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.”

As a little girl, I loved professional wrestling. It was always on in the house and I loved the spectacle of it all. I remember sitting on my moms’ bed on a Saturday morning watching the weekly highlights. We watched every Pay-Per-View. I played with my brother’s wrestling figures in the ring and would act out all the entrances.

This little girl wanted to be a part of that so much, but knew she would never fit it with the women on the television. You see, as a woman now in her early-30s who is all of 5-foot-3 and tiny, there was no place for me. I couldn’t imagine someone like me would ever be taken seriously in the business of professional wrestling.

I decided I would do the next best thing — I would go to school for communications with dreams of being on the WWE announce team.While that did not come true, I still watched the product and saw something happening.

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Women were coming in to the WWE with all different backgrounds, builds and athletic abilities. These women were doing something little me never thought would happen. I remember the first time I saw Sasha Banks and Bayley – I related to them so much.

I was at Wrestlemania this year in New Orleans, checking off a huge bucket list item. Seeing Charlotte and Asuka in person was something I knew would hit me hard, and I was right. I cried during that match. They were amazing — and not just “amazing for a woman’s match”. It was truly a moment I will never forget.

I was home alone watching Raw the night that Evolution was announced. Tears streaming down my face. Pure joy and validation was going through me. I felt so excited for all of the little girls watching, and for all of the women around the world who are taking a chance on a dream to be in this business.

I thought of my friends’ twin girls, who love to play wrestling on the trampoline. Of my nephew, who can see strong powerful women and will grow up in an era where this is normal.

Evolution was exactly what it needed to be. From the order of the matches (for the most part) to the outcomes. Every single superstar that was out there made it their mission to steal the show. It was entertaining, hopeful and most of all, groundbreaking.

Stars were made in Toni Storm and Liv Morgan. Storylines were built. Respect was given to those who were a part in making this all happen. They were given the time they deserved. Not to mention, the crowd was on fire.

I think the thing that really struck me last night was the amount of men in the crowd. I don’t know why, but I wasn’t expecting that. Hearing it was a sold out crowd gave me chills. The reactions and emotion they helped put in to every match was uplifting. It honestly may have been one of the best shows of the year.

Becky and Charlotte stole the show. There is no debate about that. They are in the best storyline in the company and have the best chemistry as well. These are two women who were at the center of this push for women’s wrestling, and they deserve the attention they received.

Becky is a star. She has been using social media in the correct way to build her character. She should be the Smackdown Women’s Champion for a very long time.

Every single woman who helped make WWE Evolution happen deserves to be applauded. I loved how all of the women interviewed were so humble but confident. Most of them would say that they were ready for this to not be talked about as the “first time ever” or “making history”. They want this to be seen as the norm.

After last night, I truly believe they are well on their way.

Thanks to Steffany Rubel (@sas_rubel) for sending in the above editorial. 

WWE has posted several videos from featuring its superstars on tour of Europe, including Bayley and Drew McIntyre cheering on Real Madrid.

The two WWE Raw superstars visited the soccer team and watched a game from inside a box, and you can check out that video below:

A Coiled Viper Comes To Cardiff

In the next video, WWE showed the Viper, Randy Orton making his way down to the ring in Cardiff, Wales, including an icy staredown with a member of the WWE Universe.

A Monster Among Madrid

The final video also takes place in Madrid, Spain, with the Monster Amongst Men, Braun Strowman heading to the ring to take down Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre.

Rey Mysterio was this week’s guest on Lilian Garcia’s Chasing Glory podcast where he discussed returning to WWE and his son’s training.

On his son’s training and what he has left to achieve:

“Training is going incredible. He started last year up in Florida and trained a little with Jay Lethal and this year he took a bigger step and went up to Canada and did a three-month training session with Lance Storm, then he’s coming home and we move onto phase three. I’ve talked to Booker already to send him up to Houston or Mexico City to pick up some lucha libre style. My dream as a father, my final dream come true as a wrestler is to be able to perform in there with my son so I can say that now I have done it all and it’s going to happen.

On the toughest part of his life:

“If I had to point out a tough era I would have to say as a kid, living in San Diego and then having to move to Mexico at the age of 11, my toughest years as a kid was having to learn the sport of wrestling at such a young age and literally being the only kid in the class.”

On how it feels to be back in WWE:

“It has been incredible. From the time that I left up until now, there is definitely a lot of new faces but that’s the evolution of this sport, you can’t have everyone around forever. Right around the time that I left a lot of guys were leaving the company due to injuries or to do something new. But it feels good to be back, under different terms. I would not be able to go back and do the full schedule that I used to do, my body is definitely beat down and I am the type of person that when the bell rings I am ready to give 200%, as much as people tell me to pull back I can’t cheat my fans.”

If any of the above quotes are used, please H/T ProWrestling.com.