WWE Legend Admits He Retired Against His Will: “I Was Heartbroken”
A WWE legend has revealed the heartbreaking reality surrounding his retirement.
John Bradshaw Layfield is one of the few Grand Slam Champions in World Wrestling Entertainment and once held the record for serving as the longest WWE Champion (280 days).
Before he became JBL, he was known as Bradshaw, a heavy-hitter with a devastating clothesline, and was part of The Undertaker’s Ministry of Darkness.
He gained prominence after the formation of the Acolytes Protection Agency with his tag team partner Faarooq. The duo won the tag team titles thrice.
Bradshaw also had a promising singles career when he transitioned into an elite Texan businessman, going by JBL.
He retired after WrestleMania 25, yelling, “I quit,” after losing the Intercontinental Championship to Rey Mysterio in 21 seconds.
Since calling the curtains on his in-ring appearance, JBL has fulfilled various roles, including commentating during matches. He was recently a commentator at AAA TripleMania XXXIII.
JBL Says He Was Forced To Retire From WWE
The 58-year-old former WWE Champion appeared on the Something to Wrestle podcast, where he lifted the lid on his decision to retire from wrestling.
Absolutely heartbroken. 100% absolutely heartbroken. You know, I realized that was my last match, and I mean, I was heartbroken. That’s the only way to describe it. I just felt terrible. I didn’t even stay for the rest of the show… I remember coming out of the ring, and I didn’t really want to retire. I wanted to be in this business my entire life.
I loved being in the ring. It was so much fun being out there. And I realize now that it’s over. And I was sitting there, and I was talking to Rey [Mysterio], and Vince [McMahon] came back and hugged me and told me, ‘Thank you.’ I remember, I just got my bag and thought, ‘I’m just leaving.’ And “Oh, man, this sucks.” [1:37:52 onwards]
If it weren’t for JBL’s back issues, he might have wrestled longer in WWE.
Meanwhile, a former Hardcore Champion revealed beating up JBL at a baggage claim. Read what happened here.