"It was a crime scene" - WWE legend recalls beating up John Cena in the ring with AEW star
Booker T recently recalled a WWE segment where he and William Regal put John Cena through a lot of pain back in the Ruthless Aggression Era.
For those unaware, King Booker and Regal worked together back in 2006. The duo, alongside Finlay, pulverized Cena on an episode of RAW upon Edge's behest. Not only did they attack the latter with a royal scepter, but they also made him kiss the Hall of Famer's feet.
While discussing AEW Rampage's declining ratings on his Hall of Fame podcast, the WWE legend recalled the incident. Booker commented that AEW's fanbase primarily consists of seasoned wrestling fans who appreciate the variety of matches. However, the newer and younger audience (like in WWE) may not like the blood and gore of the Texas Deathmatch.
Proclaiming that television is far different now than in the Attitude Era, Booker T said:
"I know there's somebody out there that go, 'What about the Attitude Era?' The Attitude Era was different. A different time so I cannot compare, you know, the way it was [then]. You get canceled these days for doing some stuff in television back then. You cannot look at it [the same way] The way me and William Regal beat John Cena on television, they can't do that today. We beat the hell outta him... it was a crime scene [laughs]." [49:05 to 49:43]
Check out the full podcast here:
Additionally, Booker doesn't believe that fans' lack of interest is to blame for the rating decline. Apart from AEW, there are several other sports shows on Friday that often divide the audience.
William Regal was a part of King Booker's Court faction in WWE
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In honor of the 15th anniversary of the start of King @BookerT5xโs reign, look back at some of his most royal matches and moments! ms.spr.ly/6013VITld https://t.co/Qp5XhaMq04
During his hugely successful King Booker run in WWE, the two-time Hall of Famer had a few lackeys to assist him during his segments/
Regal and Finlay were part of the King Booker's Court, which also had his wife and Hall of Famer, Sharmell. The former duo was even knighted by the King.
The faction ended when Booker T attacked Regal at the No Mercy show in 2006, before his world title match. The latter walked out and started teaming up with Dave Taylor and Finlay.
Coming back to AEW, the company has a stacked card and an impending 'big announcement' for this week's programming. It'll be interesting to see if Tony Khan and Co. can bounce back with a ratings boost.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit the Hall of Fame podcast and give a H/T to Sportskeeda for the transcription.