Jimmy Snuka?”

    Booker T continued, “I’m just saying if you’re trying to get to the World Heavyweight Championship or Universal championship, there has always been a certain look that you must have. When I’m talking Matt Riddle, I’m thinking from a promoter’s perspective. That’s all I’m thinking about.”

    Word of Booker T’s comments clearly made its way to Riddle. The Raw Superstar took to Twitter to share a photo of himself alongside a caption reading, “My face whenever Booker T speaks, also my face when I’m not on the raw survivor series team, congratulations to Sheamus #stallion #wwe #raw #bro.”

    Matt Riddle recently lost to Sheamus on Monday Night Raw. Sheamus’ victory means he gets to represent Team Raw at WWE’s upcoming Survivor Series pay-per-view.

  • Booker T Explains His Comments Claiming He Doesn’t Like Sasha Banks

    Booker T Explains His Comments Claiming He Doesn’t Like Sasha Banks

    Booker T has extrapolated on comments he made during the Hell in a Cell Kickoff show. He had revealed how he wanted Bayley to successfully defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Sasha Banks, stating how he didn’t like Banks.

    Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T explained how he doesn’t care what people think or say about him following his words. He stressed that he shared his opinion, nothing more.

    “What if I say I don’t like Sami Zayn? Are they going to blow up the internet? What if I say I don’t like Bayley? Are they going to blow up the internet? What if I say I don’t like you? Are they going to blow up the internet? I mean guys, relax more than anything. Sasha Banks and I is something that her and I have to hash out. This is between us. It’s not between anybody else except Sasha Banks and myself.”

    Booker T proceeded to list Banks’ championship accolades within WWE. He noted how she is a 5-time champion and a Grand Slam Champion, noting how he gives her “props” for her accomplishments. Regardless, he added how, ultimately, “[…] she rubs me the wrong way a little bit, It could be her attitude.”

    Booker T On Issues With Sasha Banks

    The Hall of Famer stressed how he didn’t say he hated her before reiterating that he stated how he “did not like Sasha.” He repeated how any issues that might exist are solely between them and recommended how people don’t “want to cross in my lane.”

    He added how he appreciates what Sasha Banks does in the ring. Booker T explained how she is “better than the majority of the women that play that role and are put in that position” before praising her storytelling skills.

    Sasha Banks successfully defeated Bayley for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. The two clashed at WWE’s recent Hell in a Cell pay-per-view.

  • Booker T Explains Why He’s ‘Glad’ WWE Separated The New Day

    Booker T Explains Why He’s ‘Glad’ WWE Separated The New Day

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has shared his thoughts on the WWE Draft during a recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast. He also explained why he’s “glad” Big E has been separated from his New Day stablemates.

    Booker T noted how the recent WWE Draft was different from the drafts that took place when he was an active in-ring competitor. He stressed how the hype WWE attempted to create for the Draft was only “for the fans.’

    “The draft to me, it’s just working for another show. It wasn’t about the hype. The hype was for the fans. […] I’m not trying to rag on these guys or anything these days, but the draft back in the day, there was a reason why we had to have a draft, and a SmackDown and a RAW. We had so much talent on the roster.”

    Booker T was quick to add that today’s current roster is also filled with talented Superstars. However, according to him, there was a notable “abundance of talent” flooding WWE after WCW was purchased.

    “[…] we literally had the best talent roster in the world at that time. We had an abundance of talent that could fuel two shows. It was totally different as far as how I looked at the draft back then compared to how I look at it now.”

    Booker T On Big E Going Solo On SmackDown

    Regarding the New Day, Booker T shared how separating the stable is in the best interest of Big E:

    “This is the only way Big E can really run on his own. He could really put himself out there without having that umbrella of the New Day. You have to let it go and go out there and be Big E and create his own brand in order to fuel what he’s trying to do right now and that’s take it to the next level.”

    He noted how Big E doesn’t have to “change anything” and uses this opportunity to “step up.”

    Booker T then shared how he wished he could have the opportunity to coach Big E, sharing how:

    “If I was to manage someone, it would be a guy like Big E because I really feel Big E could run through the whole territory if the stars were aligned right for him. I’m not saying I want to be a manager, but I feel if there is anyone I could manage and get some feelings out of the fans watching this would be a guy like Big E. Big E could really be the guy if he had the right expert tutelage.”

    Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston were drafted to Raw following the WWE Draft. Big E, however, remained a SmackDown Superstar.

  • Booker T Reveals He Tested Positive For COVID-19

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T revealed on his Hall of Fame radio show and Reality of Wrestling YouTube channel that he has tested positive for COVID-19. The 55-year-old noted that he was tested for the virus in June but never got his results back. He then received a call recently from the Center for Disease Control that his test came back positive.

    “About an hour ago from the CDC and the CDC told me that yes, I have tested positive for the Coronavirus… back at the end of June,” Booker said. Co-host Brad Gilmore noted that they had talked on the show about him not feeling well and getting tested a few months back.

    “I never got my result back. But they called me, rest assured, today, to tell me that back at the end of June when I got tested that I tested positive. I’ve had three tests since then and they all came back negative.”

    Booker continued to talk about how he went 3 months without getting his test result back.

    “It just goes to show you how bad that we really are with this system that we are working with as far as people are finding out if they have this or they don’t. I’m living proof, thank God that I’m still here,” he continued.

    Booker also spoke about symptoms he experienced during this time.

    “I know what I went through for a couple of weeks, I had headaches, I had night sweats. I lost my taste and smell for 2 weeks. Thank God, I was smart enough to quarantine from the family.”

    Booker’s comments can be heard in the player below:

  • Booker T On Renee Young Leaving WWE, Keith Lee Vs. Karrion Kross

    Booker T On Renee Young Leaving WWE, Keith Lee Vs. Karrion Kross

    WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has shared his thoughts on Renee Young’s decision to leave WWE. During his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T also discussed last weekend’s NXT Championship matchup between Keith Lee and Karrion Kross.

    Booker T thanked Renee Young before highlighting how special she is. He stressed she won’t have to “worry about a check coming in the mail” before highlighting how she’s been “working on her game” for years. Booker T added she is finally at a point where she knows her own worth and what she can provide a company.

    “Anybody that snatches Renee Young up, they are going to be very lucky to have her on that team because that is who she is. She is a team player.”

    Booker T On Keith Lee Vs. Karrion Kross

    Booker T then turned his attention to NXT TakeOver: XXX’s main event clash. He praised how “Two guys, two big guys, two bonafide heavyweights went out and had a heavyweight match up.”

    He spoke highly of Kross, who he believed “showed his toughness” after separating his shoulder during the match. Booker T highlighted how Kross was hyper-aware of “what was on the line,” which helped motivate him throughout the bout despite the injury. He also gave props to Keith Lee, sharing how he is a fan of the “throwback wrestler” and that 2020 could be his year.

    “I loved it when there were two big guys fighting going back and forth and then wrestling came into play. A big suplex or a big side slam or powerslam, whatever. That part of wrestling always drew me in.”

    Booker T continued, sharing what he hates about modern-day wrestling:

    “Wrestling today man, one of the things that kills me with wrestling today, and I’m going to say it. I’m going to spit some lyrics right now. I know they may not want me to talk about it. That damn leg pop is the damn vain of my existence. It really is. I’m sick of these wrestlers that go out and misuse the art. I’m going to leave it at that. I’m not going to go past that but that damn leg pop and you all know what I’m talking about.”

    Karrion Kross defeated Keith Lee for the NXT Championship at NXT TakeOver: XXX. Lee subsequently made his Raw debut this past Monday night.

  • Booker T: Eric Bischoff Doesn’t Belong On WCW’s Mount Rushmore

    Booker T: Eric Bischoff Doesn’t Belong On WCW’s Mount Rushmore

    Booker T doesn’t believe that former WCW President Eric Bischoff belongs on anyone’s WCW Mount Rushmore. As far as the Hall of Famer is concerned, Bischoff’s “not in the conversation.”

    Booker T shared his thoughts on his Hall of Fame podcast. He explained how people like Bischoff who “haven’t put time in the ring wrestling for years” don’t deserve consideration. He stressed that this was just his opinion on the matter.

    Extrapolating on his opinion, Booker T reflected on Bischoff’s impact on WCW and the wrestling business. He acknowledged how Bischoff did a lot for him and his career in WCW. However, he noted that when business and pleasure mingle, problems can occur.

    “When Eric Bischoff stopped being the president, stopped being the boss and wanted to start being one of the boys and wanting to be one of the talents on the show, that’s when everything got clouded.”

    Booker T continued, “Judgment totally didn’t come into play in certain instances because you got a lot of guys around you that you think are your friends. Eric Bischoff should have never been in a position to even be considered to be a part of Mount Rushmore.”

    Booker T has previously expressed a similar opinion regarding Bischoff being inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame.