WWE Hall of Famer Thunderbolt Patterson helped pave the way for black athletes like Booker T to become stars in the world of professional wrestling.
Patterson was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year and spoke about racial justice and treating others with respect in his acceptance speech.
On a recent edition of his “Hall of Fame” podcast, Booker T discussed Patterson’s induction and what it meant to him as a black man. He said,
“To see Thunderbolt Patterson actually make that walk, get up out of the wheelchair, make that walk, and say ‘Man, I’m standing up on this stage. I’m [going to] show that I still got it.’ It was a touching moment for me, because Thunderbolt paved the way for me, for guys like me, guys that looked like me. And I know he didn’t have it as easy as I did. I know his route was much, much tougher than my route was.
“For me to actually be sitting there, watching Thunderbolt Patterson, which was one of the reasons, of course along with Paul Heyman…why I wanted to be at the Hall of Fame. It was definitely an experience, for me, to be in the room to be in the room with Thunderbolt Patterson, one of the greatest of all time, one of the greatest to ever did it. One of the brothers that I can say paved the way for me.”
Booker T is a two-time inductee. He was inducted in 2013 for his work as a singles competitor and as part of Harlem Heat with Stevie Ray in 2019.
Thunderbolt Patterson, a WWE Hall of Famer, is credited with paving the way for black athletes in professional wrestling. His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame this year highlighted his contributions to the industry and his advocacy for racial justice and respect.
In a recent episode of his “Hall of Fame” podcast, fellow WWE Hall of Famer Booker T discussed Patterson’s induction and what it meant to him as a black man. Booker T expressed his admiration for Patterson’s determination and resilience, stating that Patterson’s journey was much tougher than his own.
Booker T emphasized the significance of seeing Thunderbolt Patterson make his way to the stage during the induction ceremony, despite being in a wheelchair. This powerful moment symbolized Patterson’s refusal to be defined by his physical limitations and showcased his enduring spirit.
Patterson’s influence on Booker T and other wrestlers who look like him cannot be overstated. He paved the way for their success and opened doors that were previously closed. Booker T acknowledged that he would not have had the opportunities he did if it weren’t for trailblazers like Thunderbolt Patterson.
Booker T’s appreciation for Patterson’s legacy was evident as he described the experience of being in the same room with him during the Hall of Fame ceremony. He recognized Patterson as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and expressed gratitude for the path he had paved.
It is worth noting that Booker T himself is a two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee. He was first inducted in 2013 for his accomplishments as a singles competitor and then again in 2019 as part of Harlem Heat, a tag team he formed with his brother Stevie Ray.
The video embedded in the article features Booker T discussing the biggest moments of WrestleMania XL on his podcast. It serves as a testament to his deep knowledge and passion for professional wrestling.
In conclusion, Thunderbolt Patterson’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame is a testament to his significant contributions to the world of professional wrestling. His advocacy for racial justice and respect, as well as his role in paving the way for black athletes like Booker T, has left an indelible mark on the industry. Patterson’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers and serve as a reminder of the importance of equality and inclusivity in sports.