Guest notJames Report post Posted March 21, 2002 I didn't watch too much WCW during it's high period ('96-98), and I only caught a few glimpses in its dying days. So I'm not sure I buy into the hype the IWC has built up over Booker T. Don't get me wrong, I think he's decent and given the opportunity, he can fare better than he did during his initial feud with Austin. But I'm not sure I buy him as a future main eventer, given the way many Internet folk have lauded him as the next big thing, if only he was given a chance. His moveset seems to consist of mostly leg-type maneuvers (kicks, jumping kicks, missile dropkicks, rockette kicks, etc)., which are okay for a guy his size, but not spectacular. He's a big guy, but he hasn't done too much to show me he can be a menace. I like his catchphrase, but his promo skills don't wow me. I'm not even sure if it's the way he's been booked that keeps me from buying into him totally. As a heel, he's okay, but it's more borderline goofy heel than badass take-no-prisoners heel, which the Fed needs more of. And when he was a face World Champion in WCW, his promos were kinda weak, especially when he introduced his wife into the picture. Even his last match with Steiner was a somewhat mediocre outing (yes, even given the useless injured lump he had to work with), considering the rambling nature of his post-win promo. Granted, the company was pretty much dead, so talking about where he was going with his title reign was somewhat moot, but I need something more from him to make me believe he can rise to the top. What do you think? Is he more Kurt Angle or Billy Gunn? Will he be remembered for his legendary feuds for the World Title, or will we look back years from now and wonder how he got to be the King of Jakked? (no offense, Saturn ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest MARTYEWR Report post Posted March 21, 2002 His moveset seems to consist of mostly leg-type maneuvers (kicks, jumping kicks, missile dropkicks, rockette kicks, etc)., which are okay for a guy his size, but not spectacular. You forgot one move that's in every match of Booker T's and that's the BOOKER CHINLOCK OF DOOM! As long as he keeps doing things like that, I don't think he'll be a main eventer anytime soon. I see no reason why he can't feud with RVD for the IC title, since their Alliance differences issues were never really settled. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest oldschoolwrestling Report post Posted March 21, 2002 I'd like to see Booker as a face and be allowed to retain his goofy not so bright nature. I think he's funny as #### in that role and for a big guy, I like his mobility. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest goodhelmet Report post Posted March 21, 2002 "His moveset seems to consist of mostly leg-type maneuvers (kicks, jumping kicks, missile dropkicks, rockette kicks, etc)., which are okay for a guy his size, but not spectacular" And HHH's moveset revolves around the knee. I would say Booker's moveset is much more exciting. "I like his catchphrase, but his promo skills don't wow me. " once again, much more entertaining than HHH. "I'm not even sure if it's the way he's been booked that keeps me from buying into him totally. As a heel, he's okay, but it's more borderline goofy heel than badass take-no-prisoners heel, which the Fed needs more of" It's all about the way he has been booked. The WWF has been intent on making a joke out of him. He has jobbed at every single fucking PPV and that is the Fed's choice, not his. Booker could have easily been a no nonsense heel. Instead, the Fed chose to exploit the power of the spinafuckinroonie "but I need something more from him to make me believe he can rise to the top." he needs a HHH like-push and I guarantee you he would be far more over than the Game! In the end though, he'll probably never see the world title again. Call it racism, call it favoritism or whatever. He won't be the king of Jakked, but Heat seems a real possibility. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest imajackoff? Report post Posted March 21, 2002 I always thought that if an old school babyface could ever get over again, it would be Booker T. If he changed his wardrobe back to the business suits he wore in WCW, he could be a no-nonsense, but classy babyface champion. Kind of like a Ric Flair with a twist. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest converge241 Report post Posted March 21, 2002 I think he could carry it if pushed right. He seemed to be a better "wrestler" in WCW (the match against the Warriors w/Sting, the Benoit series). It might just be im percieving it like that because he's working "wwf style" or something like that. He could do it if given a serious chance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest goodhelmet Report post Posted March 21, 2002 and that's what worries me. Would he be given a serious chance? I think booker is stuck in his midcard slot and will be a JTTS or used to elevate people the WWF want in the main event position i.e. Edge. sidenote- I was thinking about the Tag Match on RAW. If Booker were to turn face, could you see him approaching Kane about a tag team. You know, Harlem Heat 2002!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Hogan Made Wrestling Report post Posted March 21, 2002 Booker T is massively overrated. Has he ever had a really, really great match? Now, his stuff with Benoit was good, but that's really all it was. If Benoit and Austin had 7 long matches, how many of them would be in the ****-***** range? I bet quite a few. What's even more funny is that I always see Booker T called a "young star" as if every midcarder is young, and all the main eventers are old (a tired internet cliche). The truth is Booker T is as old as Austin and the Undertaker, roughly, and has had plenty of injuries and surgeries. His moves are basically all kicks other than his uranage, he uses restholds all the time (bad habit from working with Steiner and Nash, I guess), and he just isn't that entertaining. Surely one of the most overrated and overhyped wrestlers on the net. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest notJames Report post Posted March 21, 2002 I too saw the similarities with the current lame duck world champ, but even when he was with WCW as their flag-bearer, he didn't strike me as real championship material. Granted, WCW wasn't exactly awash with main event competitors (Steiner, Sid, Nash), but they pushed him, and he still came off as second-rate. To me, anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest notJames Report post Posted March 21, 2002 I always thought that if an old school babyface could ever get over again, it would be Booker T. If he changed his wardrobe back to the business suits he wore in WCW, he could be a no-nonsense, but classy babyface champion. Kind of like a Ric Flair with a twist. Given his background, he seems more the down-to-earth, hard-working everyman type rather than the classy Ric Flair type. But he doesn't have the kind of raw talent to carry him to that status, given his current moveset and lack of speed. Maybe he does it because he's a heel. I don't know. And as HoganMadeWrestling said, he is getting on in years, so if they're going to push him, they better do it soon. ####, it might already be too late... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest dreamer420 Report post Posted March 21, 2002 His first title reign in WCW was great. It was so special because Russo had just gotten rid of Hogan and although he had wrestled once all ready, and lost to Kanyon he still took the world title home from Bash At The Beach that night. The fans went nuts when Booker won because they knew he was a deserving champion. Having Booker T enter the WWF as a heel was a bad idea from the start? He doesn't cut good heel promos, and his moves (spinarooni) are better suited for the actions of a face. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Some Guy Report post Posted March 21, 2002 In WCW he had good matches as TV champ and as world champ against Jarrett. The problem was he was given a boring babyface persona and no one to work with, Nash and a crippled Scott Steiner. By the time Booker and Jarrett were given the world title WCW had already convinced teh fans that no one outside of "The Millionaire's Club" was a believable champ. WWF has given him a better character, IMO but he has yet to a single match on PPV (Invasion doesn't count). When he came into WWF he had good face heat and then got way over as a heel against the Rock, but he got" Jericho'ed" by Shane, who was made to look like the real star. Since that he was buried by Taker, teamed w/Test, eliminated in seconds from the Rumble, and jobbed to Edge, oh yeah they took away his finisher too. With that type of push the fact that he draws any reaction is a testament to his charisma and ability. Recently he has been expanding his moveset to what it was in WCW. With a face turn or just some frigging wins he will become a believable contender to the world title. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest imajackoff? Report post Posted March 21, 2002 And as HoganMadeWrestling said, he is getting on in years, so if they're going to push him, they better do it soon. ####, it might already be too late... I was flipping through Raw magazine the last time I was at the supermarket, and they had an article on Booker T's son being a SENIOR in high school! He's apparently pretty good at hoops. How old is Booker anyway? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Some Guy Report post Posted March 21, 2002 5/1/65, he's almost 37. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest notJames Report post Posted March 21, 2002 Wow, 37! He did wrestle in Global for awhile, and that was around 1990, right? As for his initial entrance into the Fed, I think any good feelings fans had about him were soured by the Bagwell Incident. Of course, I doubt if most casual fans can remember that far back. Don't get me wrong, I would love it it if he broke away from his rut in the midcard. I just don't think that in the current environment or even a year or two from now, he would fit into the ME mold. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Some Guy Report post Posted March 21, 2002 I think his prison sentence caused him to get started a little late. Plus he was busy robbing Wendy's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest notJames Report post Posted March 21, 2002 HAR!? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest bps "The Truth" 21 Report post Posted March 21, 2002 I find it funny that a Hogan fan called Booker massively overrated. And then questioning his ability to have a "great" match. How exactly do you choose who is and who isn't overrated? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Human Fly Report post Posted March 22, 2002 Why not? Also, is 37 really that old? Bret Hart was 42 in 1997 (or somewhere around there) and no one said anything. He's capable of good matches, and it would be someone new. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Laizen Report post Posted March 22, 2002 Booker T should do the Harlem Hangover again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest saturnmark4life Report post Posted March 22, 2002 I'm sure if booker hadn't been stuck in the tag division all those years with a dead weight partner he'd be a more credible singles champ. I mean he was successful in harlem heat but never had a chance to grow. Now he's older it's less likely they'll push him but he seems to remain over however much he's being buried. Plus movesets that revolve a around one base seem to work better in a main event environment, eg hhh austin angle etc. All main eventers have the basics plus about 4 specialities. If pushed correctly he's a GREAT ic champ, but only an average world champ. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Some Guy Report post Posted March 22, 2002 Booker T should do the Harlem Hangover again! Booker T should do the Harlem Hangover again! I think he has gotten too big and he has a bad knee. Plus I've seen him land ass first right on his opponent's head before. That wouldn't go over too well with the other wrestlers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Mystery Eskimo Report post Posted March 22, 2002 Booker isn't a great wrestler, but he is a good one. I don't see him being WWF champion, but he deserves better than the comedy heel role and constant jobbing he's been given so far. A face turn would give him a lot of popularity, I think. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest dreamer420 Report post Posted March 22, 2002 I can't see Booker T as being WWF Champion either. He doesn't seem like he's in the same league as guys like Rock, Angle, Austin, HHH, Taker, Hogan, Nash, Hall, or even Kane. See I think Booker T should have gotten the IC back before Edge and Christian were having a crappy feud for it. He could have held onto it till Wrestlemania and then dropped the title to RVD. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Mystery Eskimo Report post Posted March 22, 2002 They teased a Booker-RVD feud a couple of time, but never developed it, which is a shame. Maybe we'll get it when the split comes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest dreamer420 Report post Posted March 22, 2002 It should have happened back then and it would have ruled too. I think RVD and Booker T would work very well together. They both have those educated feet you know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest alfdogg Report post Posted March 22, 2002 I noticed something the other night... HHH's symbol bears a striking resemblance to an Iron Cross. Booker has jobbed at every PPV since InVasion. Hmmm... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
