Felix Upton on January 13, 2026
One of WWE’s most infamous real-life altercations is making headlines again—this time because Booker T is shutting down Batista’s most recent claim.
It all started when Batista opened up in a recent interview about the now-legendary fight, revealing what still bothers him years later. Batista didn’t go into detail about the injury itself, but made it clear he thought Booker T took advantage of his condition at the time.
“Yeah, I got into a fight with a guy named Booker T over a personal issue. The thing that really bothers me about that altercation is that he started a fight with me when I was injured… He knew I was hurt, and that’s what still sticks with me.”
But Booker isn’t letting that slide. On the January 12, 2026 episode of The Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T responded directly to Batista’s recent claims that their infamous 2006 fight happened while The Animal was injured. And Booker didn’t hold back.
“I really hate talking about locker room stories, all right? There’s a story going around about the kerfuffle Batista and I got into back in the day at the SummerSlam shoot in L.A.”
Booker explained that while he’s always taken the high road publicly—and even offered Batista a hug in past interviews—seeing the former WWE Champion’s recent comments left him stunned.
“I remember doing an interview about it and saying, ‘That’s what happens with men—they fight. If I saw Batista today, I’d say, “Hey man, how’s it going?” and give him a hug.’ But then I saw a video of Batista where he said, ‘It’s sad the guy chose to pick a fight with me when I was injured.’”
Booker flat-out denied ever knowing Batista was injured at the time and rejected the implication that he was the aggressor. Then came the mic drop moment, as he made it clear that Batista’s claim that he was injured was a case of “crying wolf.”
“First of all, I didn’t pick a fight with anybody. I definitely didn’t know anyone was injured—that’s the first time I ever heard about it. I don’t want people thinking I was ever a bully or someone who goes around picking fights. But yeah, I did finish the fight with Batista. And one of those things is—I won the World Title after that was over with, so obviously I might’ve won the fight. I was like, ‘Come on, man—being injured? That’s like crying wolf.’ And then saying I picked a fight? I was in my underwear!”
The drama between Booker T and Batista may have happened nearly 20 years ago, but this new exchange shows just how deep old wounds can go—and how easily they can be reopened.
Do you think Batista’s story holds weight? Or is Booker T telling the real version of what went down backstage in 2006? Drop your thoughts below and let us know which side you’re on.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
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