Booker T Reflects at the By Andrew Ravens
Booker T recently shared insights approximately his memorable fine-of-5 collection with John Cena for the WWE United States Title in 2004 at the latest episode of the Hall of Fame podcast. The series, which kicked off at SummerSlam, was a pivotal moment in both superstars’ careers. Below are a few key highlights from Booker T’s discussion:
On Working with John Cena:
Booker T expressed his preference to paintings with John Cena, who changed into an rising talent at the time. Originally, there were plans for a nice-of-seven series, but Booker T advised a fine-of-5 rather. “I did need to work with Cena. He changed into a man that became coming up at that time. They initially desired to do a best-of-seven collection, however I didn’t assume seven matches might training session, in order that they proposed a fine of 5. I agreed to that.”
On Choosing Five Matches Over Seven:
Booker T defined why he desired a five-match collection over seven. He recalled his previous quality-of-seven collection with Chris Benoit, noting how bodily traumatic it was. “I didn’t need to try to recreate what I did with Benoit because I knew I couldn’t do it once more. It changed into particularly hard, or even at some stage in my series with Benoit in WWE, I got injured and couldn’t finish it. Randy Orton needed to step in. I knew my body couldn’t deal with some other seven matches, so I opted for five.”
He also considered the series as an possibility to mentor Cena, evaluating it to his very own enjoy with ‘Killer’ Tim Brooks. “I wanted to train Cena the ropes, the artwork of wrestling, much like how I become taught. Cena changed into a notable scholar, constantly inclined to pay attention and analyze. I ought to tell he turned into going to be the next massive celebrity in the corporation, and I desired to assist him attain that next stage.”
On the Pressure of Starting the Series at SummerSlam 2004:
Booker T discovered that he didn’t sense any added stress starting the collection at this sort of primary event. “It was business as typical. My activity changed into to exit there and make John Cena a star, to help increase him to a celebrity fame. In this business, you’re both on your way in or out, and it become his time. I wanted to put the shine on him, and I trust I did an amazing process.”
