WWE confirmed the long-rumored changes to the broadcast teams of both Raw and SmackDown yesterday, alongside the official announcement of its F1S studio show dubbed WWE Backstage.

Though the reports which have come out since then have provided some interesting updates on these announcements and they reveals that some of these arrangements might not be permanent.

As part of their announcement, WWE confirmed that Jerry Lawler will be returning to Raw for commentary, however, Pro Wrestling Sheet is reporting that the company only intends to use him for a short period of time.

Officials are considering other people to fulfil the position on a full-time basis. Speculation is that this is why Mickie James was featured on Main Event as one of the commentators this week, though this news is not confirmed.

The arrangement for the F1S studio show which is announced to be hosted by Booker T and Renee Young seems to be temporary as well.

According to report from PWinsider, a number of WWE Legends have been brought to Los Angeles to audition for a role on the show and the idea is to switch between these personalities on different weeks.

We can also see multi-person booths as Fox has played with different versions of the show ranging from panels of 3 to 5 people but nothing is locked yet.

Though one name who will be a staple for the show is Cathy Kelley. She is expected to be a big part of the program and Kelley will be splitting her time between NXT and the new series going forward.

As far as the production goes, the show will be pre-taped once a week and its set is made to look like it’s inside a wrestling ring with yellow ropes.

These changes are only the beginning of things and with the scheduled drafts, we can expect the rosters of both SmackDown and Raw to be shuffled in similar fashion as well.

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T recently addressed Kenny Omega’s recent comments stating that All Elite Wrestling has real stars versus NXT being filled with developmental talent. He addressed Omega’s statements on an episode of his Hall of Fame podcast. 

Booker T explained that Omega has “[…] got two hats he’s wearing in the company, and he made some disparaging comments about the talent in NXT, but I was reading earlier that he was talking in character and that a lot of those guys are his friends. My thing is this, does Kenny Omega have the right to say that? If you’re in character, is it okay to say that? When shouldn’t you be in character? When you’re talking to a reporter or someone in the media, should you be in character or not?”

As far as Booker T is concerned, staying in character is important when “working the masses” because, as a performer, every wrestler wants to make it as real as possible: 

“When ‘working’ the masses, you always want to try and stay in character and make it as real as you possibly can to try and create something. I think Kenny Omega, when saying something like that and being in character and trying to create something, then all of the sites pick it up. [Omega is like,] ‘Hey, I did my job.’ He didn’t disrespect anybody. When he sees those guys, he goes, ‘Man, I was just playing. I’m working. That’s all I’m doing. It’s a work.'”

All Elite Wrestling premieres their debut episode of AEW: Dynamite next week on October 2nd.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription. 

Brock Lesnar surprised everyone when he showed up at this week’s episode of SmackDown Live. He challenged the WWE Champion Kofi Kingston for a match and the internet has been buzzing about this bout ever since.

During the recent episode of his Hall of Fame podcast, WWE Legend Booker T talked about a number of things and also shared his thoughts on the upcoming championship bout between these two stars.

Booker first said that he thinks it’s possible for Kofi to beat the Beast and he went on to claim that going out there and beating Brock Lesnar would be the ultimate achievement for the WWE Champion:

“To be able to go out against Brock Lesnar on the first episode of SmackDown on FOX and beat him with the Trouble in Paradise, cover him, 1,2,3 good God! Kofi has had a hell of a run, no man can ask for any more than what Kofi Kingston has had, but to be able to go out there and pull it off that would be the ultimate.”

Though T later claimed that he doesn’t know if it’s actually going to happen. He doesn’t like to try and determine how a match is going to turn out and there are a lot of things that could affect the outcome of the bout.

Booker T also talked about Brock Lesnar’s appeal saying that he is one of those enigma’s which you can either love or hate, but both are good for the business.

Brock Lesnar will be facing Kofi Kingston in a one on one match for the WWE Championship at the upcoming SmackDown 20th anniversary show on October 4rth.

Transcription via WrestlingInc

King Booker was involved in a backstage segment with the Street Profits recently. The WWE Hall of Famer mentioned on his ESPN 97.5 radio show in Houston that he wants to manage the popular tag-team.

“I’m thinking about putting my name in to manage the Street Profits, bring these guys to the next level,” Booker said.

When asked how he would take the Street Profits to the next level, Booker had the following to say:

“Just put a little bit more street on em, that’s all” Booker said. “It’d be no playing, no jiving, just business.”

Booker would then talk about how sometimes a wrestler has to be seen as more than just an entertainer.

“When the people look at you differently, other than just an entertainer, that’s when it becomes something totally different to you when you go out and perform,” Booker continued. “You actually feel it in the soul, deep down in one’s bones. That’s what I loved about the business and that’s what I think I can bring to the Street Profits.”

Booker’s full comments can be viewed in the player below:

Booker would continue to say if he can’t manage Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford, he’d love to just mentor them. He would also continue to talk about the influence Gary Hart had on his career during the video.

“Maybe not manage but just mentor,” Booker continued. “I remember Gary Hart used to say, I’m not a manager, I’m just an advisor.”

All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) Sammy Guevara has been trying to make a name for himself within the promotion. In a recent interview with CatchClub, Guevara reflected on when he first found a passion for pro wrestling and the advice he received from WWE Hall of Famer Booker T ahead of his first-ever match.

He first started watching pro wrestling between 2005 and 2006 after a neighbour told him to turn on SmackDown. Guevara recalled initially pushing back on the idea, “I was like, ‘No man, it’s not really my thing, I’m not going to watch it.’ But he told me ‘Trust me, it’s really awesome, watch it!’ So I turned it on and saw MNM vs Rey Mysterio and Batista, in a steel cage match. Ever since then I was like, ‘This is amazing, I’m going to do this when I’m older!'”

He listed Jeff Hardy, Chris Benoit, and Rey Mysterio as some of his favorite wrestlers, adding that he’s been lucky enough to wrestle against Mysterio.

“[…] to be able to wrestle him 10 years after I started watching wrestling was amazing. It just goes to show you that life can take you to very strange and very cool places. You just got to keep going and keep working hard, and you never know what’s going to happen.”

Booker T’s Advice

When he had his very first match, he was fortunate enough to be given some solid advice from Booker T:

“Before I had my first match ever, Booker T told me, ‘Look, the worst thing that is going to happen out there is you’re going to mess up. And if that’s the worst thing that is going to happen to you, life is going to be OK. The world keeps going, you know.’ And so I always remember that from time to time when I get nervous.”

At the time of writing, Sammy Guevara has picked up a tag team victory in AEW alongside MJF and Shawn Spears. He lost to Kip Sabian during AEW’s Buy In show ahead of their Double or Nothing pay-per-view.

H/T to Wrestlezone for the transcription.

The Matt Riddle vs “WCW Guys” rivalry has contined online in recent days. Booker T recently released his response to Riddle’s latest comments on his Reality of Wrestling program.

• Matt Riddle Knocks “WCW Guys” Goldberg, Chris Jericho & Booker T

Booker was played the latest Instagram post from Riddle which can be viewed below:

Booker then responded on Reality of Wrestling:

Booker T Responds To Matt Riddle

“I don’t know how should I take it,” Booker said when asked about Riddle’s comments. “I know if I was a young guy in the business and someone like Chris Jericho gave me a little bit of advice – be that as it may where the guy is working right now – but if Chris Jericho was to give me some words of advice, he might be one of the guys to listen to just because of the career that he’s had.”

“When the Rock said ‘Know your role and shut your mouth’ you know that’s true: know your role and shut your mouth,” Booker continued. “When guys back in the day didn’t know their role they didn’t last very long in the business.”

Booker also talked about Riddle mentioning he could beat up Chris Jericho in his Instagram post.

“In the Octagon calling guys out to a fight may be wise but out in real-life calling a man out to a fight it’s just not wise because fighting these days is not something men do outside the octagon. People get hurt really bad.”

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T is excited to see one potential match at the upcoming WWE SummerSlam pay-per-view event. 

Last week it was reported that fellow WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus was in talks with WWE to make a return to in-ring action. It was later revealed that she would take on former RAW and SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at this show. 

Although the showdown as only been reported and WWE not confirming it just yet, former WWE stars are beginning to comment on the possible SummerSlam match, which now includes Booker T. 

Trish Stratus To Be Interviewed By Jerry Lawler On Smackdown

The pro wrestling legend took to his podcast, the Reality of Wrestling to give his thoughts on this match.

This is where Booker noted that Stratus is one of his favorites of all-time because she had everything. He brought up how she checked off every box and did it her way. He noted that he’s really looking forward to it. 

Booker T added, “It could be history in the making, especially if Charlotte can go out there and beat the Queen in Toronto.”

It should be noted that WWE didn’t have Stratus appear on the RAW Reunion special with the other legends. Former female WWE stars such as Eve Torres, Kelly Kelly, Torrie Wilson, and Jillian Hall did appear on the program. 

H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcription

Wrestling can be a subjective form of entertainment. What some love, others might not enjoy; who some revere, others consider overrated.

Recently, WWE Hall of Famer, Mark Henry, revealed his personal list of top ten African-American wrestlers.

It was a list featuring luminary names such as Ernie Ladd, Ron Simmons, and Booker T. His list was topped by The Rock.

Turns out that Booker T had some issues with Henry’s list. He addressed Henry’s choices on an episode of his Hall of Fame podcast.

“Mark Henry is like 78 years old,” Booker joked. “Mark Henry is like a wrestling historian. Carlos Colon is not even black, he is a man of color, [Puerto Rican], but I don’t think he is black. Ernie Ladd, Ron Simmons, Bobo Brazil, JYD [Junkyard Dog], those are made men.”

You Just Made The List

Booker then went on to provide his own list.

“I feel like I’m on the list,” Booker admitted. “I have done a lot, I have been around. For me, number one is Bobo Brazil. He put the African-American wrestler on the map, it was like we had arrived. Bobo Brazil was a made man for many years and paved the way for wrestlers such as myself.”

He continued, “Number two is Ernie Ladd. Number three would be Ron Simmons. I will go with those three. Following those three, The Rock, me, JYD, Mark Henry is on that list. Mr. Hughes, Bad New Brown, that list could go on,” he admitted. “But those top three, Bobo, Ladd, Simmons. You have so many Black, African-American wrestlers that have paved the way.”

Booker T placed seventh on Mark Henry’s list—a position Booker felt was too low.

“Nah, I’m top 5 anywhere in the world,” Booker said. “As far as the business goes, I try not to toot my own horn, but I was good.”

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

With the rise of AEW and the continuous decline in ratings, WWE has been forced to make efforts to improve their product and the company has recently made some big moves to try and change the state of their programming.

During the recent episode of his Hall Of Fame podcast, Wrestling Legend Booker T talked about the current state of wrestling and gave his thoughts on how the current product can improve.

Booker said that when we went to the PG era, it flipped the script a bit and made it a television show, and to improve, they just got to go back to what wrestling was.

Explaining his comments, T said that wrestling was characters like ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage and Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig. They were organically made and you can’t create or learn that in school.

Continuing on the topic the WWE Hall Of Famer mentioned the likes of Bret Hart, Sting and Ric Flair and talked about how these legends built their careers going around the world and getting worldly talent.

Later in the episode, Booker also discussed the importance of promo work and how the use of scripted promos has limited people’s abilities. You can check out the full episode of his podcast at this link.

Ever since the official announcement of the company, the internet has been buzzing about AEW and people have been discussing whether or not it’s going to be a competition for WWE.

During the recent episode of his Hall Of Fame podcast, former World Champion and Wrestling Legend Booker T talked about a number of things and he also revealed his thoughts on the matter.

Booker said that it’s definitely going to be a competition and it is definitely going to make one thing totally different when it comes to the way you put a show on.

Explaining his comments, Booker talked about how WWE has hired writers from different genres and backgrounds and claimed that there are no greater minds to put together storylines than the wrestlers who actually did it.

Continuing on the topic, The WWE Hall Of Famer gave the example of Paul Heyman saying that you can’t go outside and find someone from the soap opera life like Heyman, doesn’t matter if they have been great at writing General Hospital for the last 30 years.

Apart from this, Booker T also recalled an incident where a producer was trying to tell him how to talk, reports of WWE getting rid of the PG ratings and more. You can check out his full interview at this link.

Former World Heavyweight Champion and WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T have developed a beef with NXT talent Matt Riddle in recent weeks after Booker questioned Riddle for his remarks over some wrestling legends. He said that Matt himself needs a lot of work and Riddle also responded to the former WCW Champion.

Booker T then recently spoke to Kevin Kellam of WrestleZone.com and expanded further on his issues with NXT Superstar Matt Riddle criticizing Goldberg for his match against The Undertaker at Super ShowDown. He stated that Riddle needs a better understanding of the business and a change in approach.

“[Goldberg] wasn’t a guy that grew up watching it on a weekly basis, but he came into it with an opportunity and he took it. He turned out to be an awesome, awesome draw and the fans love Goldberg. Goldberg drew so much money in this business—I can only imagine how much money [it actually was] for the business—as well as the fans that loved Goldberg coming up, that’s worth a whole lot,” said the Hall of Famer.

Continuing on the topic, he stated that Wrestling is a brotherhood and Booker further defended Goldberg saying that he had never been to a wrestling school like himself. The 5-time WCW Champion stated that Matt Riddle needs to understand the foundation of the wrestling business and understand the ‘business’ aspect of it, as opposed to the ‘wrestling’ side.

Apart from this, Booker T also talked about Superstars such as Honky Tonk Man and The Rock. He discussed the significance of the ‘Drawing Power’ of these Superstars and why they are important. Check out the full interview here.

Booker T has set the record straight over the confusion concerning his former Starcast III appearance.

Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast, The Hall of Fame with Booker T & Brad Gilmore, the Hall Of Famer broke down that the issues arose from a miscommunication between himself and Conrad Thompson. He stressed WWE were not behind the decision.

“Conrad [Thompson], he texts me a date that he wants me to do an autograph signing on. That autograph signing was August 31st, that day was in Chicago—he told me all of that. What he didn’t tell me is that it was Starrcast, I didn’t know it was Starrcast. I didn’t find out it was Starrcast until you, Brad, texted me and said, ‘Are you doing Starrcast? And I was like, ‘No, I’m not doing Starrcast.’ [You replied], ‘Well, they’re advertising you.’ I immediately tweet out and say that I wasn’t going to be doing Starrcast because I did not know that the Conrad booking was Starrcast, because he did not say that it was Starrcast.”

He added, “[…] it was never mentioned one time in text or verbally that it was Starrcast, and if he said, ‘Hey Book, would you like to do Starrcast III?’ I would have said, ‘Hey man, I appreciate it but no.’ But it wasn’t framed that way, so I just want the people to know that I did not pull out of Starrcast… I was never in Starrcast; I was booked for a date, for an autograph signing, not knowing that it was Starrcast.”

“They Did Not Pull Me”

Booker explained that “WWE had zero to do with me not doing that booking, they did not pull me from it. […] WWE is not scrambling to find somebody else because it was never a WWE booking. I was never supposed to be at Starrcast from the beginning.”

Starrcast III takes place between August 29-September 1st 2019 from the Hyatt Regency Chicago in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Thanks to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

With Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff once again returning to notable creative positions within WWE, the pro wrestling landscape seems to be on a precipice of change as WWE continues to gear up against All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

WWE Hall Of Famer, Booker T, spoke about these changes on his podcast, The Hall Of Fame.

He claims that with Heyman and Bischoff respectively directing RAW and SmackDown, they will be going back to the “blueprint of what wrestling always was” which is “giving the fans some great wrestling, great entertainment.”

“[…] Paul Heyman and Eric Bischoff, they both have an agenda now, and that agenda is to do well,” he said. “I was reading today that Eric Bischoff is moving his family to Connecticut. To do that, that’s a huge, huge commitment. That means I want to get close to my work, and I really want to throw myself into it and try to create something.”

“Time Is Running Out”

Booker believes that Bischoff is fully aware of the magnitude of this opportunity, claiming that he is “never going to get another chance like this ever.”

“One thing Eric Bischoff knows: time is running out. He’s never going to get another chance like this ever in a lifetime. I mean, he slipped on a banana peel and became the President of WCW, and then to get this dropped in his hand? […] Paul Heyman, he made ECW a legitimate company by doing the right things and then taking that company in the right direction. They gave the fans what they wanted to see, they had it all. The war could be over before it even starts.”

With WWE doing all it can to hold onto talent as it redefines itself in the face of new competition, it appears that having RAW and SmackDown become creatively different is the first step in their attempts—a decision that Vince McMahon is already reportedly very pleased with.

Booker T appeared to have taken offense to Matt Riddle’s comments about Bill Goldberg. Riddle had said that Goldberg is “hurting people” when talking about his performance at Super ShowDown against The Undertaker:

“The thing for me is, and one of the reasons I was never a fan of Goldberg in the beginning when everybody was like ‘oh, he’s so good!’ I was like ‘no, he’s terrible, he’s hurting people’ and there’s nothing else.”

• Matt Riddle On Goldberg: “He’s Terrible, He’s Hurting People”

Booker T didn’t take this comment lightly and said that Riddle needs to work a lot on himself before he starts talking about anybody.

“I was listening to Matt Riddle talk about Goldberg,” Booker T said on his Reality of Wrestling show. “And I got a chance to watch Matt Riddle work. This guy needs a lot of work. You’re talking about somebody that needs to work on their craft? This Matt Riddle, he needs to work on his craft and that’s coming from Booker T.”

• Booker T Rips Matt Riddle: “This Guy Needs A Lot Of Work”

It didn’t take long before Riddle himself took notice of Booker T’s comments and responded back to the story on his social media.

The Bro wrote without a care in the world, “I guess old WCW wrestlers hate the bro, I wonder who will be next”

Riddle is known for being outspoken and speaking his mind, it is quite possible that these comments can get the attention of another wrestling veteran.

Booker T appears to have taken some offense to Matt Riddle’s recent comments about Bill Goldberg. Riddle was publicly critical of Goldberg’s performance at Super ShowDown against the Undertaker. According to comments made by Booker T, however, Riddle should focus more on his own craft.

• Matt Riddle On Goldberg: “He’s Terrible, He’s Hurting People”

“I was listening to Matt Riddle talk about Goldberg,” Booker T said on his Reality of Wrestling show. “And I got a chance to watch Matt Riddle work. This guy needs a lot of work. You’re talking about somebody that needs to work on their craft? This Matt Riddle, he needs to work on his craft and that’s coming from Booker T.”

“I wish Matt Riddle would come down to my school and get a first-class one-on-one wrestling 101 training,” Booker continued.

Booker T Sends Message To Matt Riddle

“Before Matt Riddle starts talking about anybody, Matt Riddle needs to work on his game and he needs to work on it very, very hard and that’s coming from a Hall-of-Famer. That’s coming from one of the best in the business. Now, Matt Riddle he can say whatever he wants to say about Booker T but I’ll tell you right now, I was top five. Top five in the world, I hover somewhere in that top 5 echelon.”

“Hey Matt Riddle, work on your game kid,” Booker continued. “That’s coming from the 5-time champ.”

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T gave his take on why he believes The Undertaker made a sudden return to WWE television. 

He made it known that he thinks the reason is due to Taker being unhappy about his latest match that was heavily criticized. He elaborated on his mindset during his Hall of Fame Podcast. 

Booker stated that no one thought Taker would be back this soon but he thinks Taker wants to get the memory of his match against Goldberg at Super ShowDown out of his mind and do something else as a re-do. 

“So I say come back out, and wash that little dirt off of you, and give the people what they want to see. Is this The Undertaker’s last match? That is the one thing. If it is the last match then you don’t want it to go down like it did at Super ShowDown. You don’t want that for yourself, or for your kids, or legacy. So you say, ‘Hey man, I have to go out here and do a re-do.’

The Undertaker made his sudden return on Monday’s RAW when he made the save for Roman Reigns from Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre during their 2-on-1 Handicap Match. 

WWE would later announce a tag team match that will see Taker and Reigns vs. McMahon & McIntyre take place at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view event.

H/T to Wrestling Inc for the transcription

Harlem Heat, comprised of brothers Booker T and Stevie Ray, was inducted into WWE’s Hall Of Fame over WrestleMania weekend. The two made a name for themselves in WCW, storming the tag team division. The pair would end up winning the WCW World Tag Team Championships ten times throughout their time in the company.

Once WCW was purchased by WWE, however, only Booker T would end up jumping to the rival, victorious promotion.

Ryback recently spoke with Stevie Ray on his podcast, Conversations With The Big Guy. The two would end up discussing Stevie Ray’s reasons behind never signing with WWE.

“I didn’t want to go to WWF; as a matter of fact, the last WCW Nitro I didn’t even attend and they sent me a ticket, but I was always in the mindset of this is competition to me. This is NFL vs AFL or National League vs American League in baseball. WCW vs WWF, to be honest with you bro, I didn’t want to go out like a b****.”

“I Told Him That He Should Do It, But I’m Done”

Stevie Ray explains that part of his reasoning was due to the long-term feud between WCW and WWE. When the day came that WWE had bought WWE, he confessed he was “done” and had no interest in auditioning for Vince McMahon and his promotion.

“We had been fighting for the team, but when I heard Vince McMahon had come in and stuff like that—which I knew was coming—it’s like, you saw the writing on the wall, and you put it in the back of your mind, but at the end of the day I knew it was going to happen. But I didn’t attend the last show because my brother [Booker T] said that they are going to be auditioning people. I told him that he should do it, but I’m done.”

He was also concerned over WWE changing Harlem Heat, ruining the essence of what made the team so special:

“I wanted people to remember Harlem Heat as an ass-kicking tag team of color, you see what I’m saying? I didn’t want us to be something else. I didn’t want us to turn into a Doink the Clown, so I’m not saying that they would have done this with Harlem Heat, but I didn’t want to lose the edge that we once had as Harlem Heat.”

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

There has been a lot of criticism surrounding some of this year’s WWE Hall Of Fame inductees. Some disagree with the likes of Torrie Wilson and Stevie Ray going into the Hall Of Fame. Despite being one of the most recognizable female competitors in WWE history, Wilson never recorded a title victory during her seven-year tenure.

As for Stevie Ray, he piled up quite a bit of accolades in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Ray is a 10-time WCW World Tag Team Champion, alongside his brother and now-two-time WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T, but also won a WCW World TV Title. Unfortunately, Ray never got the opportunity to compete in WWE.

Recently, Booker T addressed these criticisms on a recent episode of his podcast, “Heated Conversations.” The five-time WCW Champion called out those who oppose Ray and Wilson’s inductions, and explained why they deserve the honor:

“What dictates whether you should get into the Hall Of Fame or not? I’ve had dirt sheet writers talking about, my brother shouldn’t be in the Hall Of Fame. People who haven’t done anything for this business, talking about who should or who shouldn’t get into the Hall Of Fame.

“My thing is this, if you done nothing and contributed zero as far as taking one bump on the road, you don’t know who should get in and who shouldn’t get into the Hall Of Fame. Torrie Wilson is definitely Hall Of Fame worthy. She has paved the way for so many other lovelies, just like herself, that perhaps didn’t think that they could actually do it because they didn’t fit that mold.

• Stevie Ray Reflects On Hall Of Fame Induction

“Torrie Wilson gave them that belief in themselves, to say, ‘Hey, if Torrie Wilson can do it, I can do it too.’ So Torrie is definitely a Hall Of Famer as far as I’m concerned. All the critics out there, all the pundits – who have never done anything, who have never taken one bump, who would never be awarded for anything that they’ve done in their lives, they need to step off. Torrie Wilson, you got my stamp of approval sweetheart. You stepped up.”

What do you think about Booker T’s comments regarding Ray and Wilson in the HOF?

One of the greatest tag-team in WCW history will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next month. Brothers Booker T & Stevie Ray of Harlem Heat are the next tag-team WWE has chosen to honor in their Hall of Fame.

A press release sent in by WWE touts, “Booker T & Stevie Ray were one of the most dominant tag teams of the 1990s, steamrolling over the competition in WCW to become tag team champions on 10 occasions. Now, the brothers will be immortalized in sports-entertainment history.”

This will make Booker T a 2-time, 2-time, 2-time WWE Hall of Famer. As of this writing, only one man holds that distinction: Ric Flair. The night Booker T gets inducted, Shawn Michaels will also become a 2-time Hall of Famer (as part of DeGeneration X).

Harlem Heat – WWE Hall of Fame

Booker T and Stevie Ray held the WCW tag-team championships on 10 occasions. The team was also honored last year by the Cauliflower Alley Club, winning their Tag Team of the Year award. Only Demolition and the High Flyers (Greg Gane & Jim Brunzell) have ever received the award before from the club. They were named the Tag Team of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 1995 & 1996 as well.

WWE Hall of Fame Tag Teams

The brothers join the following inductees as the 11th tag-team (and 13th or 14th group including D-Generation X, also to be inducted this year) to enter the WWE Hall of Fame:

1. The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy & Johnny Valiant) (1996)
2. The Blackjacks (Blackjack Mulligan & Blackjack Lanza) (2006)
3. The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) (2007)
4. The Brisco Brothers (Jack & Gerald Briscoe) (2008)
5. The Funks (Terry Funk & Dory Funk Jr.) (2009)
6. The Von Erichs (faction) (Fritz, Kevin, Kerry, David, Mike, & Chris) (2009)
7. The Road Warriors (Animal, Hawk, & Paul Ellering)
8. The 4 Horsemen (faction) (Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Barry Windham, & JJ Dillon) (2012)
9. The Bushwhackers (Luke & Butch) (2015)
10. The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, Buddy Roberts, and Jimmy Garvin) (2016)
11. The Rock N Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) (2017)
12. The Dudley Boyz (D-Von & Bubba Ray Dudley) (2018)

WWE Hall of Famer Booker t suing video game publisher Activision for allegedly using his alter-ego G.I. Bro in one of their video games, Black Ops 4.

The Verge reports that Booker filed a copyright complaint at the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas which alleges that there are similarities between G.I. Bro and Black Ops character David “Prophet” Wilkes.

“They could have drawn him any way they wanted. But they chose to steal Booker T’s ‘G. I. Bro,’” the complaint states.

The complaint is mainly about the visual similarities between the characters. You can take a look at the image the complaint uses to compare the characters below:

“There is no doubt that Defendants copied “G. I. Bro,”” states the document.

The complaint gives further information about Booker T’s character. It states that G.I. Bro is a “retired special operations soldier, fighting an old enemy he thought he had finished off years before, with the support of his old military friends.” Artworks and a comic book has been made on the character.

However, the copied video game persona in question, Black Ops 4‘s David “Prophet” Wilkes doesn’t share much in personality or backstory to G.I. Bro.

The biography of Prophet goes something like this:

“Wilkes got his first set of cybernetic augmentations while serving in the British Engineering Corps. Five years and many upgrades later, he is the embodiment of the cutting edge of human weaponry on the battlefield, using his superior technology to disrupt opponents’ tactics before moving in for the kill.”

We will keep you updated as more developments in the case occur.

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T gave his take on the news that former WWE Champion Dean Ambrose would be departing from the WWE at the end of April as he has decided to not sign a new contract with the WWE.

The pro wrestling legend did so on the newest episode of Reality Of Wrestling. He started right out of the gate by stating, “I’m gonna go out there on a limb, I do not think Dean Ambrose is leaving WWE to go somewhere else.” Booker T continued by stating, “I don’t think a new company like AEW is looking for guys to get that Roger Clemens treatment.”

The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion brought up when you’re not practicing but rather throwing fastballs on game day, he doesn’t think it will be like that, and this is the perfect example of that. Instead, he thinks Ambrose needs some time off because this job can become very very stressful and depressing due to it taking you on a roller coaster ride.

Booker T would bring up how Ambrose is lucky that he’s married to someone in the business and reflected on his own situation where WWE Chairman Vince McMahon decided to bring Booker’s wife into the mix and thus creating the King Booker character.

The WWE Hall of Famer noted that this can be the best job in the world being a WWE Superstar while at the same time it is the hardest job in the world at the same time. “Dean Ambrose would be stepping away at the best time that he possibly could after WrestleMania because that’s a big check.”

The WWE’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view (PPV) is set to go down this weekend (Sun. January 27, 2019) from the Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. In one of the premiere match-ups of the night, RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey will be defending her title. She’ll face off against former RAW Women’s Champion Sasha Banks. The pair have been feuding on WWE TV for the past several weeks to hype up their bout.

This week, Rousey teamed up with Natalya to take on Banks and Bayley in the main event of RAW. Rousey has proven herself to be a solid worker inside the ring. As for Banks, she’s one of the best in-ring performers the WWE’s women’s division has to offer. It will certainly be interesting to see how the pair work together in singles action on one of WWE’s biggest pay-per-views (PPV) of the year.

Best Ever?

WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T seems pretty optimistic about the match-up. Speaking on his “Heated Conversations” podcast recently, Booker said he believes the bout has the potential to be the best women’s match ever:

“It could be the best women’s match that we’ve seen thus far – and really, I’m not just saying that – as far as Ronda Rousey goes,” Booker said. “As far as Ronda going out there and having that match to where she look back and say, ‘Man, that was so, so good.’ Sasha Banks, she’s one of the best. And she’ll throw caution to the wind.

“She puts herself in certain positions sometimes where it scares me – seriously – inside of the ring, as well as outside of the ring. She’s just one of those type that just will put herself out there and you got to love that. That’s what the business is about, it’s not ballet or anything like that.

“Ronda Rousey’s definitely gonna be tested as far as her cardio and endurance goes because Sasha can go all night long. I’m looking forward to it. All around, the ladies are doing some crazy stuff.”

Do you think Rousey vs. Banks could turn into the best women’s match ever?

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

WWE Hall Of Famer, Booker T, has plenty of experience performing for a number of different companies including WCW, TNA and, of course, WWE. So when it comes to a major new promotion breaking onto the scene in the way All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is doing, the knowledgable 6-time world champion was bound to have an opinion.

During an episode of his podcast, Heated Conversations with Booker T, he shared his thoughts on AEW.

“They’re [AEW] coming in hot, I’ve never seen anything like this before. A company just literally — boom. You know, they [just] pop up. Major players. TNA was built around a bunch of young guys that were unknowns, […] these are guys who are starting an organization and are signing big contracts,” he said.

He highlighted Chris Jericho’s involvement as a huge selling point for the company. Booker believes that Jericho’s involvement helps to “legitimize” All Elite Wrestling.

“With Chris Jericho behind this thing, that’s a legitimizer. They have a major player that’s been all over the world and has done it all. [….] Chris Jericho is that teacher, he isn’t going to be that guy that’s just along for the ride, more power to him for taking a shot at it.”

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T made his in-ring return this past Saturday night under the banner of his Reality of Wrestling promotion when he took on ROW Heavyweight Champion Rex Andrews, who challenged him to a match, in Texas City, TX at the Booker T. World Gym Arena.

While doing a recent interview with Collider Live, he talked about his decision to step back inside of the squared circle to compete once again. This was when he explained that the reason to do the match was to see if Andrews has what it takes to advance to the next level in the pro wrestling business.

“I want people to see what kind of talent we’ve got in Reality of Wrestling,” Booker stated. “If it’s just a moment to put eyes on us, then check it out and see exactly what you like about Reality of Wrestling. And what you don’t like about us, let us know. We’re in it for the fans.”

It should be noted that this match will be available to watch this coming weekend on his promotion’s website. Booker T has reduced the amount of time inside of the squared circle as he has worked just two matches since working a handful of contests in 2012.

H/T to Pro Wrestling Sheet

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T is making his in-ring return next month. The 53 year-old will be returning to action for his Reality of Wrestling promotion.

ROW Heavyweight Champion Rex Andrews had issued a challenge to Booker at the Christmas Chaos 8 event, which he accepted. The two will face each other next month at the promotion’s event titled “The Last Stand” which will take place on 19 January. More details on that show can be found at the Reality of Wrestling website.

Booker T’s wife (and former WWE personality) Sharmell also posted a video of him in the ring with Rex at ROW.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br_njaEFCWb/?utm_source=ig_embed

The last match Booker T was involved in was at the Preston City Wrestling promotion, where he defeated Lionheart at the SpringSlam event in April of 2016. Booker had also won the ROW Tag Team Title with Stevie Ray in February of 2015. As for the WWE, Booker T hasn’t wrestled any matches for the company since 2012, and his last televised singles match being against Cody Rhodes in December of 2011.

#BREAKING @BookerT5x has accepted @rexandrews challenge at @TheOfficialROW! https://t.co/7axLafGfci

— Brad Gilmore (@bradgilmore) December 30, 2018