The WWE roster has grown significantly, making it difficult for all wrestlers to secure consistent television time. Amid this dynamic, John “Bradshaw” Layfield, known as JBL, recently shared why he stepped away from his role as a commentator for the organization.
JBL, a WWE Hall of Famer, transitioned smoothly from in-ring competition to commentary, where he worked alongside iconic figures like Michael Cole and Jerry “The King” Lawler. Over the years, JBL became a familiar voice on WWE programming. However, in 2017, the 58-year-old officially left his position as a full-time commentator. Since then, he has only made occasional guest appearances to lend his voice to select matches.
In a discussion on the Something To Wrestle With podcast, JBL opened up about the factors that led to his decision to step back from commentary. He cited the challenges of frequent travel as a significant reason. The demands of constant movement between events proved to be a substantial factor in his choice to prioritize other aspects of his life.
JBL also reflected on his current place in the WWE commentary landscape, expressing doubts about whether there is a suitable role for him today. He acknowledged that the commentary team has evolved since his departure, and it seems unlikely he will return to his former position anytime soon.
Despite stepping away from regular duties, JBL’s contributions as both a wrestler and commentator remain a memorable part of WWE’s history, and his sporadic appearances continue to delight fans.