WrestleMania has produced some of the most talked-about storylines in wrestling, but one feud from WrestleMania XIX is back in the spotlight after comments from AEW’s MVP.
Speaking on the Marking Out with MVP & Dwayne Swayze podcast, MVP addressed how certain topics have been used in wrestling storylines, pointing to the Triple H vs. Booker T feud as a clear example.
“I think racist characters now, they’re not good for you,” MVP said. “If you look at that promo that he cut on Booker T going into WrestleMania, it was this overt racism.”
At the time, Triple H was an active WWE wrestler and the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, not a company executive. As part of the Evolution faction, he was positioned as the top heel heading into WrestleMania XIX, where he was set to defend his title against Booker T.
In the weeks leading up to the match, Triple H delivered promos that targeted Booker T’s background, made references to his “nappy hair,” and questioned whether he belonged in the championship picture.
He also referenced Booker’s criminal past and made statements suggesting that “people like” Booker were not meant to be world champions.
During the feud, Booker was also placed in segments where he was told to perform demeaning tasks, including being ordered to retrieve a towel after money was thrown at him.
The storyline centered on Booker T pursuing the World Heavyweight Championship after being attacked by members of Evolution, including Batista and Randy Orton. The feud concluded at WrestleMania XIX, where Triple H defeated Booker T to retain the title.
The angle has remained a point of discussion among fans due to the tone of the buildup and the outcome of the match.
MVP used the example while explaining why he believes certain topics are unnecessary in wrestling today.
“I don’t know why anybody would, especially in modern times, want to present their character as an overt racist,” he said. “I don’t know what that does for you…it doesn’t go well.”
During the same conversation, MVP added that topics like race, politics, and religion can create unintended consequences when used for storyline reactions, and said performers can generate crowd response without relying on those elements.