Booker T Reveals Why He Signed Off on Controversial WrestleMania Angle with Triple H

WWE Hall Of Famer Booker T is a well-known veteran in the pro wrestling world as he made a name for himself in WCW before making his way to WWE. One of the most controversial aspects of his career in WWE featured his WrestleMania XIX storyline with Triple H.

Despite widespread criticism and accusations of racial insensitivity surrounding the angle between Booker T and Triple H in early 2003, Booker T himself expressed no qualms about the storyline. The feud revolved around Booker’s pursuit of the World Heavyweight Championship against Triple H, with the latter’s promos containing controversial verbiage implying that “people like you” don’t become world champions, widely interpreted as a reference to Booker’s African-American heritage.

In response to the backlash, WWE attempted to justify Triple H’s comments by alluding to Booker T’s criminal past, specifically his prior conviction for armed robbery at Wendy’s restaurants in Houston, resulting in a 19-month prison sentence. However, this explanation failed to appease critics, as similar remarks were not made about white WWE Superstars who had faced legal issues.

Despite ongoing criticism regarding the angle and its racial undertones, Booker T remains unfazed by the storyline. In a recent interview with Adrian Hernandez, Booker addressed some of Triple H’s controversial verbiage from the angle.

“The one line people remember the most is when Triple H said ‘People like you don’t deserve to be here.’ That’s motivation for all of us to get up off our asses and prove them wrong.”

Booker went on to discuss how the angle incorporated elements of his real-life background, expressing approval for the direction of the storyline.

“It was as real as it could possibly be for me from an emotional perspective and a lot of the stuff that went into the angle, I approved all of it.”

Triple H would defeat Booker T at WrestleMania XIX and retain the World Heavyweight Title, which many fans didn’t like whatsoever. Booker T would eventually win the Title under his King Booker gimmick and fans were happy about that.

Did you hate this angle with Booker T and Triple H? Sound off in the comments section below!