On a recent edition of his “Hall of Fame” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T discussed the two major title changes on the second night of WWE WrestleMania 40.
Cody Rhodes finished his story by defeating Roman Reigns and winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship while Damian Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Drew McIntyre to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Title.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On Cody Rhodes winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Title: “I mean, no. The story is complete. It’s great to see Cody finish the story. But that shot right there the end with Roman [Reigns] and Paul Heyman. People say what they want to say about wrestling, you know, being real and whatnot. That’s the part that’s real that it possibly could be right there. That part right there, as real as it possibly can be. Because that’s been a hell of a reign, it’s been a hell of a number that Roman Reigns put up right there. And it comes with a lot of trial and tribulations man, it comes with being the guy every single night in the ring as well as out of the ring. So much comes with that job right there. And that’s something that he’s going to remember for the rest of his life. Is it real to Roman? You damn right, it is real as it possibly could be. So, for people who really do not truly understand, that’s a moment that cannot even be described. It’s indescribable. Really, what Roman has done.
“But as far as Cody, this is something that — you know, I think Cody was already a made man. But I think this right here definitely gonna solidify him is the guy that finished his story. This is something that he’s not gonna have to look back on and wonder, and wish he could have been able to achieve and do in the WWE. He’s done it. I think that right there is a testament to their hard work in the WWE, as well as outside of the WWE when he was working on his independent scene. Just because like I said, Cody is a guy that was born into this business, a kid that was born into the WWE. I don’t think Cody had to actually go out there and do the indies. And he would just have still had a job for the rest of his life. But he went to prove that he was just as big of a star as anybody that ever put on a pair of boots if given a chance. So big props, big ups to Cody Rhodes for just finishing but weathering the storm.”
On Damian Priest cashing in the Money in the Bank contract to win the World Heavyweight Title: “After Night One, I was at the restaurant. And Damian was in there and I said, ‘What’s up, man?’ He said, ‘What’s up?’ I said, ‘Man, are you ready?’ He said ‘Yeah man, I’m ready, man.’ Even though I didn’t know what he was gonna do or anything like that. And I was just talking to Damian about his growth since he first came into WWE. I said ‘Man, you’ve grown so much, man.’ And you know, he’s really become that player and that star that I think WWE expected him to be for a long time. And he’s really grown into it. He really took it to that level.
“And I was just messing around and I went, ‘You ready to cash in?’ He goes, ‘Yeah man, I’m ready to cash in.’ I swear, I was just messing around, I was just playing with him. And it seemed like, Boo! For it to come to fruition like that, It’s kind of crazy. Because I swear to God, I was — I wouldn’t say I was playing around with him. I was serious, but I wasn’t expecting it or anything like that, and boom! For it to happen, I was like, “Wow, what a moment for Damian Priest.”
The recent edition of Booker T’s “Hall of Fame” podcast featured discussions on the two major title changes that occurred on the second night of WWE WrestleMania 40. Cody Rhodes defeated Roman Reigns to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, while Damian Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase on Drew McIntyre to capture the WWE World Heavyweight Title.
Booker T expressed his admiration for Cody Rhodes and the completion of his story. He acknowledged the significance of the ending scene with Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman, stating that it showcased the realness and emotions that can be found in professional wrestling. Booker T praised Reigns for his impressive reign and acknowledged the challenges that come with being the top star in the industry. He emphasized that this moment will be remembered by Reigns for the rest of his life.
Regarding Cody Rhodes, Booker T believed that he was already a well-established figure in the wrestling industry. However, winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship solidified his status as someone who successfully finished his story. Booker T commended Rhodes for his hard work both in WWE and on the independent scene, noting that he went above and beyond to prove himself as a top star. He praised Rhodes for weathering the storm and achieving his goals.
Booker T also discussed Damian Priest’s cash-in of the Money in the Bank contract to win the World Heavyweight Title. He shared a personal anecdote about speaking with Priest before the event and expressing his belief in Priest’s growth and potential. Booker T playfully asked if Priest was ready to cash in, not expecting it to actually happen. To his surprise, Priest did cash in and became the new champion. Booker T expressed his astonishment at the moment and congratulated Priest for reaching that level of success.
The podcast episode provided insights into the behind-the-scenes thoughts and reactions to the title changes at WrestleMania 40. Booker T’s perspective as a WWE Hall of Famer and experienced wrestler added credibility and depth to the discussion. Fans of WWE and professional wrestling gained a deeper understanding of the significance of these title changes and the impact they had on the careers of Cody Rhodes and Damian Priest.