WWE fans have mixed opinions about Booker T’s approach to commentary; some appreciate his style while others are less fond of it. On the podcast Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Booker revealed that his commentary journey began backstage during his time in WCW. He credits Michael Cole for launching his career as a commentator and admitted he was actually relieved the first time WWE removed him from the announce desk.
Booker explained that his commentary started as a way to entertain fellow wrestlers on the road, often giving wrestlers funny nicknames and renaming their signature moves in an exaggerated manner. “It all started in WCW when I was backstage overseas, providing commentary for the guys in front of the monitor just for fun. I’d assign different names to moves and the wrestlers, really going over the top. It was just something to pass time, and the guys enjoyed it,” Booker recalled.
He continued the same style after joining WWE, where Michael Cole approached him toward the end of his wrestling career to encourage him to try commentary. “As I was winding down my in-ring career, Michael Cole came up to me saying, ‘You should start commentating, get on the team.’ I was hesitant, but he insisted, and that’s how it all began,” Booker said.
Booker praised Michael Cole, calling him his biggest supporter and crediting him for the opportunities in commentary despite Booker’s on-air mistakes. Recalling an infamous moment, Booker admitted he accidentally dropped the F-bomb live on air: “One time on TV, I blurted out, ‘I want to see a f***ing fight,’ and immediately regretted it. I didn’t mean to say it and was shocked when Michael asked me what I just said.”
Booker expected to be taken off commentary at some point and said he was actually glad when that happened. He suggested that Cole’s continued trust delayed the inevitable. “I always figured they’d eventually remove me because I wasn’t ready, and finally the day came. I was doing both SmackDown and Raw when they told me I’d be off commentary but would remain on the kickoff show. I was happy because I knew I wasn’t prepared,” he shared, adding that he was later brought back on and removed again.
Currently, Booker is the lead commentator for NXT, where Shawn Michaels encouraged him to just be himself. “When I moved to NXT, Shawn Michaels told me to do my thing and be authentic, and that advice meant a lot to me,” Booker said.
Fan Take: Booker T’s candid reflections highlight the evolving nature of wrestling commentary and the importance of growth and authenticity in the role. For Fighting fans, this underscores how commentary not only enhances the viewing experience but also shapes the storytelling, making every match more engaging and connected to the sport’s rich history.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
