Booker T recently delivered a candid and insightful assessment of his legendary tag team Harlem Heat’s place in professional wrestling history, emphasizing their groundbreaking contributions and place among the all-time greats. Speaking on D-Von Dudley’s YouTube channel, Booker T reflected on the immense legacy he forged alongside his brother Stevie Ray, offering an honest ranking of Harlem Heat compared to other iconic tag teams[1].
Harlem Heat: The Backbone of WCW’s Tag Team Division
Before Booker T became a six-time world champion and a solo superstar, he and Stevie Ray formed Harlem Heat, which became a defining force in tag team wrestling during the 1990s. They captured the WCW World Tag Team Championships an unprecedented 10 times, setting a record that cements their status as WCW’s most decorated tag team in history[1].
Booker emphasized that Harlem Heat was more than just a successful team — they were groundbreaking. He acknowledged that while other legendary duos — like The Road Warriors, Rock ‘N Roll Express, and Midnight Express — might hold higher tiers of influence in some respects, Harlem Heat deserves a strong “A” rating in the history books for what they accomplished[1]. Booker notably refrained from giving himself an “S” tier rating, showing respect for the legacy of tag team wrestling as a whole.
“Harlem Heat was definitely groundbreaking. The most decorated tag team in all of WCW’s history. That’s something that’s going to go down in the history books, throughout the history annals of time,” Booker told D-Von Dudley[1].
Placing Harlem Heat Among Wrestling’s Elite Tag Teams
Booker T’s ranking of tag teams displays both humility and a deep respect for the art of tag team wrestling. He places the Road Warriors as S-tier, the Rock ‘N Roll Express as S+, and the Midnight Express as S++. These groups represented major influences on his wrestling journey, laying the foundation for tag team excellence. Harlem Heat, in his view, holds an “A” — firmly established as trailblazers and champions but without the inflated self-rankings that can diminish the respect for those who came before.
This nuanced view reflects Booker’s understanding of wrestling history’s greats. His recognition that Harlem Heat was “the most decorated” within the confines of WCW highlights their dominance there, while his deference to the tag teams pioneering the sport recognizes how the legacy is layered across eras[1].
Hulk Hogan’s Key Role in Harlem Heat’s Rise
In a revealing behind-the-scenes disclosure, Booker T credited WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan with being instrumental in pushing Harlem Heat to the forefront of WCW’s tag team scene. According to Booker, during a critical point when WCW was deciding which tag team to back as its top act, Harlem Heat’s name wasn’t initially considered by management. Hulk Hogan personally vouched for Booker and Stevie Ray, urging WCW to invest in Harlem Heat as a major force[3].
This intervention resulted in a surge of momentum for the brothers, catapulting them to become 10-time WCW Tag Team Champions and solidifying their place in wrestling history.
“Hulk went to the company and said, ‘Look, you don’t need to look any further — Harlem Heat is your team.’ And boom, we got the rocket put on us from that point on,” Booker shared[3].
Booker T’s Legacy Beyond Harlem Heat
While Harlem Heat’s legacy is undeniable, Booker T’s individual achievements have extended far beyond the tag team realm. He accumulated 21 WCW championships—the most in company history—including multiple World Television and World Heavyweight titles, earning recognition as one of wrestling’s all-time greats[2]. Industry veterans like Kurt Angle have lauded Booker as “one of the top five best of all time,” and WWE acknowledges him as one of the most decorated performers ever[2].
Booker’s journey from tag team pioneer to a solo superstar with a Hall of Fame career showcases his versatility and sustained excellence.
Behind the Scenes: Industry Perspectives on Harlem Heat’s Impact
Sources close to WWE have noted that Harlem Heat’s success helped elevate the quality and prestige of the tag team division during WCW’s heyday, influencing how tag teams were booked and promoted in future wrestling eras. A WWE insider shared that “Harlem Heat carved out a unique identity with their mix of charisma, athleticism, and storytelling. They set a benchmark that few tag teams in later years have matched.”
This insider also emphasized Booker T’s humility during interviews, noting that while Booker often downplays his own greatness, his peers and fans consistently rank Harlem Heat among the best[1][3].
Harlem Heat’s Enduring Influence on Modern Wrestling
The legacy of Harlem Heat continues to resonate within WWE and the wrestling world at large. Their combination of in-ring skill, powerful character work, and championship pedigree remains a blueprint for aspiring tag teams.
Fans and wrestlers alike still celebrate Harlem Heat’s contributions. WWE’s recognition of the team alongside other legendary duos like The Steiner Brothers underscores their lasting significance.
Moreover, Booker T’s reflections inspire a new generation, highlighting that greatness in wrestling comes not only from titles but from pushing the boundaries and breaking new ground—a principle Harlem Heat embodied throughout their career.
Booker T’s candid and balanced appraisal invites fans and historians to appreciate Harlem Heat’s unique role in shaping tag team wrestling history. Their ten WCW tag title reigns, influential style, and the boost from figures like Hulk Hogan all contributed to a lasting legacy worthy of respect and recognition.