On a recent edition of his “Hall of Fame” podcast, Booker T discussed trying out for the American Gladiators show several years ago and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On trying out for American Gladiators: “American Gladiators, they were coming to town to search for contestants for the gladiators. I thought it was to be one of the gladiators, that’s what I thought. But when I went down and I found out what it was about I was like, ‘Okay.’ I took my son down with me, because I wanted him to see me go through the experience. You know, and it was one of those things [where] win or lose, I needed him to actually see the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat. So for me, that’s what it was all about.”
On the tryout itself: “But I remember, the first test they wanted us to do was do 50 pushups in 60 seconds on these two fingers [thumb and index]. Just these two, okay. And I got about 40 in me, and that was it. That’s all I mustered up. And I fell out, literally in the first round, I was out. And the thing was, I realized later on that it wasn’t designed for someone like me to win this competition. Because I was a little big, and the gladiators and would have had a little bit tougher time with someone like myself, 220 pounds. So they were looking for guys who were like 175, 180 pounds that they could actually get in there and beat up. But I didn’t realize after, you know, it was all over with.
“But it was a great experience, because I was one of those guys that, I just did not want to look back when I was 40 and say, ‘Man, I wish I had tried that when I had a chance when it came to town.’ I just didn’t want to be one of those guys. That’s why I always tell people about Reality Of Wrestling and fantasy camp when you hear about it, you know, and you always wonder what it was like to be a professional wrestler. Go do it, just try it, you know what I mean? It might be the toughest day of your life. But it may be the most rewarding day of your life at the same time. So for me, it’s just about, you know, seeing if I can do it.”
On his favorite Hall of Fame speech: “I might be being biased, but I think my wife perhaps had one of the best Hall of Fame speeches in Hall of Fame history, to be honest. Just from a timing and feel, and flow perspective. It was unbelievable, I mean it really was. People talk about my Hall of Fame speech as well. I’ve never gotten a chance to see my Hall of Fame speech. I haven’t seen it yet. But yeah, I will say Sharmell, to be honest.”
Booker T Opens Up About Trying Out for American Gladiators and More
In a recent episode of his “Hall of Fame” podcast, former professional wrestler Booker T shared his experience of trying out for the popular television show, American Gladiators. He also discussed the importance of taking risks and trying new things in life.
Booker T revealed that he initially thought the tryouts were for becoming one of the gladiators on the show. However, he soon realized that it was actually an opportunity for regular people to compete against the gladiators. Despite this revelation, Booker T decided to go through with the tryout and brought his son along to witness the experience.
The wrestling legend explained that he wanted his son to see both the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. He believed that regardless of the outcome, it was important for his son to witness his father taking on new challenges and pushing himself outside of his comfort zone.
During the tryout, Booker T faced a challenging test where he had to perform 50 pushups in 60 seconds using only his thumb and index finger. Despite his physical strength, he could only manage to complete around 40 pushups before giving out. This early setback led him to realize that the competition was not designed for someone of his size and build.
Booker T acknowledged that the show was looking for contestants who were smaller and lighter, as they would be easier for the gladiators to overpower. However, he didn’t let this realization dampen his spirits. Reflecting on the experience, he expressed gratitude for having taken the opportunity and not wanting to look back with regret later in life.
The former wrestler also encouraged others to take risks and try new things, using his own wrestling promotion, Reality of Wrestling, as an example. He emphasized that if someone has ever wondered what it would be like to be a professional wrestler, they should go ahead and give it a try. Booker T acknowledged that it might be one of the toughest days of their lives, but it could also be one of the most rewarding.
In addition to discussing his American Gladiators tryout, Booker T also shared his thoughts on his favorite Hall of Fame speech. While many people praise his own speech, he admitted that he has never watched it. Instead, he believed that his wife, Sharmell, delivered one of the best speeches in Hall of Fame history due to its timing, flow, and overall impact.
Booker T’s story serves as a reminder that taking risks and trying new things can lead to valuable experiences and personal growth. Whether it’s trying out for a television show or pursuing a lifelong passion, stepping outside of one’s comfort zone can bring about unexpected rewards.