10 Times WWE Seriously Disrespected Hall Of Famers

3. WWE Is Subject To Racism In The Build To WrestleMania XIX

Triple H had a reputation for politicking in the early 2000's. Instances of backstage manoeuvring got more frequent following The Game's return to the company in 2002, after eight months on the sidelines with a torn quad. He had clearly used that time not only to tack on more muscle mass, but also to hone his backstage politics.

There was outcry from certain sections of the wrestling fan community when Triple H buried and then beat Chris Jericho, Rob Van Dam, Kane and Scott Steiner in the space of a year, but nothing could compare to the poor treatment that Booker T received their feud in the run up to WrestleMania. Booker T, who had been languishing in the midcard for what seemed like an age, finally started to break out in early 2003 and won a battle royal on the February 4th, 2003 Raw to earn a shot at Triple H's World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XIX.

The feud could have been presented as a typical underdog story but WWE (and Triple H) had other ideas. Instead, the WWE decided to bring up Booker T's troubled past, providing ample material for insufferable announcer Jerry 'The King' Lawler and Triple H. Booker had served time in prison from 1987 to 1989 after participating in a number of armed robberies.

He had done his time and turned a corner in his life, finding fame and fortune in the wrestling business. Triple H's cut a racist promo on Booker T in the weeks leading up the big match, claiming that Booker T was confused about his 'role in life', had 'nappy hair' and that he should just stick to dancing for the people. The next week, Ric Flair told Booker that he could forfeit his World Title shot and become his and Triple H's limo driver or bag carrier.

If this was uncomfortable for the viewer, imagine how it must have been for Booker? Booker didn't win the title at WrestleMania, instead losing following a single pedigree. It took Triple H almost twenty seconds to make the match-winning cover. Booker went back to the midcard while Triple H continued to break down and stink up the main event scene.