Despite contradictory reports throughout his wrestling career, one WWE superstar has claimed that John Bradshaw Layfield isn’t a bully, “he’s just loud.”
Maven Huffman, the first-ever winner of WWE’s gameshow Tough Enough and former WWE Hardcore Champion, launched a YouTube channel last month.
On the channel, he speaks about his WWE career, as well as his impressions of his co-workers when employed by the organisation.
In one of his latest videos, Maven came to the defence of John Bradshaw Layfield, who has often been referred to as a bully backstage. The most notable accusations of JBL’s bullying involve The Blue Meanie and Mauro Ranallo, but Maven has rejected those claims.
“I could stand to learn a lot about the financial industry from this guy. Of course, I’m talking about Hall of Famer, JBL, one of the toughest SOBs.”
“I still remember a match he had at a pay-per-view and after the match, he comes back and his whole entire face is just bloody and just battered.”
“Never heard any complaining, you never heard any type of him being upset in any way. Man knew how to do business.”
“Now the dirt sheets will always say that JBL was a bully backstage.”
“To be honest with you, JBL is just loud. JBL is boisterous. JBL is jovial. John’s not afraid to tell you what he wants and he’s not afraid to tell you how he’s gonna get to what he wants.”
“A lot of people might view that as being a bully. John is also a pretty stiff wrestler, from what I’ve heard.”
“That means when John hits you with a clothesline, you’re gonna feel that clothesline, but that’s the business.”
“I never knew him as a bully, but sometimes when people are loud, it might rub people the wrong way. Trust me, one of the nicest guys in the world.”
According to cagematch.net, Maven has only shared the ring once with John Bradshaw Layfield. This was during the 2002 Royal Rumble match, where Maven famously eliminated The Undertaker with a well-timed dropkick.
In another video later that month, Maven opened up about being encouraged to use steroids in WWE and feeling like he’d be at a disadvantage without them.
When Was John Bradshaw Layfield’s Last Match?
JBL’s last official in-ring performance was his entry into the 2014 Royal Rumble. He entered at #24 in the match, lasting 49 seconds before being eliminated by Roman Reigns.
Prior to that, JBL wrestled Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania 25 in 2009, where he lost the WWE Intercontinental Championship in 21 seconds.
H/T Fightful