Booker T talks about Samoa Joe, Lashley, a TNA developmental system, and more

[chessarmy]

Source: ProWrestling.net

Here are some highlights:

- Michael Hayes' Racism: Booker laughed when the subject came up and said Hayes thinks he's black. "I don't look at Michael as a racist myself. I've heard him use the N-word before... He's one of the people who can use the word around me because I know there's no malice behind it."

- Working as a Heel: "Being the bad guy is just something that seems to fit my character at this stage of the game. It's great."

- Bobby Lashley: "I can't really say what Bobby is going to do (as far as pro wrestling)," Booker said. "I know MMA people are looking at him and Japan... I know TNA would have a spot for him." He said he hopes Lashley will come to him for advice. He said Bobby is in a good place mentally despite leaving WWE unexpectedly."

- Samoa Joe: "He is the future. No matter how you look at it, he is the future... He has a lot to learn, though." Booker said he was in the same boat when he went to WWE. "I think Joe is the perfect candidate to carry TNA to the next level."

- A TNA Developmental System: Booker said he is talking with TNA about using his wrestling school as a developmental territory for TNA. He said he wants to make sure he's going to be in TNA long-term before he commits to anything.

- Ultimate Warior in TNA: Booker laughed when Warrior's name came up and called him a "character". He said he would welcome Warrior him to the locker room if he joined TNA.

- The Internet: The internet is a double edged sword in Booker's mind. He said he doesn't like all the locker room talk, but he thinks wrestling needs to change and go along with the program.

- His Favorite TNA Match: Booker said he doesn't think he's been in his favorite TNA match yet. He liked working with Jay Lethal and he likes the Black Machismo character. "The best is totally yet to come for me here in TNA," Booker said.

- Retirement: He said his original plan was to retire at 40, but he got to 40 and he still felt good. He said TNA wants to keep him around. "I'll stick around for a little while," he said. He said he always wanted to have a match against Shawn Michaels, but he doesn't think that will happen.

- Ric Flair's Retirement: Booker raved about the Ric Flair's retirement angle. He said the time came for Flair to step into the next phase of life.

- First Coming to TNA: Booker T met with the TNA locker room when he first joined the company to let everyone know that he wasn't there to step on any toes. "It's not really about me," Booker said. "It's about them."

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Thats great, he wasn't a cocky asshole thinking that he was above everyone else just because he came from the WWE. The guy is not selfish and I see him putting over alot of new talent, especially because he is a heel now.

Thoughts?

EDIT: oh yea, and he praised Samoa Joe :thumbup:

 

[Airfixx]

Just goes to show, you CAN leave WWE and not immediately set about on some dumb, bitter crusade to trash-talk them out of business.

 

[Tsaalyo Phoenix]

Oooo, I hope TNA goes with using Booker's school as a development territory.

 

[gashface]

That would be seriously cool to use Bookers school as a territory.. it would give TNA a guaranteed future roster..

Also love how chilled out and respectful Booker is.

 

[JHar888]

Interesting interview...I basically agreed with everything he said.

I think Booker's right, TNA needs a developmental territory, and if Booker T's is the right one for them, screw it, they should use it.

And what Booker said about Samoa Joe, that's so damn true, Joe is the future IMO. I wonder what he means by "Joe has a lot to learn" tho...

Working as a heel, IMO isn't perfect for him at all, because the same old washed up King Booker gimmick is way too old and played out.