Lighten Up: Booker T Can Commentate

Shortly after the Royal Rumble event earlier this year, it was revealed that Booker T had signed a long term contract with WWE. The internet was running rampant, and by late the next day there was rumblings that he may become a full-time worker and be put into programs with main-event talent. I, for one, was all for it.

Then, two days later at the February 1^st tapings of Smackdown!, many people were shocked when he walked down the ramp not in his tights but in a suit. Out with Matt Striker, in with Booker T. Smackdown! had a new color commentator. Not long after, the internet had another aspect of WWE to complain about.

A lot of the complaints were due to the fact that the Bookman had replaced their teacher, Matt Striker. Known for his constant references to past characters and Japanese wrestling, Matt Striker was devotedly praised for his work behind the announce desk. Booker T didn’t provide the in-depth looks at every hold like Striker did, and it may have been hard to adjust to.

 Admittedly, I couldn’t stand listening to him incoherently ramble about Rey Mysterio nearly getting “stuck up in the lights.” I cringed every time he called a spinebuster a sidewalk slam as well. And then, out of the blue, I started to enjoy him. Not just enjoy him; I couldn’t get enough of listening to the guy. I would mark out like a little boy every time he fille

onazole online'>buy fluconazole onlined in for a member of the RAW announce team. And you know why?

The guy has fun.

You can’t tell? Look at him every time he sits down to call the action. That smile is genuine. He loves this business. In my opinion, Booker T brings an energy to matches that no commentator, color or play-by-play, can bring to WWE programming. He cares about every bout on the card, and can put over even the most mediocre of mid-carders by adding him to his “Fave five, dawg,” with an explanation that is so outlandish that it just about makes sense. When a babyface is making his epic comeback, I don’t know if anyone can touch Booker T’s ability to get you pumped up.

And you know what? The catch phrases that I originally couldn’t stand are now becoming something that I eagerly await to hear. Whether it is his patented, “WUT DUH HAIL?!” or his trademark “OH MY GOODNESS!”, they always bring a smile to my face.

Another reason I have taken a liking to him is that he is so easy to connect with. For one, he’s a fan, and seems legitimately enamored with the happenings in the WWE. It’s a great contrast to a guy like Jerry Lawler, who sometimes makes me wonder if he even watches the show. He also doesn’t seem like just another broadcast journalist, namely Michael Cole. Some professionalism is a good thing, but Michael Cole just speaks in a way that I cannot relate to, and don’t particularly like listening to. Booker T has a street feel to him while still retaining credibility. And honestly, who would you rather listen to talk about the sport of professional wrestling: a guy who used to cover presidential campaigns, or a guy who has won six World Championships?

Combine all of that with the fact that he has a knack for putting over the superstars and not himself (I’m looking at you, Cole), and I can firmly say that the five time WCW Champion has become my favorite commentator in the WWE, tied with Jim Ross. And forget wanting him to be an active wrestler, I’m perfectly content with him in a suit rather than a speedo.

Did I not convince you to like Booker T as a color-commentator? Hit me up, I can give you more reasons. So many reasons, in fact, that…

“You could count to a hundred!”