Booker T says, ‘You don’t go with what the people want all the time’

The WWE Hall of Famer defends the decision to not give Jey Uso the World Title and discusses LA Knight possibly declining in popularity.

During WWE’s recent European tour, Jey Uso stood out as a top favorite, particularly at Backlash in France. Despite immense crowd support, Uso failed to capture the World Championship from Damian Priest. WWE’s decision not to crown Uso apparently disappointed many fans, a topic Booker T and his co-host Brad Gilmore discussed on Booker’s Hall of Fame Podcast.

Gilmore suggested that WWE should have capitalized on Uso’s popularity by giving him the title while he was still in high demand, citing LA Knight as an example of a wrestler whose popularity may have declined after missing out on a title opportunity. Booker T disagreed, offering his insights on the matter.

“I don’t think that’s the way you run your promotion. I just don’t,” said the former five-time WCW Champion. “You don’t do what the people want all the time.”

Booker T, who runs Reality of Wrestling, a promotion and wrestling school in Texas, explained the difference between what fans might see at a local or independent show versus a vast enterprise at WWE. He said that in his promotion, they would consider strapping the rocket to someone (pushing a wrestler to the top of the card) to please their audience. But at the level of WWE, Booker says it isn’t as much of a priority, and he used Jake “The Snake” Roberts as an example.

“When you got a company like that, you got so many guys that are hot. You know, you just can’t think about putting the title on a guy when he’s hot. It’s Jake ‘The Snake.’ Jake ‘The Snake’ was always hot. And I don’t think you need to title him for him to still be hot,” said Booker.

From 1986 to 1992, Jake Roberts was one of WWE’s main draws. Roberts headlined shows across the country and usually held a coveted spot on signature events such as WrestleMania. Yet during his six-year run with the company, Roberts never won a title. Still, he remained incredibly popular, thanks to his connection with the audience, storytelling, and character work.

In discussing performers like LA Knight possibly losing momentum due to WWE’s delay in capitalizing on their popularity, Booker T provided a clear and distinct perspective. He emphasized the responsibility of performers to maintain their momentum regardless of wins or losses.

“I could go out and lose, and I’mma still be hot, no matter what. I can go out and perform and not come out on top. And I’mma still be hot every time when I walk out the curtain. The thing is, that’s the sustainability. We’re not looking for some weekend warrior. We’re not looking for some one-hit wonder like Anita Ward, “Ring My Bell.” No, man, we’re looking for something like the O’Jays, you know what I mean? Where you just last. Forever!”

It’s unclear if Booker was suggesting that Knight might be a one-hit wonder. However, Knight will have a chance to ring Santos Escobar’s bell when they meet in the ongoing King of the Ring tournament. Unfortunately, their matchup seems destined for one of WWE’s two live events this weekend, as the Knight-Escobar contest is not advertised for tonight’s episode of SmackDown.