Former WWE Champion Reflects On ‘Critical’ Booker T Feud

WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield has opened up about the significance of his championship rivalry with Booker T, describing their 2004 program as an essential chapter in his career that would have left his wrestling legacy “missing” had it never occurred.

During a recent edition of his podcast “Something to Wrestle,” JBL reflected on what many consider an underrated portion of his 280-day WWE Championship reign, which at the time stood as the longest in SmackDown history. The two Texas natives collided at Survivor Series 2004, where JBL successfully defended his title against the five-time WCW Champion.

I was so excited about that, because I love Booker. Booker is one of my best friends, and always has been. I love Booker and Sharmell.

The championship program came during JBL’s remarkable transformation from tag team specialist to main event villain, a run that saw him work with numerous legends. His feud with Booker T, however, clearly holds special personal significance for the former champion.

I got to work with Hall of Famer after Hall of Famer. Taking the Book End on the floor. That didn’t feel very good.

Known for his hard-hitting style throughout his career, JBL acknowledged the physical nature of their encounters, expressing appreciation for Booker’s toughness and willingness to work a more intense style.

It was great. Booker could be stiff. Now, I want to tell you, Booker could be stiff. But he took it the same way. Booker just loved to play rough. He’s a super tough guy, as is well documented, but it was fun out there with him. You could hit him as hard as you want. He didn’t care. He’s going to hit you back, but you felt like he did something.

Their Survivor Series encounter came at a time when JBL’s surprising championship reign was solidifying him as a credible main event performer, while Booker T was cementing his legacy as one of the most decorated champions in wrestling history across multiple promotions.

I was very excited when I got to wrestle Booker in a championship match. That was really cool to me. I think my career would have been missing if I hadn’t got to have such a big match like that with somebody with Booker T because Booker T means that much to me.

How Did JBL Accidentally Insult Freddie Prinze Jr. When He Joined WWE As A Writer?

JBL has spoken about how he inadvertently insulted Hollywood star Freddie Prinze Jr. when the latter first joined WWE as a writer in 2008. JBL said that he affectionately called Prinze Jr. “Scooby-Doo” due to Prinze Jr.’s Portrayal of the character “Fred” in the mid-2000s Scooby-Doo live-action movies. However, Prinze Jr. felt that JBL was not being friendly and felt that the former WWE Champion was being disrespectful to him.

H/t to Fightful