Justin Barrasso has just released his latest Week In Wrestling feature for Sports Illustrated. This week’s installment features an exclusive interview with former WWE/WCW World Champion Booker T.
You can read the full interview HERE, we have included some excerpts below.
On worrying if the WCW fans would embrace a black World Champion:
WWE recognizes Ron Simmons winning the WCW world title in 1992 as the first time an African American won a professional wrestling world championship, and first in WCW until Booker T won the title in 2000.
“There was a question in my mind, because I am black, if the fans would accept a black world champion,” said Booker Huffman, better known as Booker T, who first captured the WCW world title in 2000 at Bash at the Beach over Jeff Jarrett. “Bash at the Bash was a topsy-turvy night. Finally, when the 1-2-3 came, the fans erupted. All my questions were answered; they really did want to see me win.”
On who fought to make him the World Champion in WCW:
Race did not deter Booker T in wrestling, as fans embraced his charisma, work ethic in the ring, and overall ability. He eventually wore the title on five different occasions, and credits former WWE and WCW creative writer Vince Russo for first believing in him as world champion.
“Vince Russo stuck up for me in WCW when it came down to who should be world champ,” said Huffman. “From what I’ve heard, there was a meeting and Russo stood up for me. I would not be six-time world champion if it were not for Vince Russo. I would not even be one-time world champion if it weren’t for Vince Russo.”
On learning from Vince McMahon:
“I’ve also learned a lot just by watching Vince McMahon conduct himself. Vince is also a father and a grandfather, but people rarely see those sides. He’s been a father figure and a mentor to me over the past 15 years. I want to protect the people and serve as a mentor, just like people have done for me.”
WrestleZone will have an exclusive interview with Booker T’s Heated Conversation’s co-host Brad Gilmore tomorrow on WrestleZone Radio as part of ROW Thursdays.
Booker T
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Booker T
HOUSTON,TX - OCTOBER 21: Former WWE Superstar Booker T chats with the Houston Texans cheerleaders at Reliant Stadium on October 21, 2012 in Houston, Texas. Houston won 43-13. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
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Booker T
HOUSTON,TX - OCTOBER 21: Former WWE Superstar Booker T at Reliant Stadium on October 21, 2012 in Houston, Texas. Houston won 43-13. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
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Booker T
HOUSTON, TX - JULY 29: WWE Superstar Booker T throws out the first pitch at Minute Maid Park on July 29, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
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Booker T
HOUSTON, TX - JULY 29: WWE Superstar Booker T throws out the first pitch at Minute Maid Park on July 29, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
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Booker T
HOUSTON, TX - JULY 29: WWE Superstar Booker T throws out the first pitch at Minute Maid Park on July 29, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
