John Bradshaw Layfield, better known as JBL, was one of the most hated heels in WWE history. His ability to garner genuine heat from the crowd was unmatched, and it often spilled over into real-life animosity towards him.
In a recent tweet, JBL revealed that his intense feud with Eddie Guerrero in 2004 led to WWE providing him with extra security due to fears for his safety.
The incident in question occurred at a live event just days before Judgment Day 2004, where JBL attacked Eddie Guerrero in his hometown, going so far as to put his hands on Eddie’s mother, giving her a heart attack in storyline.
The crowd was enraged, and WWE officials were concerned that JBL might be physically harmed by angry fans. As JBL himself tweeted,
“I had to have extra security everywhere after this, lol. I think WWE was worried I’d be shot or stabbed and wouldn’t make the Staples Center.”
JBL’s heel persona was so convincing that it blurred the lines between reality and fiction. Fans genuinely despised him, and his actions sparked outrage and anger.
It’s a testament to his skill as a performer that he could elicit such strong emotions from the crowd. Despite the danger posed to him, JBL continued to thrive as a top heel, eventually winning the WWE Championship from Eddie Guerrero and holding onto it for over nine months.
During his title reign, JBL faced off against some of the biggest stars in the WWE, including The Undertaker, Booker T, Kurt Angle, and Big Show.
He finally lost the title to John Cena at WrestleMania 21, but his legacy as one of the greatest heels in pro wrestling history was cemented.
JBL’s brush with danger serves as a reminder of the risks involved in being a professional wrestler. The physical toll of performing high-impact stunts and taking bumps is well-documented, but the emotional toll of playing a hated character should not be overlooked.
JBL’s willingness to push the envelope and embrace his role as a villain made him a legend in sports entertainment.
