Booker T Explains His King Character – “The Accent Just Had To Be Stupid”

The incredible run of Booker T as “king” is something fans remember fondly as the Hall of Famer detailed why it worked so well, including the “stupid” accent.

Booker T was one of the most beloved WWE Superstars ever because of his ability to take any kind of character and make it work whether he was serious or goofy. Booker knew how to entertain whether he was in the Harlem Heat tag team with his brother Stevie Ray, winning five WCW World TItles, or winning a World Heavyweight Title in WWE as King Booker.

In the spring of 2006, WWE Smackdown held a King of the Ring tournament. Booker T was in a heel role after several years of being a babyface and he got a big push by winning the King of the Ring tournament over Bobby Lashley at Judgment Day 2006.

At the Great American Bash in July 2006, Booker T became the WWE World Heavyweight Champion when he beat Rey Mysterio. During his time as King Booker and World Heavyweight Champion, Booker also had a stable called the King’s Court with his wife Queen Sharmell, William Regal and Fit Finlay as part of the group.

During an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Booker T talked about his King Booker reign including the silly accent he used and what made the character work so well.

“The accent, the accent just had to be stupid. It didn’t have to be real. But it had to be serious. It had to be you know, I had to believe it. And then at that, you know, then I will break character and go street. But I will kick back into my character. Because just like I taught to my students. Like we’re working with the NXT guys, you’re acting has to be, you know, on another level when you’re trying to make fans feel a certain way.”

“Because everyone knows when they walk in the door, what they’re gonna get here. But when they walk out, and they go, God, man, I can’t wait to get back and watch it again, that’s because they felt a certain way, and that’s what King Booker brought to the table and so much went into that whole thing. I couldn’t even do it for that long. I had a heel run and I left WWE after that, because I was so tired at the end of it because it was taxing, but it was great at the same time, the best work I ever did.”

What Is Booker T’s Current Role In WWE?

Following his in-ring career that saw him become a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, Booker T has opened a wrestling school called Reality of Wrestling that puts on their own shows. He has also done various on screen roles in WWE as a General Manager, he’s done analyst work on Kickoff Shows, he’s done commentary on the main roster and for nearly one year now he’s been an announcer on NXT with Vic Joseph.

The WWE NXT brand will present The Great American Bash Premium Live Event this Sunday, July 30th on Peacock and WWE Network.

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