Booker T, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, has witnessed the evolution of Black representation in the wrestling industry. Having broken through the glass ceiling as one of the first Black icons in mainstream pro wrestling, Booker T paved the way for future Black Superstars. Today, the wrestling business is experiencing a Black renaissance, with multiple new Black world champions being crowned. The recent rise of Black excellence in wrestling has become the norm, showcasing the talent and diversity within the industry.
Booker T, who now serves as one of the hosts of WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures, is on a quest to find iconic artifacts from wrestling history. One artifact he still seeks is the WCW Television Championship, which played a significant role in sparking his career. Another piece of memorabilia that holds personal significance for Booker T is Junkyard Dog’s dog collar, a symbol of representation for young African-American fans in wrestling. Through his work on the show, Booker T continues to honor the history and legacy of wrestling icons.
With the recent success of Black Superstars like Trick Williams and Swerve Strickland, the wrestling landscape is witnessing a new era of Black champions. Booker T emphasizes the importance of talent and skill among these Superstars, praising their abilities inside the squared circle. As we see progress in the representation of Black wrestlers across all companies, Booker T recognizes the generational impact and progress that is being made in the wrestling industry.
Reflecting on his career and recent wrestling events, Booker T shares his thoughts on the recent WrestleMania event and the success of Cody Rhodes. Booker T believes that Cody’s departure from WWE was crucial for him to establish himself as a star and return as a main eventer. As a mentor to rising talents like “The Prodigy” Roxanne Perez, Booker T applauds their growth and evolution in the industry. He sees great potential in talents like Oba Femi and Jacy Jayne, who could make a significant impact on the main roster.
Looking ahead to potential call-ups from NXT to the main roster, Booker T highlights the talents of Carmelo Hayes, Trick Williams, and Ilja Dragunov. While these Superstars show great promise, Booker T advises them to continue honing their skills before making the transition. He also identifies the WWE NXT North American Championship as an iconic artifact that could hold significance for future episodes of WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures. As the wrestling industry continues to evolve, Booker T remains committed to preserving its history and supporting the next generation of Superstars.
