Success, Bust or In-Between: John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL)

[It's Damn Real!]

With a relative success rate for these in the TNA section, I figure it can't hurt to try an expansion into a larger market with the WWE/F.

Just as was done with the series in the TNA section, former talents of the company will be critiqued (by you) regarding their work in said company. You can vote them either a success, a bust or in-between if you don't feel they deserve either extreme.

In addition to your vote, I'd like to know why you feel the way you do. Why was this particular charater a succes, a bust or in-between?

Next in the series is John "Bradshaw" Layfield.

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John "Bradshaw" Layfield
Years with WWE/F: 13 (1996–2009)
Number of titles runs: WWE Championship (x1), WWE Hardcore Championship (x17), WWE Intercontinental Championship (x1), WWE United States Championship (x5), WWF European Championship (x2), WWF Tag Team Championship (x3)

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Notable Feuds:
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• Savio Vega (1996)
• Jeff Jarrett (1998)
• Vader (1998)
• Ken Shamrock/The Corporation via The Ministry of Darkness (1998)
• Kane & X-Pac via The Acolytes (1999)
• The Hardy Boyz via The Acolytes (1999)
• New Age Outlaws via APA (2000)
• Edge & Christian (2000)
• Dudley Boyz (2001)
• DDP & Chris Kanyon (2001)
• Steven Richards, Shawn Stasiak, Raven, Big Show, Crash Holly and Tommy Dreamer (2002)
• The Basham Brothers via APA (2003)
• The World's Greatest Tag Team via APA (2003)
• Eddie Guerrero (2004)
• The Undertaker (2004)
• Booker T (2004)
• Kurt Angle/Big Show (2004)
• John Cena (2004/05)
• Batista (2005)
• Rey Mysterio (2005)
• The Boogeyman (2006)
• Bobby Lashley (2006)
• Rey Mysterio (2006)
• Chris Jericho (2007/08)
• Fit Finlay (2008)
• John Cena (2008)
• CM Punk (2008)
• Shawn Michaels (2008/09)

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Other Accomplishments:
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• Debuted in the WWF/E as Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw in 1996 in which he "branded" his opponents with the initials "JB" after beating them.
• Formed a tag team with Barry Windham called The New Blackjacks.
• Was an original member of The Acolytes/APA with Faarooq.
• Was the tenth Grand Slam Champion in WWF/E history.
• Was the twentieth Triple Crown Champion in WWF/E history.
• Was the founding member of The Cabienet (Orlando Jordan, Doug & Danny Basham, Amy Weber
• Was the longest-reigining WWE Champion in 2004/05 (280 days).
• Was an original member in a feud with ECW as an anti-ECW "crusader".
• Replaced Taz(z)'s place as the color commentator for SmackDown! in 2006.
• Retired from the WWF/E in 2009 following a loss to Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania XXV in which he lost in 21 seconds.
• Is a regular analyst/contributor to the Fox News Channel.
• Successfully launched his own energy drink company called MamaJuana Energy in 2008.
• Owns his own energy company called Layfield Energy.

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Previous Polls:
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• Mr. Kennedy – 47.37% In-Between, 31.58% Bust, 21.05% Success
• Shelton Benjamin – 49.25% In-Between, 31.34% Bust, 19.40% Success
• Jeff Hardy – 75.00% Success, 16.25% In-Between, 8.75% Bust
• Mickie James – 93.22% Success, 5.08% In-Between, 1.69% Bust
• Charlie Haas – 75.68% Bust, 21.62% In-Between, 2.70% Success
• John "Bradshaw" Layfield – In Progress

 

[Ferbian]

JBL has done enough to contribute to the business of WWE, having held numerous championships, but he never really broke through in a big manner, sure he held the WWE championship for a long period on Smackdown, but it was in a period where there weren't many true talents around on Smackdown because of injuries etc.

JBL has had some pretty decent feuds, some good storylines, a crappy goodbye really but a goodbye at Wrestlemania at least, JBL wasn't a bust, he wasn't a great success neither, so it's obvious, JBL is an in-betweener.

 

[maar130]

The guy was a success, from his personal acomplishments he did have a lot title runs on every category, He was considered a main eventer at a time (even if there were not many at the time in his brand) and from there he never came back to be unused or even released, after he drop the title he participated in several storylines that got plenty of TV time and even if his goodbye was a little crappy, how many wrestlers face or heel have the opportunity to retire at a Wrestlemania?

As an individual the guy should be proud, he acomplished a lot during his tenure, maybe he was not the most popular wrestler around but he was one of those who you love to hate, by wrestling ability or his mick work, it actually worked.

He was way more annoying than Santino Marella but with the exception of JBL meanning to be annoying.

 

[Post]

I went with success.

If it were just to be his singles career and tag team run, I'd say in-between. The WWE title helps a lot...

He started in the WWE as Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw. This character was completely FORGETABLE...the only this I remember is that he had a manager named Uncle Zebekiah.

He was good w/ Ron Simmons in the APA...won 3 tag team titles...not enough to be considered a success here.

He run in mid 2000's almost gets him there...US champ, IC Champ, WWE Champ. Great stuff.

His work as a commentator gets him there. I always enjoyed his spin on things and his heel perspective. JBL has a wonderful way with words, that's talent.

 

[ccotreau1]

I voted him as a success because of the # of championships he held, and when he started with the APA and then his singles push thereafter, his character created the right emotion for what he was striving for. Whether he was an ass kicker with the APA or being an egotistical self made millionaire, he took the character and ran with it and I thoroughly enjoyed his character because as much heat as he created, I always wanted to see where he would go next.

 

[foundation611]

Considering where he started to where he ended up as far as being a long reigning heel WWE champ he's definitely a success. Great on the mic and able to generate major heat. Where do you get 5 US title reigns? He only had 1 of those.

 

[Window Licker 101]

Definitely a success. If I told you back in 1996 that Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw would be a world champion in 10 years you'd probably ask me what I was smoking. This guy was a top heel and held the WWE Championship for one of the longest reigns in the recent memory. Not to forgot he was an amazing commentator too! The guy was basically an all round success. He made one of the biggest gimmick changes and look where it got him....Success for sure.

 

[The Deadly Viper]

I'm going with success. I mean look who many championships he held. Also he is so far the longest ever reigning WWE champ. How can you say he's not a success. He was an immense mic worker, and everyone could actually boo him. He did a great job both in singles and tag team too. JBL= Success

 

[Ruthless-RKO]

John "Bradshaw" Layfield
Years with WWE/F: 13 (1996–2009)
Number of titles runs: WWE Championship (x1), WWE Hardcore Championship (x17), WWE Intercontinental Championship (x7), WWE United States Championship (x5), WWF European Championship (x2), WWF Tag Team Championship (x3)

I can't help but notice you have made a few errors here...you stated he is a 7 time Intercontinental Champion..he is only a 1 time IC champion....and for the United States title reigns..he has only one, when he beat Benoit at WM 22...

Back to the topic...a sure success...he was in the wwe for a long time...he was along reigning wwe champion, a great tag team with Farooq and also had a good gimmick, also 17 time hardcore champion..holy shit...

His best feud was probably with Cena..

 

[Ferbian]

JBL has held a lot of championships, but still considering the fact that the only memorable thing he really accomplished while holding those championships is the WWE championship, which he held once, and never regained, he's been a career mid-carder (upper mid-carder most likely) and while he's accomplished a lot, the fact that he could've accomplished more, in the main event scene to say the least, but never regained the position, in my opinion keeps him in the in-between although as I already stated (just making it a non-spam) but it's close to being a success, all he needed was to re-grace the world championship around his waist, but he never did, so..

Edit: Erh, way to go Wikipedia.. I removed the spoiler part, cause Wikipedia obviously screwed the facts, stop ruining IDR's threads Wikipedia..

 

[RatedRPiedmont]

I have always said that i thought JBL was by far the best heel in the last 10 years. Now, not everybody will agree with me, but think about it.

Have you ever heard one person cheer for him? No. Even the best heels got cheered by a few people when they were doing the worst things possible. JBL always got heat from everybody.

He had one of the best WWE Championship reigns in recent memory. Nobody has played a heel champ better then JBL since his 10 month reign. I was actually upset when he retired and i hope we see more of him.

 

[XgringolocoX]

I voted success. Bradshaw came up through the ranks and made it to the top. I absolutely LOVED his JBL heel run and title reign. JBL was great on the stick and I was sad to see him stop color commentary. I think this character would have been off the charts had it gone toe to toe with Austin in his heyday. GREAT SUCCESS!!!

 

[bigbootydaddyV]

i have never been big on JBL... i think he was a terrible heel who was boring to watch and listen to. However, early on in his career as a mid carder he wasn't as bad. justin bradshaw was pretty cool and looked more like a wrestler... and i had high hopes for the new blackjacks... and the APA as the protection agency were bad ass... but one ron simmons left and he turned into JBL i realized this guy was only good as a partner not a main eventer or even someone who should be a singles competitor. I put him as in between because his tag work was great as was his earlier personas... but as JBL i felt he was only in the position due to lack of options and i wouldn't be surprised if ratings dipped because of it

 

[The Ram]

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John "Bradshaw" Layfield
Years with WWE/F: 13 (1996–2009)
Number of titles runs: WWE Championship (x1), WWE Hardcore Championship (x17), WWE Intercontinental Championship (x1), WWE United States Championship (x5), WWF European Championship (x2), WWF Tag Team Championship (x3)

QUOTE]
John Bradshaw Layfield was a 1 time united states champions and a 1 time European champion.

John Bradshaw Layfield is definetly a succes. He was a great commentator a heel one at that. He was great in the tag team division with Ron Simmons. He was great on the mic, and he also had a great singles career. He was a great heel who got alot of heel heat and he is one of my all time favorite superstar but not for his in ring work but for his character. He also had a stable wich was pretty good. It was called the cabinet and I was surprised that it was not listed as one of his accomplishments. He had alot of great fueds with people such as Chris Jericho and John Cena. I can't really say if he had a hall of fame career but i do know that he had a great career with his time in the place known as the WWE.

 

[thrilla11]

JBL was with the company for 13 years and held numerous championships. The credentials speak for themselves.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Layfield

WWE Championship (1 time)
WWE Hardcore Championship (17 times)
WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time)
WWE United States Championship (5 time)
WWF European Championship (2 time)
WWF Tag Team Championship (3 times)– with Faarooq
Tenth Grand Slam Champion
Twentieth Triple Crown Champion

John "Bradshaw" Layfield may not have been the big card draw or was a person that you wanted to see when you flipped on the TV but JBL was a mainstay with the WWE and was a crucial part of the company for many years. His last few years with the company were the high points of his career but that doesn't mean that he was any less of a success.

On Smackdown, he held the WWE Championship for a record 280 days. Anyone who is able to hold one of, if not the most, prestigious Championship on any organization for that long of a period cannot be considered anything less than a success. I understand that he didn't feud with the best opponents during that reign but he still beat and retained his championship multiple times during those encounters.

The fact that JBL is also a Triple Crown Champion means that he was a success in the WWE. If you look at the wrestlers who have achieved that accomplishment, many of them are legends and hall of famers. Only two, CM Punk and Jeff Hardy, probably do not belong to that list of legends. That is only because Punk's career is barely starting in the WWE and people are still very divided with Jeff Hardy. Other than those two, Triple Crown Champions include the likes of The Rock, Steve Austin and Bret Hart; who are all champions, leaders, hall of famers and successful former employees of the WWE.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_Crown_Championship

He may not have been the "Wrestling God" that he proclaimed himself to be but during his time in the WWE, he was a wrestling success.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

Overall, I think I'm going to have to go with In-Between here. I know that JBL won a pretty good amount of titles over the course of his time with the WWE but most of those reigns were entirely forgettable. There were times in which he literally spent years doing practically nothing, or at least nothing memorable, in the WWE.

The tag title reigns of the Acolytes weren't really all that memorable. They had 3 reigns with a combined total of 79 days and that's just not something that impresses me all that much. But hey, they did have the titles so that is going to count for something.

When Bradshaw adopted the JBL gimmick, that's really when he became a star in my eyes. It was a unique gimmick, he showed he had great skills on the mic and he actually had charisma. His 10.5 month run as WWE Champion is still among the longest runs with the title in the past 20+ years. Retiring from the ring and becoming a commentator is something that I think hurt his overall legacy as the JBL character was only around for a few years as a wrestler. He was entertaining as a commentator a lot of the time but I think his attempt at a comeback was a flop.

So, overall, I'm saying In-Between.

 

[JJohns]

Crap.....I hit the wrong button......the vote that I wanted to make was success. Like everyone else said, he did a lot in wrestling, he started down low and really built his way to success. He had a nice LONG championship run when he won the title, and when he finally dropped it, it was to an up and comer that could have used the belt more than he.

He never had a point where, even when the fans hated him, he went out and not busted his ass in the ring, and he garnered a lot of respect for that. As far as what he did to guys that didn't "pay their dues", that can't be figured into whether or not he was a success or not.

Even his last match was a title match.

JBL was THE best heel during his time, which is saying something because on the other show, Triple H was holding court.

 

[greg_74]

I said success based off his time in the APA and his long run as WWE Champion and his time following that. I agree that the long title run helps a lot.

 

[Little Jerry Lawler]

I consider "JBL" to be the gimmick from 2004-2009 and not his whole career. I was amazed at how quick they did the transformation and he and Eddie Guerrero had some of the greatest matches that year. He was great on the mic and he was the quintessential heel. His stable helped him to win matches and maybe working mostly gimmick matches works against him but it doesn't for me. He had numerous victories over Angle, Guerrero, Booker T, Undertaker, and the Big Show. Midway through 2004, I could tell that Cena was being groomed to take the belt in 2005 and JBL was the perfect person to take it from. He was decent as a color commentator and if he hadn't decided to un-retire I believe he would still be one to this day. For all these reasons, JBL was a success.

 

[Big Sexy]

I went with in between. Despite the success he had championship wise, nothing about him wowed me. He was solid on the mic but not spectacular. Solid in the ring, but never put on many great matches. He was a solid heel , but I've seen much better. And all of his championship reigns were forgettable.

He was more of a right place, right time guy. Brock Lesnar had just left the WWE and John Cena wasn't quite ready to be the heavyweight champion so they gave it to the one heel on the roster they believed people hated the most and could still be a credible champion. JBL fit the bill and was given a run. Not a bust but I wouldn't exactly consider him a success either.

 

[Mr_billy]

He won the big one, that automatically makes you a success. The APA was a lot of favorite peoples tag teams for a good 5 years even when they were jobbing, people still loved them. He was a serviceable commentator and Cole should take notes from him. He made people hate him, and isn't that the job of any great heel. U especially loved the him and HBK story line, which might be one of my favorites of all time. His Feud with Benoit was fun, the technician verses the Big Bully was fun to watch as much as his Feud with Guererro.

 

[mister_b1LL]

Success. But I would've never said that until he left. It really wasn't until he left the WWE that I realized how much of an asset he was to the company. I do think JBL could get it done in the ring, I've known that since I started watching wrestling. Plus he has won a World Championship. His commentating was amazing on Smackdown and was half the fun of watching SD. But even with all that, he never really stuck out in my mind as an important part of the WWE until he left. I looked back at all the things he did for the WWE and realized there is a big hole to fill. JBL was one of the best heels in recent memory. People genuinely hated this guy. These days even the heels are being cheered, save for Vickie Guerrero (who doesn't wrestle) and Jack Swagger (who doesn't get nearly enough heat like JBL did). But I'm hopeful we can have someone we can always hate on. JBL, great success, and I look forward to the next money making heel.

 

[The Man Of 1004 Holds]

100% yes he was good in tag team wrestling built up to the main event by taking brocks place which was big boots to fill and was a success. very good heel and at the time the longest reining world champ on smackdown. the list of names he has feuded with is an amazing list of stars and he was the guy to put john cena over to the main event. not many people would have expected it but JBL was a suprise sucess

 

[GameOver]

Very big success in the end. His start was very ordinary and didn't really kick off til he dumped the Justin Hawk Bradshaw/New Blackjacks gimick and joined with Ron Simmons to form the APA.

As one half of APA not only did they look like 2 guys who could kick your ass, they were also really funny too. Simmons being the quiet one line guy, and JBL with his never ending "cheap plugs" history on people and places. Aslo the fact that they were a huge part of the attitude era on both the side of "good" and "evil"

Then we move onto JBL solo, at the time i truly could not stand him, I found him boring on the mic, and not too great in the ring, since they had him as a "wrestling God" who couldn't win to save his life. However the flipside of that of being (better to be lucky then good) worked.

Atleast in the history books he'd go down in the top 5 of each title as having the longest title reigns for both the US and WWE Title, holding both for near 10 months continuous. and definately kept people coming back to Smackdown to hopefully see him lose, and ratings for Smackdown sored during that time that IMO is a huge success.

Also looking back now compared to what we have at the announce table now, JBL was the star of the team between JBL and Cole.

Once again, considering what he worked with i call JBL a Success in the end.

 

[CuddleBuns84]

He was an alright face. Then Paul Heyman on screen fires Farooq, and JBL is born. He had that Texas cockiness that really pushed as a heel. His mic work got better and better everything you saw him. He was very smart financial as well. Hence the fact he owns two profit making companies.

This was the crazy thing as well. He was making money as an investor back in the day. Before his push and what not. Another words, he really loved what his was doing. He really had a passion for it, because he didn't need to do that after a couple years of wrestling. However even when he was making big dollars outside of the ring, he still stuck with for a few more years.

I voted success. To see someone transform himself from a lackey, to the million dollar heel that we all hate is something you have to respect.