The WWE Universe is no stranger to the pompous and self-absorbed persona of John Bradshaw Layfield, affectionately known as JBL. His character, which dominated the wrestling scene in the mid to late 2000s, was a masterclass in heel work, earning him a reputation as one of the most effective villains of his era. In a recent episode of his ‘Something to Wrestle With’ podcast, JBL delved into the backstory of the JBL character, revealing that it could have easily transitioned to a heroic persona.
A Character Born Out of Necessity
JBL’s wrestling career, spanning over two decades, saw him transition through various personas, each one leaving an indelible mark on the WWE. However, it was his stint as JBL, which began in 2004, that cemented his status as a wrestling icon. The character, a wealthy Texan with a penchant for fine wine and a condescending attitude, was a perfect foil to the then-wrestling world’s top stars.
According to JBL, the character was born out of a desire to differentiate himself from his earlier personas. “At the time, I was feeling a bit stale, and I wanted to reinvent myself,” JBL explained. “I drew inspiration from the wealthy, arrogant characters I’d seen in movies and TV shows. I thought, ‘Why not me?’ I mean, who wouldn’t want to play a character that’s a mix of Donald Trump and a Texas cowboy?”
The Art of Playing a Heel
JBL’s portrayal of the JBL character was nothing short of brilliant, with his ability to blend arrogance with a hint of vulnerability making him a compelling adversary in the ring. His feuds with wrestlers like Batista, The Undertaker, and even John Cena, were some of the most memorable of the era.
However, as JBL discussed on his podcast, the key to playing a heel effectively lies not just in the character itself but in the ability to make the audience hate you. “It’s not just about being mean-spirited or condescending,” JBL said. “It’s about making the audience believe that you’re better than them. You have to have that air of superiority, that sense of entitlement. And, of course, a healthy dose of arrogance doesn’t hurt either.”
Could JBL Have Been a Babyface?
In a shocking revelation, JBL revealed that the JBL character could have easily transitioned to a heroic persona. “No, he could have been a face. Easy,” JBL said. “I believe, in today’s world, people would have eaten that up. The character’s flaws, his vulnerabilities, his sense of humor – all of it could have been played up to make him a lovable, everyman character.”
This revelation has sparked debate among wrestling fans, with some arguing that JBL’s character would have lost its edge as a babyface. However, JBL’s assertion that the character could have worked as a hero speaks to the versatility of the persona and the ease with which JBL could have adapted to the role.
The Evolution of JBL
As the years went by, JBL’s character evolved, and he began to shed his heel persona. His transition to a more neutral, color commentator role marked a new chapter in his WWE career, one that allowed him to maintain a level of familiarity with fans while also giving him the freedom to explore new aspects of his personality.
While JBL’s foray into the world of commentary was met with mixed reviews, it marked an important step in his evolution as a performer. “I think it’s fair to say that I was a bit of a relic of the past,” JBL admitted. “But I’ve always been open to change and willing to adapt. I knew that my time in the ring was limited, and I wanted to find ways to stay relevant.”
Conclusion
John Bradshaw Layfield’s JBL character remains one of the most iconic heel personas in WWE history. His ability to blend charisma with arrogance, coupled with his uncanny ability to connect with audiences, made him a force to be reckoned with. While JBL may have never intended for the character to be a hero, his assertion that it could have worked as a babyface speaks to the versatility of the persona and the ease with which JBL could have adapted to the role.
As JBL continues to explore new avenues in the world of wrestling, one thing is clear: the JBL character will always be remembered as a masterclass in heel work, a testament to JBL’s enduring legacy in the world of professional wrestling.
Backstage Quote
“We were always looking for ways to push JBL to new heights,” revealed a WWE insider. “One idea we explored was having him turn face, but JBL was adamant that the character wouldn’t work as a hero. He was convinced that his arrogance and condescending attitude would always be at the forefront of the character, and that it would be difficult to make him likable to the audience. Of course, we now know that he was wrong, but at the time, it was a valid concern.”