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GARDNER'S KEY MOMENT OF THE WEEK: What could Booker T contribute if he returns to WWE? Oct 18, 2009 - 1:21:14 PM
The facade has slipped. The enthusiasm to put over the younger talent has been replaced by performances of diminishing energy. The proclamation of being a company man has been replaced by a series of decisions that raise questions about his professionalism.
The prospect of Booker T returning to the WWE has emerged during a week in which the future of the Main Event Mafia has been questioned by those inside and outside of TNA.
Of course, Kevin Nash will be okay. Any negative sentiment towards his work in the ring appears to have been outweighed by his charisma and name recognition from his years on top during the Monday Night War.
Scott Steiner appears to have a less certain future after his idiotic antics in Switzerland when he tore up the Swiss flag. Add to the mix the rumor of a Sting retirement tour in 2010 and the fact that Jeff Jarrett is still off TV, and it seams that a clearout of some of TNA's most recognizable names is in the cards.
And what of Booker T's fall from grace? The crazy accents that he exhibits on Impact on a weekly basis were the first indication that he may not be taking his job totally seriously. His performances in the ring have certainly not helped either, but the situation has come to a head over the past couple of weeks.
Firstly, Booker walked out of the ring in Zurich in an atmosphere that was so dangerous that the other wrestlers finished the match. Further questions about his loyalty were raised when he refused to put over Matt Morgan at last week's Impact tapings. Anyone trying to draw parallels with the time that Steve Austin refused to job to Brock Lesnar in 2002 should think again; a Booker T/Matt Morgan match is unlikely to add any Pay-Per-View buys.
The lack of professionalism comes as a surprise, as Booker has shown willingness to put back into the industry that made him rich. He runs his own wrestling academy and spoke extensively about helping younger talent when he arrived at TNA. Perhaps the lure of a WWE contract is enough to turn his head.
If motivated, Booker T would be a great acquisition for WWE. The wrestlers with name value are spread so thinly across the three rosters that the star power of Booker T would be a welcome addition. Yet, he left the WWE when he was losing to Triple H, and it is highly unlikely that he will be as high up the card as he is in at TNA.
Also, there is the chance that management will hold a grudge about him leaving for TNA in first place. Christian is still on ECW after his return, and Booker T may have to settle for a place on the WWE's third brand. And yes, he will have to put over younger talent there.
Booker T is worth far more to WWE than he is to TNA at this present time. He clearly lacks the motivation to help build TNA, but if he were willing to help some of the younger stars in WWE, then his experience and name recognition could be a bonus for WWE.
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