JBL On Why WWE Hall Of Famer Didn’t Join The Company Following WCW’s Closure

JBL has offered his perspective on why Stevie Ray, one-half of the iconic WCW tag team Harlem Heat, didn’t follow his brother Booker T to WWE after the company’s acquisition of WCW in 2001.

Speaking on the Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL admitted that he never received a definitive explanation for Stevie Ray’s absence from WWE. However, he was effusive in his praise for the former WCW star.

“I really like Stevie. Stevie was huge, I mean huge, and could talk. Stevie could also work, I mean, he had everything,” JBL said. “Everybody knew Stevie. We knew who they were. They were the next ones to go, and they were going to go big.”

Harlem Heat, composed of Stevie Ray and Booker T, was one of WCW’s most decorated tag teams, and JBL assumed both men would make the transition to WWE following the sale.

“I always thought if we got Booker, I figured Stevie would come, and I don’t know why he didn’t,” JBL continued. “I never heard a reason, and I never heard any negative thing about him; everybody I’ve ever known likes him. I certainly like him, and I always thought he would be there.”

While JBL remained unsure of the reasoning, Stevie Ray has previously spoken on the matter. He has cited his loyalty to WCW and the long-standing rivalry between the two promotions as a key factor in his decision to step away from the wrestling spotlight.

Despite being invited to appear at the final episode of Monday Nitro on 26 March 2001, Stevie Ray declined, attributing the decision to his “competitive nature.” He chose not to cross over, even as WWE absorbed WCW and many of its top stars.

In contrast, Booker T seized the opportunity and went on to enjoy a highly successful WWE career, winning multiple world championships and securing his place in wrestling history.

What Did JBL Say Happened When The Big Show And Great Khali Had A Fight?

JBL spoke about a backstage altercation that occurred between two wrestling giants, The Big Show and The Great Khali. JBL said that the two men who were billed as being over seven feet tall got into a scuffle following a show on an overseas tour and that they grappled on the floor before they were separated. JBL then spoke about who he thinks would win in a real fight between the two behemoths and said that he thinks The Big Show would win due to the mobility issues that Khali has due to his numerous knee injuries over the years.

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