Booker promises a ‘Thrilla’ vs Batista

Fil-Greek wrestling icon Batista will be the top crowd drawer in the two-day World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) SmackDown! Survivor Series exploding today at the Araneta Coliseum.

But make no mistake about it. King Booker, the WWE heavyweight champion, will be out there to spoil the fun.

King Booker yesterday said he’s going to make his Manila visit an event to remember, vowing to match, if not surpass, the excitement stirred by the Thrilla in Manila in 1975 which pitted Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

"I have 36 titles and I’m the best of the best so when I enter the ring, expect another Thrilla in Manila because I’ll get the Gorilla in Manila," said Booker at the press launch of the event at the Gateway Mall in Cubao.

Booker, who has been in the business for 16 years, will take on Bobby Lashley first for the world heavyweight title today before teaming up with Mr. Kennedy against Batista and Lashley in a keenly-awaited tag team match tomorrow.

Booker and his wife, Queen Sharmell, Batista and gorgeous Michelle McCool graced the press conference held at Cinema 9.

But Batista and Booker are just part of the 21-man pro wrestling group out to entertain the Filipino fans with their stuff noted the world over — the SmackDown brand.

Others flaunting their wrestling prowess in the event expected to surpass the WWE "Raw" show that grossed P50 million early this year are The Undertaker, Chris Benoit, Finlay, KC James and Idol Stevens.

"There’s no comparison there, SmackDown is clearly No. 1, the best," said Batista, who has a tattoo of the Greece and Philippine Flag on his huge shoulders.

King Booker entertained the media the moment he held the microphone, calling the organizers and even the mediamen names.

"I thank the host for their gracious hospitality," said King Booker. "I’m the king of all kings, why should you call me first, this is disrespectful."

At one point, he called the press "lowly peasants" when one awestruck media man from a cable channel asked a personal question.

Queen Sharmell also got into the act.

I’m former Ms. Black America, why should you bring in these scalawags," said Queen Sharmell referring to 2006 Ms. Universe Lea Ramos and Ms. World Anna Igpit.

But for all the harsh words from these ruthless bangers, everything, just like in the scripted wrestling matches the Filipinos have grown to love and see, was just part of the show.