John Layfield

John Charles Layfield (born November 29, 1966)cite web|url=http://www.familytreelegends.com/records/txbirths?c=search&first=John&last=Layfield&spelling=Exact&11_year=&11_month=0&11_day=0&4=&14=&SubmitSearch.x=0&SubmitSearch.y=0&SubmitSearch=Submit|title="Texas Births, 1926-1995|publisher="Family Tree Networks"] known by his current ring name John "Bradshaw" Layfield or JBL, is an American professional wrestler. He is currently working for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), previously known as World Wrestling Federation (WWF), wrestling on its "Raw" brand. He is the longest reigning World Champion in SmackDown history, the brand which he recently left his position as a color commentator to restart his career as an in-ring competitor.

His gimmick—a wealthy, businessman—is based on Layfield's real-life accomplishments as a stock market investor. Layfield is a regular panelist on Fox News Channel's The Cost of Freedom and previously appeared on CNBC. He has also written a best-selling book on financial planning called "Have More Money Now" (ISBN 0-7434-6633-0). While Layfield continues to perform for WWE, he also hosts a weekend talk radio program, syndicated nationally by Talk Radio Network, in which he discusses his conservative political views. [ [http://www.talkradionetwork.com/pg/jsp/general/host.jsp?chartID=3&position=2 Talk Radio Network: Hosts] ] Layfield is also employed by Northeast Securities as Senior Vice President. [http://www.reiresearch.com/public/2166.cfm]

In WWF/E, Layfield is a one-time WWE Champion, a one-time United States Champion, a one-time European Champion, a seventeen-time Hardcore Champion and a three-time World Tag Team Champion with Faarooq as part of the tag team Acolytes Protection Agency (APA).

Football

Prior to his professional wrestling career, Layfield was a successful collegiate football player for Trinity Valley Community College and Abilene Christian University. [ [http://www.acu.edu/alumni/generalinfo/alumnotes/archive_2005/2005_july.html July 2005 - Abilene Christian University] ] At Abilene, Layfield was a two-year starter on the offensive line and was named first-team All-Lone Star Conference as a and .

Layfield signed with the Los Angeles Raiders as an undrafted free agent, but was released before the 1990 season began. Layfield did play in the World League of American Football, starting all ten games of the 1991 season at right tackle for the San Antonio Riders, wearing jersey number 61.

Professional wrestling

Global Wrestling Federation (1992–1994)

Layfield was trained initially by Brad Rheingans and first started wrestling in the Global Wrestling Federation (GWF) in Texas His first gimmick was as Johnny Hawk, storyline cousin of the famous Windham brothers. He formed the tag team "Texas Mustangs" with Bobby Duncum, Jr.; they quickly won the GWF Tag Team Championship from Rough Riders (Black Bart and Johnny Mantell) on November 27 but dropped the titles to Bad Breed (Ian & Axl Rotten) on January 29, 1993. Later that year, Hawk won his second GWF Tag Team Championship with Black Bart on December 25 from Steve Dane and Chaz Taylor. They held the titles for a long while before losing them to Fabulous Freebirds (Jimmy Garvin and Terry Gordy) on June 3, 1994. Layfield also won the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship on January 14, 1995, defeating Kevin Von Erich.cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/nanwa.html|title=NWA - North American Heavyweight Title History|work=Solie's Title Histories|accessdate=2008-04-26] Two months later, he lost the NWA North American Title to Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.

World Wrestling Federation / Entertainment

Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw (1996-1997)

After three and a half years touring the independent circuit in forgettable guises, Layfield signed a contract with World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in late 1995 and debuted in January 1996 as Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw. His initial gimmick was that of a tough cowboy/mountain man, similar in tone to Stan Hansen. After victories, he branded his opponents with the symbol "JB." Of course, the brand was in ink, rather than being seared into the flesh. Managed by Uncle Zebekiah, the character fizzled out by the end of the year, perhaps remembered only for a feud with Savio Vega and a match with Fatu which he won in eight seconds.

New Blackjacks (1997-1998)

Layfield paired up with his storyline cousin Barry Windham to form The New Blackjacks, complete with the traditional "Blackjack" handlebar mustaches and short, jet black hair. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/blackjacks-new.html|title=The New Blackjacks Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-26]

Windham's injuries piled up throughout 1997, so the team disbanded, and Layfield wrestled only occasionally on TV as "Blackjack Bradshaw", sometimes teaming with fellow Texan Terry Funk. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/loaded.html#98|title=Fully Loaded 1998 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-26] He earned a shot at the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (a title Layfield held before coming to WWF) against Jeff Jarrett at and won by disqualification but Jarrett retained the title because a title cannot change hands by a disqualification. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/1998/results|title=No Way Out 1998 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-26] In 1998, he wrestled as a mid-carder wrestling guys such as Marc Mero at Mayhem in Manchester, [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/wwfuk.html#mayhem|title=Mayhem in Manchester results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-26] and Kaientai (Funaki, Dick Togo & Men's Teioh) with Taka Michinoku in a handicap match in 1998 at [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#22|title=Over the Edge 1998 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-26] and Vader in a Falls Count Anywhere match at . [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/miscppvs1990s.html#24|title=Breakdown results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-26]

Acolytes Protection Agency (1998–2001)

In late 1998, Bradshaw teamed alongside former World Championship Wrestling's World Champion Faarooq to form the powerhouse tag team Hell's Henchmen, managed by the Jackal. After the Jackal left the WWF, Faarooq and Bradshaw joined The Undertaker's new Ministry of Darkness under the name The Acolytes.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/a/apa.html|title=Acolytes Protection Agency (A.P.A.) Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-26] The Ministry went on to feud with the Corporation. As part of the Ministry, Bradshaw feuded with Ken Shamrock. The Ministry was defeated by Stone Cold Steve Austin and the Undertaker went on hiatus, so Bradshaw and Faarooq's dark gimmick faded.

The duo turned face to become cigar-smoking, bar-brawlers-for-hire. In jeans and t-shirts, Faarooq and Bradshaw became the "Pulp Fiction"-inspired Acolytes Protection Agency (APA), with a motto of "Because we need beer money." The duo was often seen in the backrooms of arenas with a trademark poker table and later a framed doorway comically in the middle of the often large, open aired hallways; they insisted that anyone entering the space use the door. Occasionally, if the "room" was destroyed in one arena, it was set up exactly as it was destroyed at the next arena, pushing continuity through time and space for comic effect. On May 31, 1999 edition of "Raw is War", APA won their first WWF Tag Team Championship by defeating Kane and X-Pac.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/1999.html|title="RAW is WAR" results, 1999|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-26] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132111123|title=Acolytes' first World Tag Team Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-26] On July 5 edition of "Raw is War", they dropped the titles to Hardy Boyz (Matt & Jeff) before defeating Hardyz and their manager Michael "P.S." Hayes at Fully Loaded for their second WWF Tag Team Championship. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/loaded.html#99|title=Fully Loaded 1999 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-26] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/30445413213113|title=Acolytes' second World Tag Team Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-26] On August 9 edition of "Raw is War", they lost the titles to Kane and X-Pac.

Acolytes earned a shot at the WWF Tag Titles at the Royal Rumble against New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg and Billy Gunn), but lost the match. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811411/results/|title=Royal Rumble 2000 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-26] Their next shot at the titles was at Fully Loaded when they faced Edge and Christian for the titles. Acolytes won the match by disqualification but did not become champions. [cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/loaded.html#2000|title=Fully Loaded 2000 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|accessdate=2008-04-26] After unsuccessfully challenging for the tag titles in 2000, APA won their third WWF Tag Team Championship on July 9, 2001 edition of "Raw is War" by defeating Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von). [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/010709.html|title=RAW results - July 9, 2001|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-26] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321143|title=APA's third World Tag Team Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-26] On the August 9 edition of "SmackDown!", they lost the tag titles to The Alliance (Diamond Dallas Page and Chris Kanyon). [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/010809.html|title=SmackDown! results - August 9, 2001|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-26]

On the October 22 edition of "Raw is War", Bradshaw defeated The Hurricane to win the WWF European Championship, his first singles title in WWF. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/011022.html|title=RAW results - October 22, 2001|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-26] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/euro/358764|title=Bradshaw's first European Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-26] He lost the title to Christian on November 1 edition of "SmackDown!". [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/011101.html|title=SmackDown! results - November 1, 2001|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-26] At No Way Out in 2002, APA won a Tag Team Turmoil match [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2002/results/|title=No Way Out 2002 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-26] and as a result, they challenged for the tag titles at WrestleMania X8 along with Hardys and Dudleys, in a Four Corners Elimination match. The champions Billy and Chuck retained their titles. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm18/results/|title=WrestleMania X8 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-26]

ingles competitor (2002)

Shortly after WrestleMania, Faarooq and Bradshaw split due to the . Layfield was drafted to Raw where his Bradshaw gimmick had an increased emphasis on his Texas roots, which included him carrying a cowbell to the ring. Bradshaw joined the hardcore division after debuting on "Raw" and won the WWE Hardcore Championship seventeen times, with his first title win coming over Steven Richards.cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/hard/|title=WWE Hardcore Championship official title history|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-26] He renamed the title Texas Hardcore Championship. It was also during this time that his finishing move was briefly renamed from the "Clothesline From Hell" to the "Clothesline from Texas" or the "Clothesline from Deep in the Heart of Texas". Jim Ross often called the move as such during his commentary, although the name eventually reverted back to the original "Clothesline From Hell".

In the hardcore division, Bradshaw feuded and exchanged the title with the likes of Richards, Shawn Stasiak, Raven, Christopher Nowinski, Big Show, Justin Credible, Johnny Stamboli, Crash Holly, Jeff Hardy and Tommy Dreamer, before the title was unified by WWE Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam in August 2002. In September 2002, Layfield suffered a torn left biceps at a house show event. He was out of action for six months until returning to Ohio Valley Wrestling and then a few weeks later to the active WWE roster.

APA Reunion (2003)

Bradshaw returned on an episode of "SmackDown!" in 2003, which saw him and his old friend Faarooq saving the Undertaker from the hands of Chuck Palumbo and Johnny Stamboli. Layfield returned with a new look, cutting his long hair and not dying it black and shaving his facial hair. The duo would return to perform their regular segments, as they did before the brand extension, such as playing poker, drinking beer, and bribing superstars of their money. At Vengeance, the duo won a bar room brawl match. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2003/results/|title=Vengeance 2003 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] The duo wrestled tag teams such as Basham Brothers (Doug and Danny) at No Mercy [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2003/results/|title=No Mercy 2003 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] and The World's Greatest Tag Team (Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin) at No Way Out. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2004/results/|title=No Way Out 2004 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] At WrestleMania XX in 2004, they unsuccessfully challenged for the WWE Tag Team Championship in a fatal four way tag team match. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/results/|title=WrestleMania XX official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] The gimmick continued on-and-off until the March 18 edition of "SmackDown!" when Faarooq (Ron Simmons) was fired in the storyline (in actuality, he retired) from WWE after losing a tag team "You're Fired" Match to Tag Team Champions Rikishi and Scotty 2 Hotty for the tag titles. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040318.html|title=SmackDown! results - March 18, 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-27] Then-"SmackDown!" General Manager Paul Heyman reminded Bradshaw that the "You're Fired" stipulation applied only to Faarooq and Bradshaw should think about his own future, noting his status as a successful author and then-current FOX News personality.

WWE Champion (2004)

The next week, Bradshaw changed his gimmick into a J.R. Ewing-esque heel persona complete with a suit, cowboy hat, and tie. He began referring to himself as John "Bradshaw" Layfield, or JBL. As in 2002, his finishing move's name was part of the overhaul, becoming the "Clothesline From Wall Street" until he later changed it back to its original name. His first promo was on the border between Texas and Mexico, where he hunted for incoming illegal immigrants in order to win a "Great American Award", which granted the winner number one contendership to the WWE title. He won, and immediately challenged Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Championship. The storyline leading up to the match was that JBL caused Eddie's mother to have a heart attack at a house show when he threatened her and grabbed her by the shoulder. At Judgment Day, JBL defeated Guerrero via disqualification in a match for Eddie's WWE title. A title cannot change hands by DQ, so Guerrero retained the title. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2004/results/|title=Judgment Day 2004 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2004/mainevent/|title=Eddie Guerrero vs. JBL for the WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] JBL controversially won the WWE Championship from Guerrero in a Texas Bull Rope match at The Great American Bash. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2004/results/|title=The Great American Bash 2004 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2004/mainevent/|title=JBL vs. Eddie Guerrero in a Texas Bullrope Match for the WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] The initial decision of Guerrero's victory was reversed by then-General Manager Kurt Angle, (who was feuding with Guerrero at the time) awarding the match and the title to JBL; the replay showed that JBL touched the fourth corner before Guerrero.cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/3044541401121|title=JBL's first WWE Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] JBL won a rematch in a steel cage two weeks later, again with Angle's assistance. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040715.html|title=SmackDown! results - July 15, 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-27]

JBL won several squash matches in the following weeks. After claiming he would not be defending the title at SummerSlam, the Undertaker challenged JBL for the title. Around this time, JBL hired Orlando Jordan to help him in title matches. At SummerSlam, JBL won the match by disqualification. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/history/2004/results/|title=SummerSlam 2004 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/history/2004/mainevent/|title=JBL w/ Orlando Jordan vs. Undertaker for the WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] After the match, Undertaker chokeslammed JBL through the roof of his limo. JBL wore a halo (complete with his cowboy hat on top) for the next few weeks to sell his "injuries". SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long then booked a Last Ride match for the title at No Mercy. JBL retained the title with some help from Heidenreich. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2004/results/|title=No Mercy 2004 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2004/mainevent/|title=JBL vs. Undertaker in a Last Ride Match for the WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27]

Though JBL held the title for many months, most title matches were won controversially. At Survivor Series, JBL defeated Booker T to retain his WWE Championship by hitting Booker in the face with the title belt when the referee was knocked out. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2004/results/|title=Survivor Series 2004 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-27] [cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/survivor04.htm|title=Survivor Series 2004 review|work=Gerweck.net|accessdate=2008-04-27] JBL defeated Eddie Guerrero, The Undertaker, and Booker T in a Fatal Four Way at Armageddon after a run-in by Heidenreich, who incapacitated the Undertaker, allowing JBL to take advantage and hit Booker with the Clothesline From Hell to get the pinfall victory. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/2004/results/|title=Armageddon 2004 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/2004/mainevent/|title=JBL vs. Undertaker vs. Booker T vs. Eddie Guerrero in a Fatal Four Way for the WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28]

The "JBL" character, at first, mimicked the actions of a J.R. Ewing-style businessman running for office (campaign speeches, kissing babies, etc., which fit with the 2004 Election Cycle) but then started referring to himself as a "Wrestling God", much to the on-screen disdain of Raw's then-World Heavyweight Champion Triple H. The segment of "Raw" where Triple H showed himself thoroughly unimpressed by JBL is an instance of a rare occurrence in professional wrestling, where a heel expresses hostility against another heel in the same company without one or the other turning face shortly afterward.

The Cabinet (2005)

During JBL's time as WWE Champion, he employed a "staff" to work for him. The stable was named The Cabinet.cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/c/cabinit.html|title=Cabinet Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-28] At its peak, the stable contained Orlando Jordan, who was JBL's "Chief-of-Staff" and Doug and Danny Basham, who were his "Co-Secretaries of Defense" until "quitting" the Cabinet on the June 16, 2005 episode of "SmackDown!". Amy Weber was also a member, being JBL's image consultant, but later left WWE due to alleged harassment. WWE explained Weber's absence by saying that JBL "fired" her after an episode of "SmackDown!" taped in Japan. That episode saw Weber accidentally shoot JBL with a tranquilizer gun. Jordan is the only member not announced to have left the group, though mention of the term cabinet went on hiatus after SummerSlam and Orlando was released from WWE in May 2006.

JBL's luck continued in early 2005; at the Royal Rumble, he sneaked past both The Big Show and Kurt Angle in a Triple Threat match when he pinned Angle after the Clothesline From Hell. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/198811/results/|title=Royal Rumble 2005 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] [cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/royalrumble05.htm|title=Royal Rumble 2005 review|work=Gerweck.net|accessdate=2008-04-28] He once again emerged with his title intact from WWE's first-ever Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match at No Way Out 2005 against Big Show. JBL won the match when Big Show chokeslammed JBL off the top rope through the ring. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2005/results/|title=No Way Out 2005 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2005/mainevent/|title=JBL vs. Big Show in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match for the WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] JBL managed to crawl out from under the ring apron before Show could make it to the floor, winning the match by escape. On the next edition of "SmackDown!", JBL had a "Celebration of Excellence" in which he and his Cabinet celebrated the fact that he was the longest-reigning WWE Champion in ten years (since Diesel), a party which was broken up and ruined by newly-crowned #1 contender John Cena. [cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050224.html|title=SmackDown! results - February 24, 2005|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2008-04-28]

JBL lost the WWE Championship to Cena at WrestleMania 21. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm21/results/|title=WrestleMania 21 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm21/mainevent/|title=John Cena vs. John Bradshaw Layfield - WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] His unbroken nine-month reign was billed as the longest in a decade, lasting 280 days. On the April 28 edition of "SmackDown!", JBL defeated Big Show, Booker T, and Kurt Angle in a four-way elimination match to earn a rematch for the WWE title, [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04282005/|title=Second Chance|publisher=WWE|date=2005-04-28|accessdate=2008-04-28] but lost to Cena at Judgment Day in an "I Quit" match. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2005/results/|title=Judgment Day 2005 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2005/mainevent/|title=John Cena vs. JBL in an I Quit Match for the WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] He was ribbed by Cena and other wrestlers for saying "I Quit" over the next few months. Cena even called him the most celebrated quitter in WWE history.

poradic feuds / United States Champion (2005–2006)

On June 12, Layfield appeared at the WWE-promoted ECW One Night Stand pay-per-view as an anti-ECW "crusader." In the course of the night, however, he shot on The Blue Meanie. WWE capitalized on the situation by re-signing Meanie to a short-term contract. On the July 7 episode of "SmackDown!", Blue Meanie was reunited with his old Blue World Order associates Nova and Stevie Richards and he defeated Layfield with the help of the World Heavyweight Champion Batista, who was drafted to "SmackDown!" a few weeks after Cena was drafted to "Raw". [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07072005/|title=Showdown Looming|publisher=WWE|date=2005-07-07|accessdate=2008-04-28]

Layfield and Batista then met in a match at The Great American Bash for the World Heavyweight Championship. JBL won the match by disqualification but a title does not change hands by DQ, so Batista retained the title. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2005/results/|title=The Great American Bash 2005 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/history/2005/mainevent/|title=Batista vs. JBL for the World Heavyweight Championship|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] At SummerSlam, Batista defeated Layfield in a rematch. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/history/2005/results/|title=SummerSlam 2005 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] JBL lost another rematch with Batista on September 9 edition of "SmackDown!" in a Texas Bullrope match. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09092005/|title=Changing Friday nights|accessdate=2007-12-28|publisher=WWE]

On the September 16 edition of "SmackDown!", JBL lost to Rey Mysterio, [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09172005/|title=Deadman Alive|publisher=WWE|date=2005-09-17|accessdate=2008-04-28] which was the beginning of a long feud with Mysterio that lasted almost eight months. He hired Jillian Hall to "fix" his career. At No Mercy, JBL defeated Mysterio in a rematch. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2005/results/|title=No Mercy 2005 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] [cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/nomercy05.htm|title=No Mercy 2005 review|work=Gerweck.net|accessdate=2008-04-28] JBL then teamed up with Rey Mysterio in the "SmackDown!" versus "Raw" rivalry with Chris Masters and Edge. He later defeated Chris Benoit on November 11 edition of "SmackDown!", with the help of Booker T, to become a member of "Team "SmackDown!" to face "Team "Raw" at Survivor Series [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11112005/|title=RAW ambushes SmackDown|accessdate=2007-12-28|publisher=WWE|date=2005-11-11] JBL lasted throughout most of the Survivor Series match, and can even be credited for helping give "Smackdown!" the victory by distracting Shawn Michaels with a steel chair long enough for Randy Orton to hit him with the RKO. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2005/matches/|title=Survivor Series 2005 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2005/matches/134645811/results/|title=Team SmackDown def. Team Raw in a Classic Survivor Series Match|accessdate=2007-12-28|date=2005-11-27|publisher=WWE]

In early 2006, JBL started a feud with The Boogeyman who scared him many times in the new year. The two had a match at Royal Rumble, which Boogeyman won. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2006/matches/|title=Royal Rumble 2006 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2006/matches/31409412/results/|title=The Boogeyman def. JBL|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28|date=2006-01-29] His next opponent was Bobby Lashley, whom Layfield defeated at No Way Out. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2006/matches/|title=No Way Out 2006 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2006/matches/19435061/results/|title=JBL def. Bobby Lashley|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28|date=2006-02-19] On February 24, 2006 edition of "SmackDown!", he suffered a broken hand at the hands of Chris Benoit in a six man tag team match, and WWE.com announced that he underwent successful surgery. Layfield was in fact having surgery to remove a non-cancerous cyst. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/02242006/|title=Back in business|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-28|date=February 24, 2006] Layfield returned and feuded with Benoit, defeating him for his WWE United States Championship at WrestleMania 22. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania22/matches/|title=WrestleMania 22 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-29] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania22/matches/22203222/results/|title=JBL def. Chris Benoit (new United States Champion)|date=April 2, 2006|accessdate=2008-01-03|publisher=WWE] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/2440006|title=JBL's first United States Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-29] During this time, Jillian Hall remained at the side of JBL until April 21 edition of "SmackDown!" when JBL fired Hall, due to her inability to help JBL defend his title during a JBL/Benoit steel cage rematch the week before (which JBL was still able to win) [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04142006/|title=The Wrestling Machine snaps|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-29|date=April 14, 2006] as well as her lack of putting together an "appropriate" celebration for him. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04212006/|title=Something to Celebrate|accessdate=2007-12-28|publisher=WWE|date=April 21, 2006]

JBL, while still United States Champion, challenged for the World Heavyweight Championship. JBL tried to weaken then champion Rey Mysterio in the weeks leading up to his title match as Mysterio faced off against any opponent of JBL's choosing. Mysterio was defeated by Mark Henry and squashed by The Great Khali in non title singles matches before facing "Raw's" Kane in a match, that went to a no-contest. This was leading to their title match at Judgment Day, which Mysterio won and retained the title by pinning JBL after a frog splash. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2006/matches/|title=Judgment Day 2006 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-29] [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2006/matches/23848441/results/|title=Rey Mysterio's dream ride somehow continues|date=May 21, 2006|author=Ed Williams III|accessdate=2008-01-05|publisher=WWE] On the May 26 edition of "SmackDown!", JBL lost the US Title to Bobby Lashley.cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05262006/|title=Kiss Him Goodbye|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-29|date=May 26, 2006] He also lost another attempt at the World Title against Rey Mysterio, stating beforehand that he would quit "SmackDown!" if he lost that match. When he did lose, the crowd at the arena began to sing "Na Na, Hey Hey, Goodbye". It was reported that JBL began to verbally attack the crowd while in the ring. JBL, however, later stated that he did not have a formal contract with Teddy Long going into the match and that he did not intend to leave "SmackDown!". This angle was used to give JBL time off wrestling due to his serious back injury.

emi-retirement / WWE Commentator (2006–2007)

At One Night Stand, Layfield announced that he would take Tazz's place as the new color commentator for "SmackDown!". [cite web|url= http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/ecwonenightstand06.html|title=ECW One Night Stand 2006 Results|publisher= Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2006-06-11] He made his debut as a heelish color commentator on June 16 edition of "SmackDown!". [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06162006/|title=Royal Beating|date=June 16, 2006|author= Ed Williams III|publisher=WWE|quote=There was also a brand new color commentator on SmackDown this week – none other than JBL.|accessdate=2006-06-16] Layfield noted in a commentary on TheStreet.com that he was retiring from in-ring competition for good. In his final column on the website, JBL wrote, "I have also come to believe that you can't fight father time. A broken back suffered in a match in England, compounded by a herniated and bulged disc, finally made me realize my career as a professional wrestler was over. I since migrated to the color commentary position much in the way that Jesse Ventura did before me." [cite web|url=http://www.thestreet.com/_tscs/newsanalysis/investing/10307125_2.html|title=JBL: Three for the Road|publisher= TheStreet.com|accessdate=2006-12-10] In a WWE.com article, Layfield quelled internet rumors that he would be leaving WWE in October 2006. While Layfield did admit to giving his notice to WWE, he said that he did so because he was heartbroken that he could no longer wrestle, not because he wanted to quit the wrestling business. Nevertheless, he signed a new long-term deal with the company. [cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/pieceof|title=Piece of s***|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2006-12-10]

JBL returned to the ring on November 13, 2006, in the main event of a WWE house show in Dublin, Ireland, JBL teamed with Mr. Kennedy and King Booker against Brothers of Destruction (Kane and The Undertaker), and Batista. [cite web|url=http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling/cawthon777/06.htm|title=WWE Show Results 2006|publisher=Angelfire|accessdate=2008-04-29] On the December 22 edition of "SmackDown!", JBL cut a promo berating Theodore Long and cursing out the fans for cheering during the Inferno match at Armageddon five days earlier ("Rome didn't fall because of the gladiators in the ring. Rome fell because of the spectators in the stands.") [cite web|first=Lennie|last=DiFino|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12222006/|title=Bells will be ringing|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-04-29|date=December 22, 2006]

On the October 12, 2007 edition of "Smackdown!", Layfield was announced as one of the options WWE fans would be able to vote for to be the special guest referee at Cyber Sunday for the World Heavyweight Championship match between Batista and The Undertaker. However, he lost the vote to Steve Austin. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/5267610/results/|title=Batista conquers his Phenom-enal demons|author=Mike McAvennie|publisher=WWE| accessdate=2007-10-28|date=October 28, 2007] At Cyber Sunday, he issued a heated altercation towards those running alongside him, ultimately receiving a Stone Cold Stunner from Austin. After this, he became physical as a color commentator, attacking both Batista and The Undertaker in a middle of a match as revenge after he was speared by Batista and later chokeslammed by The Undertaker after taunting them consecutively, in events leading up to the pay-per-view. He justified these actions by explaining, "I am retired, not dead" (and that he [Layfield] should be respected). [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11012007/articles/nyknockout|title=New York knockout|publisher=WWE.com|accessdate=2007-12-28]

On the December 3 edition of "Raw", JBL and Ron Simmons re-united as the APA to help Hornswoggle during his handicap match against Carlito and Jonathan Coachman. JBL stated that this would be a one-night only occurrence. [cite web|first=Greg|last=Adkins|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/12032007/|title=Leprechaun-job|accessdate=2007-12-18|publisher=WWE|date=December 3, 2007]

In-ring return on Raw (2007–present.)

JBL was present at the SmackDown announcer's table during the WWE Championship match between Randy Orton and Chris Jericho, at Armageddon. During this match, Orton whipped a charging Jericho over the announcer table where JBL was situated, and in the heat of the match, Jericho "pushed" JBL out of the way. Minutes later, an infuriated Layfield applied his boot to the head of Jericho whilst he looked set to win the match. This interference led to a disqualification and - as DQ's tend to go against the opponent of the assaulted and titles cannot change hands in such instances - Randy Orton retained the title. [cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/matches/554660432/results/|title=Saved by a 'wrestling god'|accessdate=2007-12-18| publisher=WWE]

On February 18 on "Raw", JBL interfered in scheduled steel cage match between Mr. McMahon and his kayfabe illegitimate son, Hornswoggle. He attacked Finlay from behind and handcuffed him to the top rope. After Mr. McMahon left the ring JBL proceeded to beat Hornswoggle by throwing him against the sides of the cage.cite web|first=Greg|last=Adkins|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02182008/|title=Outrage in a Cage|publisher=WWE|date=February 18, 2008|accessdate=2008-05-01] Following this, WWE.com announced that Hornswoggle had suffered kayfabe internal injuries, including bleeding of the brain and spinal trauma. JBL revealed to Vince McMahon that Hornswoggle was Finlay's storyline son, not McMahon's. [cite web|first=Corey|last=Clayton|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/02252008/|title=The Truth about Hornswoggle, According to JBL|publisher=WWE|date=February 25, 2008|accessdate=2008-05-01] Following his attack on Hornswoggle, JBL defeated Finlay in a Belfast Brawl at Wrestlemania XXIV. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/matches/|title=WrestleMania XXIV official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-05-01] [cite web|first=Ben|last=Zoldan|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/matches/6515958/results/|title=JBL picks up brutal win in Belfast Brawl|publisher=WWE|date=March 30, 2008|accessdate=2008-05-01] JBL's first championship bid since returning to the ring came by challenging Randy Orton for the WWE Championship and participating in a Fatal Four Way Elimination match at Backlash that also included John Cena and Triple H. JBL was eliminated first in the match by tapping out to Cena's STFU, thus renewing their feud from 2005. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/|title=Backlash 2008 official results|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-05-01] [cite web|first=Craig|last=Tello|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/6803660/results/|title=Twelfth Night|publisher=WWE|date=April 27, 2008|accessdate=2008-05-01] Cena defeated JBL at Judgment Day and then at One Night Stand in a First Blood match. However he managed to defeat Cena in a New York City Parking Lot Brawl at The Great American Bash. [cite web|first=Aubrey|last=Sitterson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thegreatamericanbash/matches/7627392/results/|title=JBL drives it home|accessdate=2008-07-20|publisher=WWE]

Controversy

Layfield's actions at a WWE house show in Munich, Germany early in June 2004 caused a substantial uproar. During the show, in an attempt to draw heel heat, he gave the crowd several Nazi salutes while goose-stepping around the ring. [citeweb|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2004/06/12/496946.html |title=CANOE - SLAM! Sports - Wrestling - Bradshaw offside|publisher=SLAM Sports!] Such a display is illegal in Germany if used for political purposes. [ [http://archives.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/07/25/germany.internet.reut/index.html CNN.com - Germany won't block access to international Nazi sites - July 25, 2000] ] In an interview with The Washington Post, Layfield explained "I'm a bad guy [on WWE TV] . I'm supposed to incite the crowd. I've done [the Nazi salute] for decades. I really didn't think anything of it - I know how bad it is, I've lived [in Germany] . I've been to Dachau, seen those places where they exterminated millions of Jews. I draw the line between me and my character. That's like saying Anthony Hopkins (who portrays Hannibal Lecter) really enjoys cannibalism." [citeweb|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A29937-2004Jun9.html|title=CNBC Wrestles With a Bad-Boy Image|publisher=washingtonpost.com)]

Personal life

His parents are Lavelle Layfield, who is a minister, and Mary Layfield.cite web|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9407E2DF143AF930A25751C0A9639C8B63|title=WEDDINGS/CELEBRATIONS; Meredith Whitney, John Layfield|publisher=New York Times|accessdate=2005-02-13]

On his February 5, 2007 blog on WWE.com, Layfield announced that he is looking into running for political office in his home state of Texas. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/jbl/jblblogarchive/jblblogfeb5|title=JBL's Blog - February 5, 2007|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2007-09-27] Layfield also makes regular appearances on the Fox News Channel weekend business show, "Bulls & Bears". In February 2008, his company, Layfield Energy, launched a drink called MamaJuana Energy.cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/02/16/4852280-sun.html|title=Burst of Energy for WWE's JBL|author=Time Baines|publisher=Ottawa Sun|accessdate=2008-05-17|date=February 16, 2008]

John Layfield married Meredith Whitney on February 13, 2005 in Key West, Florida. On November 1, 2007, Meredith received several threatening e-mails after making a controversial announcement to the investment community to sell their shares of Citigroup stock. This financial advice from such a well known analyst caused many investors to indeed sell their stock in the company, costing Citigroup an estimated $15 billion, according to "The Wall Street Journal". Layfield stood by his wife's decision, calling the people who threatened her "cowardly pieces of shit" and canceled a planned trip to Texas to visit family so that he could, instead, accompany his wife in a protective role until heat from the incident died down. [cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11012007/articles/financialrisk|title=Financial Risk|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|accessdate=2007-11-03]

In wrestling

*Finishing and signature moves
**""'Clothesline From Hell
**Standing release powerbomb - 1998-2006
**Backbreaker rack
**Bear hug
**Big boot
**European uppercut
**Eye poke
**Forearm club to the opponent's back
**"Last Call" (Fallaway slam, sometimes from the second rope)
**Multiple elbow drops
**Russian legsweep
**Sleeper hold
**Short-arm clothesline
**Swinging neckbreaker
**"Three Amigos" (Rolling vertical suplexes) - 2004-2006; Used to mock Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit and Rey Mysterio

*With Faarooq
**Aided powerbomb
**Back suplex / Neckbreaker slam combination
**Double spinebuster

*Managers
**Uncle Zebekiah
**Skandor Akbar
**The Jackyl
**Jacqueline
**Amy Weber
**Jillian Hall

*Nicknames
**The Wrestling God
**Longhorn Loudmouth

*Entrance themes
**"Longhorn" - Jim Johnston
**"Longhorn (Remix)" - Jim Johnston

Championships and accomplishments

*Catch Wrestling Association
**CWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) [citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/europe/austria/cwa/eu-cwa-t.html|accessdate=2008-04-07|title=Catch Wrestling Association World Tag Team Title|publisher=WrestlingTitles.com] - with Cannonball Grizzly

*Global Wrestling Federation
**GWF Tag Team Championship (2 times)cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/gwf/gwf-t.html|title=G.W.F. Tag Team Title|accessdate=2007-12-28|publisher=wrestling-titles.com] - with Bobby Duncum, Jr. (1) and Black Bart (1)

*Memphis Championship Wrestling
**MCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) [citeweb|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tn/memphis/mcw/mcw-s-t.html|accessdate=2008-07-04|title= M.C.W. Southern Tag Team Title|publisher=WrestlingTitles.com] - with Faarooq

*NWA Texas
**NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

*Ohio Valley Wrestling
**OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) [cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/ovw/ovw-t.html|title=O.V.W. Southern Tag Team Title|accessdate=2007-12-28|publisher=wrestling-titles.com] - with Ron Simmons

*Pro Wrestling Illustrated
**PWI ranked him # 5 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2005. [cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50005.htm|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2005|accessdate=2008-05-31|publisher=Wrestling Information Archive]

*World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainmentcite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/jbl/titlehistory|title=JBL's Title History|accessdate=2007-12-28|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment]
**WWF European Championship (1 time)cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/euro/|title=WWE European Championship official title history|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-05-01]
**WWF Tag Team Championship (3 times)cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/|title=World Tag Team Championship official title history|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-05-01] - with Faarooq
**WWE Championship (1 time)cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwechampionship/|title=WWE Championship official title history|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-05-01]
**WWE Hardcore Championship (17 times)
**WWE United States Championship (1 time)cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/|title=WWE United States Championship official title history|publisher=WWE|accessdate=2008-05-01]

*Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
**Best Gimmick (2004) Fact|date=June 2008
**Worst Worked Match of the Year (2002) with Trish Stratus vs. Christopher Nowinski and Jackie Gayda on Raw on July 7
*Other titles Fact|date=March 2008
**All-American, Div II NCAA at Abilene Christian University (1 time)
**Korean Wrestling Championship (1 time)

Notes

External links

* [http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/jbl/ John Layfield (JBL) at WWE.com]
*imdb name|id=0508044|name=John Layfield
* [http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/john-bradshaw-layfield.html John Layfield (Bradshaw) at Online World of Wrestling]
* [http://tipstraders.com/tipster.php?id=269&lm=20 John Bradshaw Layfield at TipsTraders.com]
* [http://fans.wwe.com/jbl Offical WWE Fan Nation Page]

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