Every Version Of JBL, Ranked From Worst To Best
John "Bradshaw" Layfield, or better known as JBL, is currently a retired professional wrestler and part time commentator for on air WWE shows. He began his wrestling career in the 1990's, however JBL is most notable for his time spent with the WWE. JBL joined the WWE in 1995 and made a hall of fame career during his years spent with the promotion.
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JBL would become an integral member of multiple factions and would feud with some of the promotions biggest superstars. However, not every single gimmick that Layfield has played would have been worthy of the WWE Hall of Fame.
8 Justin Hawk Bradshaw
Layfield signed a contract with WWF in late 1995 and debuted as Justin Hawk Bradshaw in early 1996. His gimmick consisted of a rugged mountain man combined with a cowboy. During this time, Bradshaw had a manager named Uncle Zebakiah (Dutch Mantel).
Bradshaw surprisingly remained undefeated during his first three months with the promotion, but eventually lost his first bout to The Undertaker due to a disqualification. The gimmick fizzled out rather quickly and is typically forgotten about.
7 New Black Jacks
In 1997, Layfield rebranded himself with short jet black hair and a thick handle bar mustache. Layfield went on to join his on air cousin to form the tag team of the New Black Jacks. Unfortunately for Layfield, his air cousin could not stay healthy for any lengthy period of time, which led to the team disbanding before the 1997 year ended. Layfield performed as a single's star under the name Blackjack Bradshaw and occasionally would wrestle in the tag team division. By 1998, the gimmick had not gained enough tractions with fans leaving Layfield with another failed gimmick.
6 Ministry Of Darkness
After Layfield and Faarooq's tag team manager Jackyl had left the WWE, the pair joined the Undertaker's Ministry of Darkness faction. The move itself made sense as the duo was branded as a dark violent pair that often had vicious matches.
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The faction itself feuded with another on air faction, The Corporation, and during his time with the Ministry, Layfield often feuded with Ken Shamrock. However, due to a confusing story line that saw The Corporation and Ministry of Darkness join forces, Layfield was lost in the shuffle and faded to the background of the story line.
5 Acolytes Protection Agency
In 1998, Layfield joined forces with the former Nation of Domination leader Faarooq to create the Acolytes, managed by Jackyl. The team's gimmick was a dark pair that reached havoc on any opponent the team faced. The two would even become tag team champions at one point and would go on to become three time WWF Tag Team Champions during their run together.
However following Jackyl's departure and the disbanding of the Corporate Ministry, the two rebranded as cigar smoking-brawlers that absolutely love to fight. They also offered a protection service to Superstars looking for hired muscle, and as a result, they changed their name to the Acolytes Protection Agency, or APA. The two instantly became fan favorites and coined the term "because we need beer money." Layfield went on to capture his first singles title, the WWF European Championship, as well when he was a member of the Acolytes.
4 Texas Hardcore Champion
Following the brand expansion of 2002, the Acolytes Protection Agency would be split-up, leaving Layfield to be competing as a singles superstar on Monday Night Raw. Layfield's "Bradshaw" gimmick would be given an upgrade by having more emphasis on the wrestler's Texas roots. He began his new gimmick by aiding Steve Austin and briefly feuding with Scott Hall.
Layfield later went on to join the hardcore division where he captured his first hardcore title by defeating Steven Richards. Layfield would be a multiple time hardcore champion and even renamed the championship to the Texas Hardcore Championship. In total, Bradshaw would secure an astonishing 18 reigns with the Hardcore Title.
3 JBL The Commentator
After a rather successful in-ring career, Layfield took his talents ringside to be the color commentator of SmackDown in 2006. Layfield would often belittle the superstars during their matches and butted heads with his commentating partners. During the Armageddon 2007 pay-per view Layfield would assault Chris Jericho, which would lead him to return to action and be locked in a bitter feud with Y2J.
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Layfield would return to the commentary table as a regular color commentator in 2013. During his time as a commentator, Layfield continued the role of heel while commentating, which allowed for distinct style when calling matches. Layfield has perfected being the perpetual heel.
2 The Cabinet JBL
After finding success as a singles superstar, Layfield refined his Texas roots gimmick to emulate a successful business man hailing from New York City. Layfield embraced the role as a heel, and went on to win his only world championship after defeating Eddie Guerrero in a Texas Bull Rope Match. As WWE Champion, Layfield hired the services of Orlando Jordan to aid him in title matches. Layfield would later acquire the services of The Basham Brothers, Amy Weber, and Jillian Hall. Together, they formed the faction known as The Cabinet. During this time, JBL was most notable for his rivalry with John Cena. Layfield and Cena would square off at WrestleMania 21 in one of the best matches of Layfield's career. Although, Layfield lost this match, he did help catapult John Cena to superstardom and that cannot be overlooked.
1 Hall Of Fame JBL
Despite having early troubles in finding his footing within the WWE, Layfield was able to leave a lasting impact on the sport and on fans. Layfield's ability to be a timeless heel that feuded with SmackDown's top babyfaces, making for great television and interesting storylines. Layfield also was a key part in putting over notable stars, including the likes of John Cena, Batista, and Rey Mysterio. With a legendary career in the business behind him, Layfield is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame, Class of 2020.
