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.

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:

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.”

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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 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.

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has agreed with Lance Storm’s recent comments on intergender wrestling. Speaking on his podcast, The Hall of Fame, Booker T addressed the issue as well as the backlash Storm received. During the episode, he also shared his thoughts on who he believes the MVP of WWE’s COVID-19 era is.

Addressing Storm’s recent comments stating that intergender wrestling should be abolished, Booker T pointed to the backlash Storm’s words received on social media. Despite the negative response, the Hall of Famer shared how he seconded Storm’s feelings.

“I second that emotion as far as definitely abolishing intergender wrestling. I don’t think it does a whole lot for female wrestlers. If it is to ever be done on an independent level, for women to be able to get a little more training because there are less women out there working at the top level or better level that can get a lot of practice in working with guys, but as far as intergender wrestling ever making it to the big stage in professional wrestling, I think it would screw everything up.”

He recalled his thoughts from earlier in the year pertaining to Tessa Blanchard’s intergender matchups.

Booker T stressed how he didn’t agree with it but didn’t dispute her talent. He added how he didn’t agree with Impact Wrestling’s decision and reiterated how he 100% agrees with Storm’s sentiments.

Booker T Names His WWE COVID-19 Era MVP

Booker T then turned his attention to WWE’s current product and how it has been forced to pivot due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Acknowledging how COVID-19 has forced both WWE and its Superstars to change and evolve, Booker T shared who he believes is WWE’s current MVP. He stressed that, even though it’s been a relatively short period of time, his MVP is MVP and The Hurt Business.

Booker T explained his decision, noting how MVP has been “going out and creating some really good drama.”

He stressed how MVP has managed to do this by going out and cutting promos. He believes this career resurgence is more memorable than MVP’s first run in WWE and thinks the Superstar has really found his “groove” during this time.

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T recently addressed the hashtag #NaomiDeservesBetter trending on Twitter. The hashtag gained momentum as disgruntled fans who believe WWE has been mishandling the Superstar rallied in support of Naomi.

Speaking on his podcast, The Hall of Famer with Booker T and Brad Gilmore, Booker T shared his critical take on the trending hashtag. 

“They can go to hell with all these hashtags,” Booker T stated. “I’m tired of hearing about them. Don’t nobody ‘deserve’ a chance. You have to earn a chance and your spot on the roster, this is not some kind of movement just to pull somebody up just because. I hate to say this because I like Naomi, but as far as the business goes, you get it on your merit alone. There is no buddy system.”

Booker T noted how, although some people may have benefited from help, ultimately “life is not fair.”

He added how people have to make their own breaks and rise to the occasion. Acknowledging how this kind of shift doesn’t happen overnight, he pointed to himself as an example:

“No one expected me to become a six-time champ, but my persistence of going out there and performing better than all of those suckas in the locker room, and they knew it, and the fans saw something different.”

#NaomiDeservesBetter

Booker T argued how the hashtag doesn’t serve a purpose and doesn’t benefit Naomi. Instead, he believes she should be advocating for herself and consistently performing at a high level. Booker T believes if a Superstar can achieve that, then they “cannot be denied” and “No one will ever say you were given anything.”

He explained how, if someone gave Naomi a championship tomorrow it wouldn’t feel earned or as though she “did it on her own.”

Booker T stressed how he would never have wanted to have the championship simply given to him. He then praised Naomi as the most athletic female Superstar in the WWE locker room.

However, he added how “psychology and working are two different things.” Booker T then suggested that if he could guide her for a month, she would look at the pro wrestling business in a totally different way. 

Naomi Reacts To Booker T’s Thoughts

Naomi saw Booker T’s comments on the situation. She responded with a succinct reply, writing “Will do @BookerT5x.” She accompanied her answer with a Gif of Jim Carrey wrapped in tape, waving.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Sasha Banks also commented on Booker T’s observations. She wrote in support of Naomi, telling her not to “feed into useless opinions, no matter who they come from.” She encouraged Naomi to keep glowing and how she has nothing to prove to anybody. Sasha Banks recently irked Booker T after claiming she and Bayley were a better tag team than Harlem Heat.

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has shared his thoughts on Heath Slater’s recent return to Monday Night RAW. Speaking on his podcast The Hall of Fame, Booker T stressed how Slater’s “not a guy you want to lose.”

He explained how Slater is a talent “you want on your team” as he’s going to make sure to “pull his weight.” Booker T added how Slater is committed to playing the role he is given, whatever that may be.

“That’s what I talk in this game all the time as far as ‘hey man, just play your role tonight. Don’t try to play someone else’s role. If you do that, we’ll have a great show tonight, but if you go out there and you want to take one job then take on another job, then you got three jobs that you’re trying to take on, and then, you complain about it. You’re the one who took those jobs.'” Booker T said. “Heath Slater is a guy that’s gonna play his role, and that’s why he got the phone call. ‘Hey Heath, you want to come on back?’ That’s what it’s about.”

Booker T went on to compare Heath Sleater to WCW wrestler Brad Armstrong. He explained how Armstrong never had to worry about his job. That’s because he was a “utility guy.”

Extrapolating his point, Booker T added how Armstong could do just about anything at a moment’s notice. He noted that Slater has the same ability. He argued that this makes him a valuable talent that you can trust to get the job done.

Sasha Banks recently commented online that she believes her team with Bayley is better than Harlem Heat was. Booker T then addressed Sasha’s comments on his YouTube channel and show.

“She didn’t say that, tell me she didn’t just say that,” Booker started. “My thing is this, I put her over! I put Bayley over too, right? Sometimes that’s very hard to do but I managed to do it because I’m the bigger man.”

Booker continued to address Sasha’s claim that her team with Bayley is better than Harlem Heat was.

“Sasha, Bayley, great tag-team but as far as those two being anywhere near as great as the Hall of Fame tag-team, 10x world tag team champions – set the record – along with the greatest manager in the history of the game, Sister Sherri Martel,” Booker continued. He then broke out a picture of him and his brother Stevie Ray in a match from Germany.

“That’s real right there. As far as Sasha Banks & Bayley goes, as far as those two in tag-team wrestling goes and what Harlem Heat brought to the game and still sprinkling out there all over the world right now. People still singing the name on a yearly basis as far as Harlem Heat goes.”

“As far as Sasha and Bayley go, I’m going to leave it at that.”

• Sasha Banks Makes Bold Claim, FTR Responds

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

Last night on WWE RAW, Christian faced Randy Orton in an unsanctioned match. The bout didn’t go long, however. Ric Flair gave Christian a low-blow before Randy Orton delivered a punt and pinned the returning Superstar. Booker T recently addressed Christian’s WWE return on his radio show and YouTube channel.

“You get the bug once you get back in. Once you get a little taste…” Booker said when asked if he thinks Christian’s performance was a one-off.

“It’s something that wants to just pull you back in, something that just wants to draw you back in, make you feel like ‘I can do this.'”

“We all feel that way, we all feel like we got one last run and Christian, I’m going to tell you right now, after just getting in the ring, just making that walk, I can only imagine if there had been 10,000/15,000/20,000 people in the arena, he would have really lost his mind when he got back to the hotel room. He would have had goosebumps looking in the mirror going ‘I think I can still do this.'”

“I don’t think it’s going to be a one-off, I think Christian’s going to come back, I think he’s going to get the bug.”

“I think Christian will be at Extreme Rules in the ring, and the thing is, he’ll have time to get ready for it.”

• Booker T Says Impact Poised To “Get Back In The Game”

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

Booker T recently spent some time on his radio show and YouTube channel talking about Impact Wrestling. He said that now could be the time for Impact to get back in the game as the promotion has teased bringing in recently released WWE stars to their Slammiversary PPV on July 18th.

“I am wondering if this is a time now for Impact Wrestling to – bang – explode again and get back in the game,” Booker said.

Booker and his co-host discussed the video Impact aired last Tuesday night for Slammiversary. Clips of EC3, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, the Bennett/Kanellis’ and more were shown in the video. The clip also shows a flag of Belarus, Rusev’s home country.

• Impact Teasing Former WWE Talent Appearing At Slammiversary

“You gotta think Anthem, Anthem has been doing a lot of big major moves, lot of money moves. I’m sure they’re saying ‘hey man, this is the time to get back in the game.'”

“There’s guys out there like Rusev right now. We got guys out there like Heath Slater, Erik Rowan, Kassius Ohno, there’s a lot of big guys out there that we can pick up that can put a lot of behinds in the seats.”

“It’s the perfect time for TNA (Impact) to pull the trigger and get back in the game,” he continued.

They continued to discuss the rumours of WWE reaching out to bring back some of the released stars as well.

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

Booker T recently spoke about working with Jim Ross on his Reality of Wrestling YouTube channel. The 5x WCW Champion noted that JR’s role as the head of Talent Relations put him in an unenviable spot.

“He had to hire guys, he had to fire guys, he was that guy,” Booker said on the show. “He was definitely not in an envious spot.”

Booker also noted that JR was the one who encouraged him to be open about his real backstory.

“JR was literally the first person who told me I need to tell my story and get it out there and let people see who Booker T really was,” he continued. “And I was reluctant to actually put it out there not knowing if there was some ulterior motive.”

Booker’s story was made into a documentary currently available on the WWE Network, “Booker T: Sentenced to Greatness.” He served 19 months in prison for armed robbery before being granted parole in 1992.

“I remember going to house shows after I did come out with my story, I remember going to house shows and people would have my mugshot on a poster, just to make fun of me,” Booker said. “But I won at the end of the day, and I’m still winning.”

Booker T Hopes His Story Gives Hope To Others

Booker then continued to say that he hopes his being open with his story is helpful to others.

“Hopefully a lesson was learned. Hopefully, some young kid, like I said for me telling my story, which was my primary objective was for some young kid not to fall in my footsteps or some young kid that are walking in my footsteps to know there is light at the end of the tunnel. If Booker T did it, I can do it too. There are so many people out there looking for hope.”

• Booker T On WrestleMania’s Boneyard Match, The Undertaker’s Future

Booker T’s comments can be heard in the player below:

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has taken issue with Ronda Rousey’s recent negative comments regarding pro wrestling and the WWE Universe. 

Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast with Brad Gilmore, Booker T explained why her words irked him. He noted how Rousey was accepted into the pro wrestling world and the other women in the Locker Room. For her to have said such derogatory comments is like a “slap in the face to each and every one of those ladies that went out there and had to work with her.”

Booker T argued, “To slap all those ladies in the face that made her look so good after receiving that check from this ‘fake’ business, a check that, like I said, being put in a position where she was the women’s champion, she was in the main event at WrestleMania, that speaks volumes.”

Booker T highlighted how several women in the locker room work exceptionally hard to get a spot like Rousey enjoyed. He pointed to Nia Jax, explaining how she has worked hard but doesn’t receive the same kind of praise Rousey did. “[…] then someone walks from outside inside to this world and get it. It really is a slap in the face. and I just think Ronda needs to apologize first and foremost.”

Rousey claimed that she wouldn’t be returning to pro wrestling in a full-time capacity during a recent podcast interview. She explained that this was due to ungrateful fans.

In the wake of WrestleMania 36, there has been much discussion regarding two of the show’s cinematic matchups. Both the Boneyard match and the Firefly Fun House match were shot cinematically. This has led to speculation that WWE could continue delivering matchups in this style.

With the Boneyard match having received positive feedback, it appears cinematic matchups could become a fixture for The Undertaker. If that’s the case, one dream opponent has been brought up by multiple people within the industry: Sting.

On a recent episode of Booker T’s podcast The Hall of Fame, he and Renee Young discussed the possibility of Sting and The Undertaker finally wrestling each other. 

Young argued how cinematic matchups shouldn’t be used too frequently. She believes, if they are, they will lose what makes them special. “Either they need to be saved and not be overdone to keep them very special, obviously an Undertaker vs. Sting situation would fall into the category, but is it something we want to see all he time? I don’t know.”

She explained how these pre-recorded clashes should be reserved for special occasions. Young did note that if Boneyard matchups become a WrestleMania staple to help “keep the lore of The Undertaker existing,” then she’s all for it. 

Booker T On WWE’s Creativity

Booker T added how the coronavirus pandemic forced them to be more creative in how they delivered WrestleMania 36. He shared how he would have loved to have performed in a similar matchup during his career. 

“People always wonder if they are ever going to see that match. Sting vs. The Undertaker. This would actually be a way to go out there and do it because I don’t think The Undertaker took one bump,” Booker T said. “That’s the beauty of being able to go out there and create magic, and I’ll tell you, this is where I thought WWE was really going to shine and really bring out the machine and the magic. I’ll go back to when they brought the hologram Bray Wyatt thing back, and it was so awesome. I was like, ‘man, this is cool stuff right here,’ and they [have] the ability to do great stuff here and to do so many different things with this time we’re going through right now.”

Booker T acknowledged that WWE is going to have to work harder to create original content going forward. He believes there is only so long WWE can perform in empty arena matches before audiences disconnect with the product. The creativity showcased in the Boneyard and Firefly Fun House matchups, however, indicate WWE’s willingness to explore other creative outlets—one he wished King Booker could have been involved with.

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has shared his thoughts on WrestleMania 36’s unique Boneyard match. The cinematic matchup between The Undertaker and AJ Styles headlined Night One of this past weekend’s WrestleMania event. 

Speaking on his podcast, The Hall of Fame, Booker T explained how he feels The Undertaker still has “got a little left in the tank.” He noted how, if ‘Taker had missed WrestleMania, fans would have felt his absence. Booker T agreed with ‘Takers sentiments that he will continue to perform as long as he can “muster up the strength to walk to that ring.” Booker T believes if he can continue to do that, then the WWE Universe can expect him to continue competing. 

He admitted how the pro wrestling industry is different from any other business. According to him, the allure of wrestling is a powerful one. Despite this, Booker T believes ‘Taker could still walk away when he chooses to. 

“Thirty years the Undertaker’s been walking that aisle. Thirty years is a lifetime for a lot of people, you know what I mean?” Booker T said. “So I say, if it’s something that he loves and it’s something that he can will himself to actually do? I say do it until you can’t do it no more.”

Despite the interference from both The O.C. and a group of druids, The Undertaker defeated AJ Styles in their Boneyard matchup.

WWE Hall of Famer and co-host of the Hall of Fame podcast Booker T recently commented on the upcoming WrestleMania 36 bout between Edge and Randy Orton. With the unique nature of this year’s ‘Mania, Booker T believes that a ‘theatrical’ element to the match will be able to push it beyond the confines of standard wrestling fare.

Booker T on Edge vs Randy Orton

“This is a moment man, this is a moment that these guys can actually be able to go out here and really tap into their creativeness” Booker T began. “Looking at guys like Edge, he’s perfect for this moment, because he’s a guy who not only loves the wrestling business; but as soon as he got out to the wrestling business he went right into acting.”

“I like the analogy, it [WWE] is Rocky, it is Shakespeare, it is Romeo and Juliet.”

Booker T

Booker T would elaborate further, discussing Triple H’s recent comments that WWE is more “like the Rocky movie and not boxing.” “I like the analogy, it [WWE] is Rocky, it is Shakespeare, it is Romeo and Juliet. It seemed like these guys have said ‘hey man, we’re gonna be in this [coronavirus] state for a while, why don’t you let us be creative? You don’t write anything for us. and just let us go out here and talk about it. Let us feel it?’ It actually looks that way to be. When I watched The Undertaker go out and cut a promo? That was as real as I’ve ever seen The Undertaker.”

Final Hype for Edge vs Orton

Booker T would finish by discussing the history between Edge and Orton. “And now [for Randy] to go out and dance with Edge? A guy who he’s got history with? These guys know each other very very well and respect each other, a whole lot. And now they’re gonna get a chance to go out and you know create magic for the world, in front of an empty arena. Mano a mano and now it’s going to be, you know, a fight that we got to create like we never have before, just because of the circumstances that we’re in. We’re really gonna get a chance to see Shakespeare.”

Edge vs Randy Orton will be taking place this weekend at WrestleMania 36. The show will be available to purchase on PPV, FITE TV as well as the WWE Network.

Are you looking forward to the match between Edge and Orton? Do you think it will have a ‘theatrical’ element? Let us know in the comments

Also Check Out:

• Edge Wants To Make Sure His WrestleMania Match Is “Tough To Follow”
• Edge Discusses WrestleMania Relocating To The WWE Performance Center
• Stephanie McMahon On Delivering WrestleMania 36, Coronavirus Safety Measures

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has shared his thoughts on WWE moving WrestleMania 36 to the WWE Performance Center. Reflecting on how the show will take place in an empty PC, Booker T spoke about what a surreal experience it will be without fans in attendance. 

“I’m just gonna keep it real on this. WrestleMania, of course, has always been about the payoff,” Booker T said during an episode of his podcast, The Hall of Fame. 

“It’s always been about those great matches of course, but I always thought that WrestleMania was more so about the event, the spectacle for the crowd. The people to be a part of and for the fans not to be a part of WrestleMania is definitely going to be something I never thought I would witness in my lifetime because I always thought that was what WrestleMania was.”

Booker T also highlighted how WrestleMania has always featured stars, pointing at Muhammad Ali, Mr. T, Lawrence Taylor and Mike Tyson. He explained how WrestleMania has always been “another level” for everyone. He noted how it wasn’t just excitement for the fans, but that WWE Superstars looked forward to ‘Mania. 

WrestleMania 36 takes place on April 5 from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. It was initially meant to take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Both the Hall of Fame and NXT TakeOver: Tampa Bay have been cancelled. 

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription. 

Booker T is of the opinion that the former President of World Championship Wrestling Eric Bischoff doesn’t deserve to be inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame.

Speaking on the Hall of Fame podcast on ESPN, Booker T said that while he doesn’t really have a bad thing to say about Eric Bischoff he, just thinks that Bischoff doesn’t deserve to be inducted into the HOF because of how he handled WCW. According to Booker T, the end of the promotion began when Bischoff wrote himself in an on-screen storyline. According to Booker, there’s no way one can manage a company when they’re in the middle of it, heavily involved as an on-screen personality.

“I just thought that was the recipe for disaster, and the demise at the end of the day, for WCW. I just don’t know, people can say ‘well Vince McMahon, he played a part in the company.’ Well, it was his money. It was his company. Eric Bischoff was hired to do a certain job, and I say the same thing about Vince Russo.”

Related: Kevin Nash Believes Eric Bischoff Deserves Solo Induction Into WWE Hall Of Fame

Booker T then touched on other things that he thought Eric Bischoff did wrong with WCW, such as hiring Vince Russo as a writer for the promotion. Russo also wrote himself into storylines and even won the WCW Heavyweight Championship. Booker T thinks that Bischoff should just have never been part of the company in this way, as far as he is concerned, Bischoff should have just had just stayed as the creator.

After Russo’s arrival in the promotion, the ratings went plummeting down. Top stars of the company were unhappy with their position and how the management was handling them.

Eric Bischoff will probably respond to Booker T’s comments via his 83 Weeks podcast, so that is something to look forward to.

Meanwhile, we don’t know if the Hall of Fame or even WrestleMania will be held in April, due to concerns of the coronavirus epidemic.

Quotes used in this article courtesy of WrestlingNews.co.

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T recently shared his support in WWE’s decision to book Roman Reigns vs Goldberg at WrestleMania 36. However, during a recent episode of his podcast The Hall of Fame, Booker T remained unconvinced about another headline matchup: Shayna Baszler vs Becky Lynch.

“I’m not sold on it. I’ll just say that. I’m not sold on it yet,” he confessed. “But I’m like this man. I’m thinking about the performance more than anything, I’m thinking about when you go out and perform, you know, in Elimination Chamber…WrestleMania. Those are big moments for me. Going into a match like that. I trust Becky Lynch. Becky has done a lot of good things over this last year, she’s put herself in position to, you know, be called ‘the man.’”

Booker T On Becky Lynch’s Past Opponents

Booker T noted how Lynch has been performing at a consistent quality against “really, really high calibre talent.” Booker T then pointed towards her matches with both Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks, adding how they can “go out there and really perform [at the] next level.”

“Now I’m wondering, Becky Lynch against Shayna Baszler. You know, how is that thing gonna go? How are they going to match up? As far as going out there and creating some beautiful magic? Because at the end of the day it really is all about Shakespeare. It really is all about going out there and performing for the fans.”

Becky Lynch aims to defend her WWE RAW Women’s Championship against Shayna Baszler at WrestleMania 36. The event takes place on April 5 from the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. 

H/T to WrestlingNews for the transcription.