GARY – WWE wrestler Robert “Booker T” Huffman gave up shoulder blocks and headlocks Saturday as he surrendered to the love of a hometown girl at St. Timothy Community Church.
Gary native Sharmell Sullivan exchanged vows with Huffman as church pastor the Rev. Robert Lowery urged Booker, 39, to give her more than a ring.
“A ring can be taken off, devalued. The most precious thing you can give is yourself,” Lowery said.
The two took communion together while kneeling before the altar after saying traditional vows.
Sullivan, who wore an off-the-shoulder white gown and floor-length veil, graduated valedictorian from Roosevelt High School in 1988.
She is a graduate of Spelman College and was crowned Miss Black America in 1991.
Sullivan, 33, also once wrestled under the pseudonyms of “Paisley” and “Storm” from the Nitro Girls. Former Nitro Girl Chae An was also on hand as a bridesmaid.
Lowery teasingly told the audience that Booker T. “flinched” in anticipation when he saw the chapel doors open to admit Sharmell.
“You thought ‘Oh God, She’s coming to me,'” Lowery said as the wrestler chuckled.
Lowery said now the two will share burdens and joys and must be willing to die for one another.
Huffman, who joined the professional wrestling world in 1989, has been seen on “Raw” and “Smackdown.”
The couple will reside in Texas.
