Bruce Lee Had a ‘Boss’ Influence on 6-Time World Champion’s Road To Stardom In Professional Wrestling: “I Always Wanted To Fly Like a Ninja”

Action films are a form of catharsis. Especially ones that showcase exquisite hand-to-hand combat techniques. Fans of MMA and wrestling probably need no introduction to Bruce Lee, who popularized the Hong Kong genre of close-quarters combat. Moreover, his action films stood the test of time and are still relevant to this day.

Recently, WWE legend Booker T opened up about the kind of influence Lee had back in the day. The six-time world champion even confessed to watching Lee’s movies over a hundred times, due to their repeat value.

Booker T claims Bruce Lee was at the epicenter of great action films

In a recent episode of The Steve Austin Show, Booker T took a trip back to memory lane and recollected his memories associated with Bruce Lee. During the episode, Stone Cold Steve Austin inquired about how the legendary actor influenced films and Booker T replied “Man, you’re never going to watch a karate movie without somebody yelling… (Imitates Bruce Lee’s scream). There’s always going to be some of that. If that’s not in the movie, it’s not a great karate movie.”

READ MORE: “Do You Have to Hurry Home to Momma?”: Thugs Following Bruce Lee and His Female Friend Got a Fitting Response From the Martial Arts Legend Once

Moreover, the former WCW champion explained Lee was a major source of entertainment for him and other kids because his unique stunts and stylistic action provided exactly what they needed, at the time.

His karate films made him look like the boss in the dojo. Therefore, T stated “Every karate boss was badass. You can’t just walk up on him…You wondered how he became the boss. It was because he could kick everybody’s a**.” to explain Lee’s aura in a dojo.

The WWE provides the same entertainment value as karate films

This persona of the late Hollywood actor earned him a special place in the hearts of wrestling fans. The 58-year-old former WWE veteran felt he could fly, watching Bruce Lee’s work.

In the same podcast, King Booker said “I always wanted to fly like a ninja. You know, ninjas could fly! You know what I mean.” Moreover, the legendary wrestler added that wrestling isn’t dissimilar. As fans cheer for their favorite wrestler to perform unimaginable feats, in front of a live audience.

Booker T added, “It’s the embodiment of going out and making the fans feel like, ‘Man! When you put that suit on, you are truly like Superman.”

Therefore, Booker T thinks the world of Bruce Lee’s iconic work in the past. Have you ever imitated Lee’s moves in your childhood? Let us know in the comments below.

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