Booker T Claims “It’s Time to Move On” from Hulk Hogan’s Controversial Past; Says He’ll Always “Atone For His Mistakes”

WWE Hall of Famer Booker T was recently interviewed by Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, and briefly touched on the subject of Hulk Hogan’s recent reinstatement as a member of the WWE Universe.

“If people still judged me from what I did 30 years ago,” the six-time world champion said, “I would not be where I am now.”

In July 2015 WWE cut all ties with Hogan after a secret sex tape was released to the public bringing to light scandalous and racially-charged remarks, largely based around an African-American man that his daughter Brooke was supposedly dating at the time.

Earlier this year, the Hulkster was officially reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame in a statement released by the company, and made an appearance backstage to address his transgressions before the entire locker room.

While Booker T has been asked several times about his thoughts on the matter, he has a unique perspective given his own controversial past. Prior to beginning his career in professional wrestling, the future legend spent 19 months of a five-year prison sentence for armed robbery. It is perhaps because of this that Booker has been relatively forgiving of Hogan’s past sins.

“I still have my broom, and I carry it around to sweep up all the dirt and trash I’ve left behind in my past.” He continued, “Hulk is also going to have to carry that broom in his back pocket and atone for his mistakes. That’s the only thing we can do as human beings.”

Booker finished the discussion by recognizing that WWE’s decision to reinstate Hogan will always be a controversial one, likely one that is debated for years to come, but added that he believes “it’s time to move on.”