The world of professional wrestling is full of complex characters, each with their own unique blend of charm and charisma. But few characters have captured the hearts and minds of fans quite like John Bradshaw Layfield, commonly known as JBL. For over a decade, JBL patrolled the WWE’s upper echelons, doling out his signature brand of arrogance and condescension to anyone who dared to stand in his way. But in a recent episode of his “Something to Wrestle With” podcast, JBL revealed that his iconic character was not always destined to be the heel we all know and love.
According to JBL, his character could have easily been a babyface, with the WWE legend stating that the transition would have been seamless. This revelation has left many fans wondering what could have been and how the WWE universe would have been altered if JBL had chosen to walk the path of righteousness.
The Birth of a Character
When JBL first arrived in the WWE, he was already an established star in the industry, having spent several years honing his craft in various regional promotions. As he began to make a name for himself on the national stage, it became clear that he had a natural affinity for playing the heel role. His charisma, wit, and good looks made him the perfect candidate to play the villain, and he quickly fell into the role with ease.
But as JBL continued to grow and evolve as a character, he began to realize that there was more to him than just being a straightforward heel. He had a dry, witty sense of humor and a self-deprecating charm that could be used to great effect in a babyface role. According to sources close to JBL, he often joked about his own arrogance and condescension, often playing up the character’s more comedic aspects.
A Different Path
While JBL’s character was always geared towards being a heel, there were moments where he flirted with the idea of being a babyface. In the early 2000s, JBL was part of a faction known as the “Cousin” faction, which also included Lance Storm and Christian. During this time, JBL’s character took on a more nuanced tone, with him often finding himself at odds with his fellow members of the faction.
According to a WWE insider, JBL’s character during this time was more akin to a “tweener,” someone who walked the line between good and evil. This ambiguity allowed JBL to experiment with different aspects of his character, often playing up his more comedic and self-deprecating qualities.
A Look at the Alternate Reality
If JBL had chosen to pursue a babyface role, it’s likely that the WWE universe would have been altered in significant ways. For one, JBL’s character would have likely been used as a fan favorite to counterbalance the likes of Edge and Chris Jericho, who were already established heel leaders at the time.
As a result, JBL’s character would have likely taken on a more heroic tone, with him using his wit and charm to rally the fans against the villains of the WWE. This would have also allowed JBL to explore different aspects of his character, perhaps playing up his more comedic and self-deprecating qualities.
Conclusion
The revelation that JBL’s character could have easily been a babyface has left many fans wondering what could have been. While it’s impossible to know for certain how events would have unfolded, it’s clear that JBL’s character was always greater than just a straightforward heel. With his wit, charm, and self-deprecating sense of humor, JBL’s character had the potential to be a fan favorite, and it’s interesting to consider how the WWE universe would have been altered if he had chosen to pursue that path.
As JBL himself noted, the transition would have been seamless. And while we may never know for certain what could have been, one thing is clear: JBL’s character remains one of the most iconic and memorable in WWE history.