Former WCW World Champion and two-time WWE Hall of Famer, Booker-T was invited to the podcast Reality of Wrestling. In the podcast that streamed live on YouTube on 8th December, Booker-T spoke about NXT Deadline PLE, the return of CM Punk, and the implication of his return to the promotion.

In an interview spanning over 90 minutes, host Brad Gilmore and Booker-T also discussed the importance of the right gimmick. Responding to the moment, Booker-T shared an incident that shaped his career in WWE under Vince McMahon.

Booker-T takes a drastic measure to save his career in the WWE

The creator of Spin-a-Roonie, Booker-T was a former WCW Champion, was drafted to WWE after the acquisition of the latter by WWE in 2001. He made his first appearance in WWE around the beginning of the infamous The Alliance storyline that culminated in the Survivor Series 2001. 

During one moment in the podcast, Booker-T discussed the importance of the right gimmick. He explained how he was confused by different suggestions from different agents. Hence, he had to speak to the big boss himself and said, “Hey Vince. Look, I know I’m gonna get fired, doing it their way. Is it okay if I go out and do it my way? If I don’t get over, just fire me.”

Booker-T’s statement reveals the desperation within him to save his career at WWE. The moment in reference happened during The Attitude Era, which is considered by many as the biggest boom phase in WWE. Thus, it was an extremely competitive place to be around. Hence, he had to take a firm stand about his career, a trait Vince McMahon likes.

Read more: Despite CM Punk’s Return Promo Being Mocked by Fans, WWE Legend Defends Him: “He Almost Got Choked Up”

Booker-T explained earlier how he was pushed to take such a drastic step. He said, “I know all that other stuff’s not gonna work. I know I am going to get fired doing that.” It was a reference to his old rival Stone Cold Steve Austin for whom Booker-T had great respect.

Booker-T says Steve Austin did the same thing

Host Brad Gilmore mentioned how Steve Austin’s Austin 3:16 T-shirt with a Skull in the back was the most-sold T-shirt of all time. Responding to it, he said, “Man, that was Stone Cold Steve Austin taking a shot. It was Stone Cold Steve Austin banking on himself. It was Stone Cold Steve Austin saying ‘Hey, if this doesn’t work, just fire me’.”

During the same podcast, they also discussed briefly other superstars who had similar situations in the past. The other name mentioned was that of Mark Callaway aka The Undertaker.

What is your favorite moment from Booker-T’s career?

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