Booker T

Who Is Booker T?

Booker T, born Robert Booker Tio Huffman Jr., is a renowned professional wrestler and a significant figure in the world of WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). His journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a wrestling superstar is both inspiring and impactful. After being orphaned at a young age, Booker faced numerous obstacles during his teenage years, including a period of incarceration stemming from a series of robberies. However, he persevered, rising from local wrestling venues to achieve national prominence, first with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and later with WWE. Throughout his illustrious career, Booker became an 11-time WCW Tag Team Champion and a six-time World Champion. He also captured the title of WWE’s King of the Ring in 2006. Following his wrestling career, he transitioned to roles as a commentator and trainer and founded his own wrestling school. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in both 2013 and 2019.

Early Life

Born on March 1, 1965, in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, Booker was the youngest of eight children. His father passed away when he was just ten months old, and after this tragedy, his family relocated to Texas. Growing up in Houston’s South Park neighborhood, Booker developed a deep passion for wrestling. However, life became increasingly difficult when he lost his mother at the age of 13 due to complications during surgery. After her death, he and his sister lived alone in their family home, enduring the loss of essential utilities. Eventually, he moved in with an older sister, but the lack of support and guidance during his formative years led to challenges in his education and exposure to a lifestyle filled with drugs and parties. At just 17, Booker became a father, further complicating his youth.

Arrest and Prison Sentence

Motivated by a poor work environment at Wendy’s, where he was employed, Booker and some friends resorted to robbing the restaurant. This initial crime escalated to multiple robberies at other Wendy’s locations until they were apprehended in 1987. Booker accepted a plea deal, resulting in a five-year prison sentence. He ultimately served 19 months in prison, during which he earned his GED before being released on parole.

Early Wrestling Career

In 1989, Booker’s brother, Lash “Stevie Ray” Huffman, encouraged him to pursue a career in wrestling by attending a training school led by bodybuilder and wrestler Ivan Putski. Although Booker lacked the funds for the $4,000 tuition, his employer at a storage company provided financial assistance. Demonstrating a natural aptitude for wrestling, he and his brother initially worked for the Western Wrestling Alliance (WWA). Following the closure of WWA, they moved to Texas All-Pro Wrestling before joining Dallas’s Global Wrestling Federation (GWF), where they formed the tag team known as the Ebony Experience, debuting on May 4, 1992. Despite facing racial abuse from some audience members, Booker’s charisma and signature moves, such as the breakdance-inspired “Spinaroonie,” helped him win over fans. The duo eventually captured the Tag Team Championship in GWF.

WCW and WWE Career

While still balancing day jobs, Booker received his big break when he and his brother were signed to World Championship Wrestling (WCW). In 1993, they formed the successful tag team Harlem Heat, securing the WCW Tag Team Championship ten times. Transitioning to singles competition, Booker’s star power soared, culminating in his victory as the WCW World Heavyweight Champion in 2000, making him the first Black champion since 1992. He held the title when WCW was acquired by WWE in 2001, marking him as the last WCW Heavyweight Champion.

After the merger, Booker continued to shine in WWE, showcasing his comedic talents alongside wrestling legends like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Triple H, and Ric Flair. Partnering with Goldust, he captivated audiences with his versatility. In 2006, he won the King of the Ring Tournament, adopting the persona of King Booker. Though he left WWE in 2007, he made a triumphant return in 2011 for the Royal Rumble. Booker’s legacy was further cemented with his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013 and again in 2019 alongside his brother as Harlem Heat, celebrating their remarkable contributions to professional wrestling.

Retirement

Booker T officially retired from professional wrestling in 2012. Following his retirement, he transitioned into a role as a color commentator for WWE’s SmackDown and later served as the brand’s General Manager. Additionally, he showcased his expertise as a trainer on the popular reality series WWE Tough Enough.

To further his passion for the sport, Booker T founded the Reality of Wrestling school, allowing him to mentor aspiring wrestlers. He also established a promotion under the same name, which featured talent from his wrestling school, helping to cultivate the next generation of wrestling stars.

Personal Life

Booker T’s personal life has seen both challenges and triumphs. He became a father at the age of 17 when his son, Brandon, was born. After his teenage girlfriend lost custody, Brandon entered the foster care system while Booker was incarcerated. However, Booker regained custody of his son when Brandon was five years old.

On February 5, 2005, Booker T married Sharmell Huffman, a former Miss Black America and a performer who toured with James Brown. The couple met when Sharmell was a WCW Nitro Girl, and their on-screen personas mirrored their real-life relationship; Booker adopted the persona of King Booker, while Sharmell became Queen Sharmell.

Together, they have twins—a boy and a girl—adding to their family and continuing to celebrate their shared love for each other and their passions.