Let’s be honest, John Bradshaw Layfield hasn’t always been the most popular of wrestlers since his run with the WWF/E. Before he was JBL he was Justin “Hawk” Bradshaw, a rough Texan that didn’t get above opening card status. Then, he was one of the New Blackjack’s with partner Barry Windham. He finally got a break and joined with Ron Simmons, better known as Farooq, to form The Acolytes, it was then that things started to look up for him as a professional wrestler; however, even though his character was supposed to be a rough and somewhat ignorant Texan that only drank beer and played cards, John Layfield is a very intelligent person. Just read his book, “Have more money, now.”

Despite that fans loved the Acolytes, the WWE took a chance (after the “firing” of Ron Simmons) and turned Bradshaw into JBL. JBL is a tycoon that now claims to be from New York City, because that is where the stock market is and it fits well with his character. A lot of “smarks,” which is jargon for smart fans, and marks for “real” wrestling and not gimmicks, were outraged that JBL would win the title from Eddie Guerrero. Not only did JBL win the title, but held the title close to a year, which was the longest run over the course of the last decade.

Like all great heels, JBL has catchphrases like, “I am the wrestling GOD,” which has really angered a lot of fans, because JBL is known more for his gimmicks than his wrestling ability. However, while the fans may hate JBL, I think personally his gimmick is brilliant. A tycoon that calls himself the wrestling God just makes you want to hate this guy. How can he say he’s a wrestling God when he has as much in-ring talent as Hulk Hogan” That’s the beauty part of JBL, because he’s not THE wrestling God, nor is he A wrestling God, but he is a heel and claiming that he is the wrestling God makes him a good heel. I mean, even Triple H hated it when JBL said he was the wrestling God. That is saying something.

JBL’s character has some down sides, but they still work as a heel. For example, in Munich, Germany he mocked Germany by doing a Nazi salute and goose stepping around the ring. While it may not be politically correct, it stirred up the crowd and made it work for JBL. JBL likes to attack minorities such as illegal immigrants, but to show that JBL isn’t a racist he balanced his character by having Orlando Jordan in his “Cabinet.”

I know a lot of fans will not agree with me that JBL is one of the best heels that the WWE has had, but can you honestly say that you would rather have him as “Bradshaw” or “Blackjack Bradshaw”" Obviously not, because we didn’t pay much attention when he was, but we’re paying close attention to him as JBL. Even his so-called bullying backstage antics have only strengthen his character as being a top heel, not to mention that he can sell better as JBL than any of his past gimmicks. Just look at his mic skills. I have seen Bradshaw cut a promo and you can tell that he was rusty, but as JBL it’s like he is very comfortable being that character.

You can love him, you can hate him, but you can’t deny the fact that JBL is a greatest heels in the WWE.