JBL Recalls Accidentally Insulting Freddie Prinze Jr. When He Joined WWE

WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield has shared a humorous yet awkward story involving actor and former writer Freddie Prinze Jr., revealing how a nickname intended as a compliment was mistakenly taken as an insult.

Appearing on the Something to Wrestle podcast, JBL recalled his interactions with Prinze Jr., who joined WWE’s creative team in 2008 after a successful career in Hollywood. JBL, a fan of the Scooby-Doo franchise, inadvertently caused tension by repeatedly addressing Prinze Jr. with a nickname referencing his film role.

“When Freddie first came in, I’m a big fan of Scooby-Doo, and I called him ‘Scooby-Doo’ every time he came in,” JBL explained. “But I called him Scooby-Doo as a term of endearment. He later said, ‘That guy wouldn’t even give me the respect of my name,’ he thought I was just messing with him.”

Prinze Jr. portrayed Fred in the early 2000s Scooby-Doo live-action films, a role that left a lasting impression on fans, including JBL. However, the actor-turned-writer misinterpreted the nickname, believing it was a form of mockery rather than admiration.

JBL clarified there was no malice behind the nickname, saying it was meant in good fun and as a mark of his own appreciation for the franchise.

Freddie Prinze Jr. initially joined WWE’s creative team in mid-2008, contributing to storyline development and character arcs. He left the company in February 2009 but returned in 2010 to take on additional roles behind the scenes. His second stint lasted until 2012.

Why Did JBL Leave His WWE Commentary Role?

JBL spoke about why he decided to leave his role as a WWE commentator and said that it simply boiled down to the travel schedule being too demanding for him. He said that due to the fact that he was living in Bermuda at the time, it required at least two flights for him to reach the United States, and then to travel to the show he’d be commentating on.

If you use any of the quotes from this article, please credit the source with an h/t and link back to TJR Wrestling.net.