10 Risks That Could’ve KILLED WWE Careers
7. Booker T Embraces “King Bookah”
Ask fans of a certain vintage if 'King' gimmicks work and they'll reply that they only grooved for Jerry Lawler and Randy Savage. 'King' Harley Race? Pah! 'King' Haku? Get out of here. 'King' Sheamus? Behave. 'King' Barrett? That was the pits. So, what made Booker T's run under the royal gimmick so great?
Him. Well, him and 'Queen' Sharmell.
Both embraced the goofiness of the royal persona so heartily that it was impossible to avoid being charmed. Think about this though; Booker was already a multi-time World Champion by the time he donned the crown and robe. This wasn't an introductory character, but instead a complete retooling of somebody who had worked as both heel and face.
It could've bombed spectacularly, and yet people still talk about "King Bookah" fondly in 2024. There's a reason for that. Booker and Sharmell were all in, and they played their roles with a knowing silliness. They didn't try to sell people on seriousness, which helped avert career suicide.