TMZSports.com
Haley and Hanna Cavinder‘s college basketball careers are over, but they could have a bright future in professional wrestling … so says WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, who tells TMZ Sports the twins can succeed in the industry if they remain a dominant duo.
We spoke to Booker about the Internet sensations — whose agent, Jeff Hoffman, confirmed earlier this week they would start training at the WWE Performance Center — and the wrestling legend shared some words of encouragement for the sisters as they embark on their new journey.
“The best advice I can give to siblings is [to] learn this craft and stick together because it will be a ride,” Booker said. “It’s going to be a journey. This is a marathon. You got to be ready to run the long haul.”
After Haley and Hanna — who helped Miami reach the Elite 8 this past season — announced they would not return to The U for a fifth season, speculation grew about the next endeavors the twins would pursue.
“We love the WWE,” Haley said during their appearance on The Today Show last week. “The fan base, the sport, the fitness side of it … they’re great, our partner, and we’re very excited in a future with them.”
Of course, Booker T — a five-time WCW champion — knows what it feels like to break into the wrestling business with a sibling. The King of the Spinaroonie was one half of the legendary “Harlem Heat” tag team with his real-life brother, Stevie Ray.
In April 2013, Booker was inducted into WWE’s Hall of Fame. Harlem Heat reunited for one final match in February 2015, where they won the ROW Tag Team Championship and were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame together as part of the 2019 class.
If the Cavinder twins ever make it to WWE’s roster, they won’t be the first set of trailblazing twins. Nikki and Brie Garcia — formerly known as the Bella Twins — and Jimmy and Jey Uso created a blueprint for how siblings can dominate in professional wrestling.
“These young ladies that are coming in,” Booker said, “they are so athletic.”
“So much more athletic than the crop when I came up. I see this business going in a really great direction.”
TMZSports.com
Booker also talked to us about his “WWE’s Most Wanted Treasures” show, which returns on Sunday, April 30, on A&E, saying he’s excited to work with fellow legends Mick Foley and Lita.