Simple thread idea, would anybody be interested in seeing JBL again on WWE tv. And if so in what capacity? A wrestler in an already flooded roster, or back on commentary? Personally I wouldn't mind seeing JBL in either position, I would love hearing him cutting an excellent promo, being WWE champ for maybe 2 or 3 months, dropping the title to a younger talent in doing so, putting him over, then commentary.
Would you want him back: JBL
- Thread starter SMKM
- Start date
The Dragon Saga
Whale in a Teardrop
John Bradshaw Layfield has stated many times he is done with wrestling. He is a shrewed businessman and knows that continuing to wrestle routinely would discourage the pretty good image he has made throughout the past decade. He'd barely enough in the tank to complete his final run as a wrestler, he has some back issues that irritate him and most importantly the man himself has stated so many times on Twitter that he has nothing left to accomplish. He could return down the line for the odd match here or there, but never full-time, it's not going to happen.
As a commentator, again he has said hes no interest. When he became a commentator on Smackdown he had years remaining on his contract and hence the switch in roles, from wrestler to announcer. WWE could have either paid him to sit at home on his rear or use him in some capacity, he had a good, opinionated character and that fit well onto the commentary table.
As an on-air personality, it has been discussed several times and last week when the intern released his diary of working with the WWE Creative Team, he was the original idea for the Anonymous RAW General Manager, but they scrapped it. I'd like to see him as an authority figure, I't'd make sense, he'd be welcomed back, due to his absence his character would be fresh, great talker on the microphone so he'd add charisma and It'd be interesting storyline wise who he'd feud with. But alas, Laurinaitis is a heat magnet at this point and chances of him leaving in the near future and slim to nothing.
As a commentator, again he has said hes no interest. When he became a commentator on Smackdown he had years remaining on his contract and hence the switch in roles, from wrestler to announcer. WWE could have either paid him to sit at home on his rear or use him in some capacity, he had a good, opinionated character and that fit well onto the commentary table.
As an on-air personality, it has been discussed several times and last week when the intern released his diary of working with the WWE Creative Team, he was the original idea for the Anonymous RAW General Manager, but they scrapped it. I'd like to see him as an authority figure, I't'd make sense, he'd be welcomed back, due to his absence his character would be fresh, great talker on the microphone so he'd add charisma and It'd be interesting storyline wise who he'd feud with. But alas, Laurinaitis is a heat magnet at this point and chances of him leaving in the near future and slim to nothing.
Flooded roster? Big show cut a 15 minute promo tonight and Kane is going to get a WWE title match on a PPV.
I wouldn't wanna see JBL back in the ring, but he was one of the greatest on the mic.
As for what role he could play, I think it's tricky. The WWE already has a heel commentator, and JBL draws so much heat, he would easily overshadow anyone he managed.
I wouldn't wanna see JBL back in the ring, but he was one of the greatest on the mic.
As for what role he could play, I think it's tricky. The WWE already has a heel commentator, and JBL draws so much heat, he would easily overshadow anyone he managed.
Yes, but I would only enjoy him as GM/Commentator as he was always stronger out of the ring then in it. As GM he would IMO be better then Big Johnny and given time could draw heat that would rival the current leader of people power. Though like other people have said I doubt he would have interest but as the saying goes "anything can happen in wrestling" and for our sake I hope it holds true.
I wouldn't mind seeing him back as he's a big guy, was always pretty brutal in the ring and alot of the newer guys are leaner and are selling big hits like champs, or getting crushed, one of the two. But i'd only like to see him back if he was fully committed and got himself in shape, not like his last flabtastic run.
He could make things somewhat more interesting but he isn't needed and I do not think for a second he will come back at all other than maybe a one off appearance hitting a clothesline from hell for old times sake down the line.
He could make things somewhat more interesting but he isn't needed and I do not think for a second he will come back at all other than maybe a one off appearance hitting a clothesline from hell for old times sake down the line.
attackgypsy
Dark Match Winner
JBL is far too busy these days. He's in training to climb all 7 of the world's highest mountains for his kid's charity.
(I could be a little off on that, but I know for sure he's in training. He talks about it all the time on his FB entries.)
I would LOVE to see him do commentary though. He'd be incredible, especially with his wealth of knowledge. He keeps up on the product constantly, even though he's retired.
(I could be a little off on that, but I know for sure he's in training. He talks about it all the time on his FB entries.)
I would LOVE to see him do commentary though. He'd be incredible, especially with his wealth of knowledge. He keeps up on the product constantly, even though he's retired.
JBL was looking out of ring shape by the end of his career. He's getting on and asking him to wrestle regularly would be too much. If he came back as a commentator or a manager, a role I reckon he would be really good in, I'd have no problem with it.
However as others have mentioned I don't think he's interested.
However as others have mentioned I don't think he's interested.
I dont think I would like to see in as an active wrestler. Maybe for one quick rivalry but that's it.
I would like to see him as either a Manager or GM.
As a manager, I would just like to see how it works out. I dont want him to be Alberto's manager like many say, I'm thinking someone like Jack Swagger.
As a GM, it would have to be after Johnny's run because they are in many ways, very alike in character.
I would like to see him as either a Manager or GM.
As a manager, I would just like to see how it works out. I dont want him to be Alberto's manager like many say, I'm thinking someone like Jack Swagger.
As a GM, it would have to be after Johnny's run because they are in many ways, very alike in character.
I would love to see JBL as a "consultant" for a young tag team. When Beer Money first came out in TNA, I always thought JBL would be the perfect manager for them if WWE was to ever pick them up. Love him or hate him, the guy is good on the mic and can get some good heat. As a wrestler, I have no interest he would only take a spot away from a young guy who deserves it.
If he could come back for one more run and a last feud it could either be to pass the torch to Alberto Del Rio, and del Rio can learn a lot from him, or manage someone who's on the rise, like Barret, it could definintly help Barret's career, since both of them are blue collar guys, i think they can work great together, or feud with someone that needs a push.......
JBL coming back would be a great idea, but only if he did so as a manager or announcer. He could have made a great GM, but Johnny obviously has that taken care of. If a heel who sucks at promos needs to get over, bring back JBL to be his manager and he will be hated by most fans in no time. His time as a heel announcer wasn't bad. If they insist on having heel announcers then get rid of Michael Cole, make Matthews the main announcer, and add JBL as the heel analyst.
He should not return to the ring full time though. JBL was really only good at promos and I do not miss his matches. An interesting angle could be him against Del Rio, although one of them would have to turn face. Alberto as a face? That might be weird. There really aren't many other feuds he could do that would be worth bringing him back as a wrestler. However.... If they need another GM, another heel announcer, or more managers, then he is one of the first guys they should be bringing back because he was one of the best heels on the mic. JBL would still be useful in any of those roles.
He should not return to the ring full time though. JBL was really only good at promos and I do not miss his matches. An interesting angle could be him against Del Rio, although one of them would have to turn face. Alberto as a face? That might be weird. There really aren't many other feuds he could do that would be worth bringing him back as a wrestler. However.... If they need another GM, another heel announcer, or more managers, then he is one of the first guys they should be bringing back because he was one of the best heels on the mic. JBL would still be useful in any of those roles.
JBL was simply fantastic on the mic. When he really took off with the rich rancher gimmick he was great. That was a great title run he had and he was the perfect champion to put Cena over for his first world championship.
JBL's second run was not nearly as good, but his program with Michaels (while completely unbelievable) was really well done.
I do not mind him in the ring either, but he has stated time and time again that he does not want to make a return trip to the WWE, so if he does not want to be in the ring, there is no reason to put him in there.
If they could figure out a way to get him back around though, either as a wrestler or a commentator, I would not mind.
Hell, have him feud with ADR and fight over who gets to drive their car out since there really is only room for one.
JBL's second run was not nearly as good, but his program with Michaels (while completely unbelievable) was really well done.
I do not mind him in the ring either, but he has stated time and time again that he does not want to make a return trip to the WWE, so if he does not want to be in the ring, there is no reason to put him in there.
If they could figure out a way to get him back around though, either as a wrestler or a commentator, I would not mind.
Hell, have him feud with ADR and fight over who gets to drive their car out since there really is only room for one.
Aquaman6686
Mid-Card Championship Winner
JBL is a fantastic color commentator, I'd love to see him in that role again, but I also would like to see him have one final match.
Owen 3:16 says I just stole your Slammy!!
Pre-Show Stalwart
I would not bring him back as a wrestler cause he will take some shine off the younger guys. But, I'll bring back as an announcer. He has the skills to talk on the mic.
TheChosenOne10
Pre-Show Stalwart
Would want him back 100%. He isn't in wrestling shape anymore towards the end of his run he didn't look good. Id like him back preferably on commentary, the guy was great. He could also be a good manager in a role that Abraham Washington is in now except actually have some importance.
Cena's #1 In My Heart
Getting Noticed By Management
OK!!! HOW PIMP WOULD IT BE IF...... JBL came riding out in his white horned limo each week... with a tag team or stable!!!!!
You know JBL.. the rich guy.. just rolling out in his limo with his crew. I think he'd be a great manager. I don't really get what the wwe sees in Vickie managing Jack and Dolph.. kind of an odd pairing that has lasted way to long?
I'd like to see JBL back as a wrestler.. if he was in shape and could handle it. I'd like to see him back as a commentator if he would replace Cole. I'd like to see him in a GM Role if Johnny Laurintis gets his propper wrap up. But mostly I'd like to see John Bradshaw Layfield be the money behind a stable.
Anyone want to throw some names out there who would be good for riding in JBLs limo?
You know JBL.. the rich guy.. just rolling out in his limo with his crew. I think he'd be a great manager. I don't really get what the wwe sees in Vickie managing Jack and Dolph.. kind of an odd pairing that has lasted way to long?
I'd like to see JBL back as a wrestler.. if he was in shape and could handle it. I'd like to see him back as a commentator if he would replace Cole. I'd like to see him in a GM Role if Johnny Laurintis gets his propper wrap up. But mostly I'd like to see John Bradshaw Layfield be the money behind a stable.
Anyone want to throw some names out there who would be good for riding in JBLs limo?
whoopin' ass
Championship Contender
sorry but i couldn't care less about JBL. i found him to be overhyped and lacking in talent. it was one thing when he was Bradshaw and in the APA but i never could figure out why he was made champ. i don't see a spot for him in wwe today.
Personally I'd love to see JBL come back in a capacity to help struggling younger talent get over..
Picture a new stable with an Evolution type format: legend, current main eventer, future main eventer(s).
JBL could be the stable's legend/figurehead.
Alberto Del Rio (assuming he can stay relevant) can attempt to fill HHH-like main event spot on the stable roster.
Ted Diabese could be one, if not the only, future main eventer.
They could play off the Occupy Wall Street 1% theme and have this unapologetic approach towards their wealth. It might be a lil dated considering the Occupy movement had tremendous momentum (in terms of coverage) just under a year ago... it can still be milked if done right.
ADR sucks at promos and can't hold an entertaining match to save his life...
Ted Dibiase is a running joke with no punchline.. kind of a shame considering his talent.
A fourth member would help even things out... as it usually does with traditional stables. The tricky part would be finding a way to leverage JBL's starpower and silver tongue with a Rock-type of light schedule since it seems, according to interwebs anyway, he isn't interested in being part of the wrestling business on a fulltime basis.
This is all pure speculation, and some tidbits of a ridiculous fantasy thrown in there... but ya can't blame a wrestling fan for keeping his hopes up.
Picture a new stable with an Evolution type format: legend, current main eventer, future main eventer(s).
JBL could be the stable's legend/figurehead.
Alberto Del Rio (assuming he can stay relevant) can attempt to fill HHH-like main event spot on the stable roster.
Ted Diabese could be one, if not the only, future main eventer.
They could play off the Occupy Wall Street 1% theme and have this unapologetic approach towards their wealth. It might be a lil dated considering the Occupy movement had tremendous momentum (in terms of coverage) just under a year ago... it can still be milked if done right.
ADR sucks at promos and can't hold an entertaining match to save his life...
Ted Dibiase is a running joke with no punchline.. kind of a shame considering his talent.
A fourth member would help even things out... as it usually does with traditional stables. The tricky part would be finding a way to leverage JBL's starpower and silver tongue with a Rock-type of light schedule since it seems, according to interwebs anyway, he isn't interested in being part of the wrestling business on a fulltime basis.
This is all pure speculation, and some tidbits of a ridiculous fantasy thrown in there... but ya can't blame a wrestling fan for keeping his hopes up.
Notorious718
...
I've never been a big fan of JBL as a wrestler but I always found him entertaining on the mic. So I have minimal interest in seeing him compete as an active member of the roster. I would like to see him back on television though. Maybe as a manager or (preferably) on commentary. I absolutely enjoyed his work back when he was color commentator on Smackdown a number of years back. He was hilarious and was also good at calling play by play for matches as well. If he were to come back, I'd love to see it happen from behind the commentary table. At this stage, I think he's best utilized a way that doesn't have him compete in the ring often if ever.
lowandmighty
lowandmightyer
I'd love to see him back and win the wwe championship again and see him go on another ridiculously long title run with each defence a more shocking and stupid way of cheating than the last and see him come out every week and brag about it.
I don't care if he takes the spot of one of the young guys, I'm not a fan of any of them anyway. Especially daniel bryan who's hands down the most lame on the mic and worst and least believable wrestler in the history of wwe. People who win titles shouldn't look like or sound like daniel bryan its embarrassing.
I don't care if he takes the spot of one of the young guys, I'm not a fan of any of them anyway. Especially daniel bryan who's hands down the most lame on the mic and worst and least believable wrestler in the history of wwe. People who win titles shouldn't look like or sound like daniel bryan its embarrassing.
