Michael Cole announces WWE Hall of Famer will return to Raw after nearly two-year hiatus
WWE Hall of Famer and iconic commentator is set to return to WWE after his 2023 appearance next week on Monday Night Raw.
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Michael Cole announces JBL's return to WWE (via WWE)
John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield (JBL) has played multiple roles in WWE throughout his career. He has been an in-ring wrestler and commentator, and he has even advised superstars on their finances. After spending nearly two years away, the 58-year-old is finally back to WWE.
Michael Cole recently announced that his old commentary partner, JBL, would be returning to WWE on next week’s episode of Raw. The show will emanate from his home state of Texas. It remains unclear in what capacity he will be appearing at the show. He could be joining the commentary table for the entire show. Alternatively, he may be there just for a promo or even just a backstage segment.
Layfield left the SmackDown commentary team in 2017, citing heavy traveling schedules. He would go on to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020. The former APA member was last seen in WWE in February of 2023, which marked the end of his on-screen association with Baron Corbin.
OFFICIAL: JBL returns to WWE next week in Dallas.#RawOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/aOkuRcFMwq
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) January 14, 2025
The trio of Michael Cole, JBL, and Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler is one of the most recognizable commentary trios, especially for newer fans. While they were not considered very good at their job, they were the face of Raw during the 2010s.
They cannot be blamed too much either, as they had to deal with many of Vince McMahon‘s outlandish rules while commentating. It is worth mentioning that the Voice of WWE has significantly improved since his days in this trio. He even receives a lot of backstage praise for his segments in recent times.
Will JBL have a feud with Penta upon his return to WWE?
Many fans pointed out that JBL is coincidentally returning to WWE just a week after Penta‘s debut on the latest episode of Raw. The reason this is so funny is because the Hall of Famer once had a gimmick which revolved around his hate for Mexicans. In a 2004 promo, he was even seen kicking out illegal immigrants from Mexico at the US borders. He even won a “Great American Award” which granted him a WWE Championship opportunity.
Such gimmicks and references are probably too political for current-day WWE. Besides, this is a gimmick that JBL and the promotion as a whole likely want you to forget. However, he could still have a confrontation with Penta, acting as a nod to this gimmick.
WWE legends are known to make occasional appearances in the Royal Rumble, even if just for a few seconds. Layfield could definitely have a faceoff against the Luchador in the 30-man match. This would definitely help put over the former AEW Tag Team Champion.
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Mokshit Batra
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