Credit: New Straits Times
Booker T recently spoke about breaking into the wrestling business today and much more. Here are the highlights…
Who is the most promising WWE superstar?: Daniel Bryan is not the face of WWE but he has proved that everybody has a fair chance (to compete). He’s about 178cm and weighs 95kg. He proves you don’t need to be a muscle-bound guy to wrestle. In fact, you can be an average Joe and go out and make people believe in you. He gives hope for those who want to be a champion. He’s that sort of guy who (literally) comes out of the dusty road and creates his own style and character instead of waiting for the WWE to create his style. He is the future of professional wrestling.
Is it harder to get into wrestling today?: Back then you had territories and the WCW, and you went to Japan for training. Wrestlers learnt from a different perspective as well. Previously, if you couldn’t perform, you don’t get a job. Now, most of the guys are being manufactured and they think about breaking away from the pack and becoming someone special. Guys like Dean Ambrose are different from other wrestlers. The thing is, you need to take those same moves and personalize them.
Is he interested in becoming an actor?: I want to be a producer or director. I’ve been in front of the camera for 21 years and I want to work behind-the-scenes for a change. I want to sit by and produce the next superstar. It can be outside of wrestling. I am producing a breakdancing show called Break Yourself. I am also working on my graphic novel.
Does he miss wrestling?: I don’t miss wrestling, but I miss performing. You know, going out and amazing everybody and feeling that adrenaline rush. I performed in front of soldiers in Iraq in 2003 and the temperature was 40°C. And when you strap on your gear and with the adrenaline pumping, it feel more like 80°C. I’ll miss that. If it’s not for the exhausting travels, I could do wrestling for another 10 more years (laughs).
