How WWE Hall Of Famer Pitched Iconic Character To Vince McMahon

WWE Hall of Famer JBL shared how his iconic heel persona came to life, shedding light on the crucial role Vince McMahon played in the transformation.

Speaking on the Something to Wrestle podcast, Bradshaw revealed that he had pitched the idea for his “JBL” character to WWE Chairman Vince McMahon years before it came to fruition.

I know I pitched Vince the idea a couple of years before.

He recalled, explaining how McMahon often took time to develop and approve new characters. He emphasised that the timing was everything when it came to finally launching his wealthy, brash character. WWE was facing a shortage of main-event heels due to a series of injuries to key stars like Kurt Angle and Big Show. With a need for a top antagonist to feud with then-champion Eddie Guerrero, McMahon seized the moment to bring Bradshaw’s vision to life.

Vince was the one that gave me the call and he goes, ‘Got an idea for a character, JBL.’

McMahon saw the potential in the wealthy, arrogant businessman character, which was ideal as a foil to Guerrero’s beloved underdog persona. McMahon’s enthusiasm for the JBL character was so strong that Bradshaw believes it mirrored aspects of McMahon’s own personality.

Vince loved the character, I always thought Vince saw me as what he would be if he could get into the ring. I always thought my character was what he would be if he was a wrestler full-time.

JBL’s portrayal of a corporate villain soon became a cornerstone of WWE programming, with fans and critics noting the resemblance to McMahon’s own larger-than-life corporate persona.

Which Major WWE Event Does JBL Want To See Logan And Jake Paul At?

JBL spoke about how he’d love to see both the Paul brothers at a major WWE event and said that he’d want to see Logan and Jake Paul at WrestleMania. Bradshaw said that due to the wide appeal of the brothers, it would be good business to have them both at WrestleMania.

H/t to ITRWrestling.com