Booker T believes writers can create a character, but it is up to the wrestler to make it work, making it clear one shouldn’t blame writers if a wrestler fails.
While speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker explained that no script can save a performer if their work is not strong enough. He said talent, preparation, and star power are what keep someone valuable in wrestling.
“Well, you know, I get that. You know, I’ve never had a writer write for me and I really truly believed in that writer being able to keep me a spot on the roster. I just didn’t believe that at all. You know what I mean?
I don’t care what the writer writes. If your performance is not at a certain level, you’re at risk. You’re at risk of being one of those guys that’s going to get released. That’s just the bottom line.”
Booker said wrestlers have to stay ready because preparation is the only real luck they will ever have in the business: “Preparation is the only luck you’re ever going to have. Being prepared to go somewhere else.” He pointed to The Undertaker and Stone Cold Steve Austin as examples of wrestlers who were let go by WCW before WWE saw value in them.
“It’s almost like when The Undertaker got let go from WCW. Stone Cold Steve Austin got let go from WCW and WWE said, ‘Man, we see value in these guys. Let’s bring them in. Let’s do something.’ And look at it now.”
Booker made it clear that a wrestler’s ability in the ring and their star power are what truly decide their future: “Your in-ring acumen and your star power is the only thing going to keep your job. Bottom line.” Brad Gilmore then brought up The Undertaker’s original character, saying the idea sounded strange on paper. The assignment was basically to play a dead man who did not sell much offense: “Hey, you’re going to play a dead guy who doesn’t sell anything. Right? That’s what the gimmick was.”
Booker agreed, but said Undertaker didn’t just make the character interesting. He turned it into a main event act for decades: “Not just interesting, but how do I make that a main event character for the next 30 years?”
Booker said the gimmick only worked because Undertaker’s in-ring work supported it. Without that, the character would not have lasted. He gave the Undertaker credit for performing at a top level for nearly his entire run.
“That character would not have worked if The Undertaker’s in-ring work wouldn’t have carried it. People can say what they want to say about The Undertaker in that role for the last 30 years, but that dude worked at a main event level for the last 30 years of his career. Bottom line, that’s just facts.”
Booker T’s point was simple: a writer can hand someone an idea, but the wrestler has to make fans believe in it. In The Undertaker’s case, what could have been a strange short-term gimmick became one of the most iconic characters in WWE history because the performer behind it was good enough to carry it.
What do you think about Booker T’s take on The Undertaker’s character? Do you agree that the performer matters more than the writing? Let us know your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.
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