WWE considering Booker T return to active wrestling role

by Geno Mrosko on Sep 24, 2011 7:51 PM EDT in WWE

When Booker T was brought back into the fold at WWE, most felt it was only a matter of time before he was inserted into an active wrestling role, despite his age (46).

He was initially brought back at the beginning of the year and entered the Royal Rumble for a cheap thrill and a nice pop. He was given his time to shine, including a sweet spin-a-rooni, before being eliminated and quickly relegated to the role of former wrestler turned commentator on Smackdown, replacing Matt Striker.

He wrestled once on Raw, back in June in a throwaway match with Jack Swagger, but he's generally stuck to ringside and developed his voice as a commentator. He's actually become quite the character, fast earning the designation of a great wrestler that has the chops to carry an announce team led by Michael Cole.

Now it would seem WWE is getting restless with the lack of forward movement on its Smackdown brand and is considering inserting Booker T as a wrestler into a feud or two on the show. Here's the word from Wrestling Observer:

Right now there is talk of Booker T coming back to wrestle in a short program on Smackdown similar to how Raw uses Jerry Lawler.

I'm not sure where he would fit into any of the current feuds on the show, if any. I suppose they could use him for the upcoming power struggle, as a commentator that could act as muscle for whichever side they so choose. That would actually be interesting.

It's nice, too, that Booker is in shape enough, even at 46-years-old, that they wouldn't need to worry so much about legitimately injuring him like they do a 61-year-old Lawler in the event they forget to gimmick a table or two.

Can you dig it ... sucka?

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As things are right now, they don't feature their lower-to-mid midcard wrestlers enough

Nothing against Booker, but there’s no need for yet another old guy who can’t actually wrestle anymore because of advanced age to take TV time.

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by Brooklyn Dodgers Mets Fan on Sep 24, 2011 8:00 PM EDT reply actions

There can be some value in pairing him with one of those midcard guys though

If, when the time is right, he is put into a feud with someone like Barrett or Rhodes, it can help push those guys if they need someone to feud with. Or, you can give someone their first big feud with him. Heath Slater could be a perfect fit as he’s someone no one will care about if Booker T ends up beating in a match or two. I’d love to see Brotus Clay get back on Smackdown and putting him with Booker T could be a quick way to get him some screen time after Del Rio went to Raw.

"In fact, most of these free-swinging Padres couldn’t hit Dock’s funky palm ball. I threw it often. But by then, also, the first acid distractions entered: the TV flickered; the cracks in the wall started to move; the hand soap started to breathe — those sorts of things. Plus I was drawn to the outdoor garden between innings. Rain was near, I sensed." - A.J. Daulerio

by Gdawg on Sep 24, 2011 9:34 PM EDT up reply actions

"He's actually become quite the character, fast earning the designation of a great wrestler that has the chops to carry an announce team led by Michael Cole."

Um, what?

"...Man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much - the wheel, New York, wars and so on - whilst all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man - for precisely the same reasons" - Douglas Adams

by Mercutio on Sep 24, 2011 8:09 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs

Not a fan of Booker T on commentary?

Every board I’ve been on loves him. He’s a little goofy sometimes but listening to Booker is far preferable to having to sit through Cole.

Forget it Donny, you're out of your element.

by Geno Mrosko on Sep 24, 2011 8:17 PM EDT up reply actions

The Observer duo, particularly Meltzer, are very down on him. Though to be fair they’re very down on Cole too.

by Keith Harris on Sep 24, 2011 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Hey, it can’t be any worse than Kevin Nash wrestling! ;-)

by Keith Harris on Sep 24, 2011 8:10 PM EDT reply actions

Yes it can. Hogan wrestling.

by KalShadar on Sep 24, 2011 8:40 PM EDT reply actions

if it keeps Booker of commentary

I’m all for it

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by Jadden Hopkins on Sep 24, 2011 9:19 PM EDT reply actions

If they push Booker in to the power struggle angle they need to have Little Naitch go back to being the crooked ref.

by mariobatalivsmarkhenry on Sep 24, 2011 9:30 PM EDT reply actions

They could do worse I suppose

I’d rather see a younger guy get some action, but whatever.

Release...the KITTIES!

by GoForthAndDie on Sep 24, 2011 10:36 PM EDT reply actions

I think Booker is a horrible announcer

he is the king of cliches and doesn’t get the in ring action over. His in ring work in TNA was horrible, but I’d rather him wrestle than be an announcer.

by graves9 on Sep 25, 2011 2:00 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Booker isn’t bad on commentary. He’s no Ernest The Cat or Josh Matthews and Matt Striker before they were watered down, but he’s better than Cole or King. Of course, he’s pro wrestling’s answer to Charles Barkley but compared to Cole and King’s shrill bullying he’s far superior. And if they continue to feel the need to push announcers in matches while keeping talented workers held down on the now untelevised Superstars or fired, might as well be a guy who is both a wrestler and not about to collect Social Security.

by Nikhil Baliga on Sep 25, 2011 8:26 AM EDT reply actions