Throughout the illustrious world of professional wrestling, certain stories and experiences are etched into the annals of history, leaving a lasting impression on both the performers and their audiences. For Booker T, a two-time WWE Hall of Famer and the former five-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, it's the memories of those hard-hitting moments in the ring that still resonate with him.
Over his extensive career, Booker T has locked horns with a plethora of opponents across various wrestling promotions. From high-flyers to heavy hitters, he's faced them all. However, when recently reflecting on his past encounters during an episode of "The Hall of Fame" podcast, one name stood out when discussing the fiercest of chops - Haku.
Booker T Recalls Haku's Power
Without hesitation, Booker T proclaimed, "Haku, hands down!" He then vividly described the impact of Haku's chops, saying, "It felt as if he was hitting you with a palm full of sand. He'd strike your chest, but the aftershock? You'd feel it all the way in your back.
Hours later, you'd notice a handprint emerging on your back. That's the sheer power of Haku's chops." Booker T's recounts brought back memories of his tag matches with Haku and Barbarian. "Whenever I was teamed up against both, my strategy was simple – avoid Haku's chops at any cost.
Even if it meant facing the Barbarian for the entirety of the match," he chuckled. "Though Haku, also known as Meng, is one of the kindest souls outside the ring, inside it, his chops felt as if you were being hit by a cinder block." Looking back at the WCW era between 1996 and 1997, Harlem Heat, Booker T's tag team, faced Haku and Barbarian, famously dubbed as The Faces of Fear, on eight separate occasions, excluding house shows and three-way tags.
Despite the fearsome reputation of Haku's chops, the stats favored Harlem Heat. They held a commendable record, triumphing over The Faces of Fear with four wins, two losses, and two ties. As tales like these continue to emerge, they only deepen fans' appreciation for the sacrifices and passion that legends like Booker T brought to the squared circle.