In the world of professional wrestling, few voices command the respect and attention of fans and insiders alike as much as John “Bradshaw” Layfield, better known as JBL. The former WWE Champion and Hall of Famer has never been one to shy away from offering his opinions, and his latest comments have sparked widespread discussion. Speaking on a recent podcast, JBL claimed that WWE “missed the boat” with a former star, suggesting that the company failed to fully capitalize on their potential.
Who Is the Star JBL Referred To?
While JBL did not directly name the individual during his initial remarks, reports and fan speculation suggest that he may have been referring to a performer like Mr. Kennedy, Shelton Benjamin, or Wade Barrett. These names frequently appear in conversations about underutilized talent in WWE’s history. Each of these individuals had moments of brilliance and significant fan support but never reached the heights many believed they were destined for in the company.
Mr. Kennedy
Mr. Kennedy (real name Ken Anderson) was once considered a future face of WWE. With his dynamic mic skills, unique entrance, and charisma, Kennedy quickly rose through the ranks in the mid-2000s. He even won the Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania 23, positioning himself for a potential main event run. However, a combination of injuries, reported backstage heat, and timing issues saw his push derailed. Kennedy left WWE in 2009, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.
Shelton Benjamin
Another likely candidate is Shelton Benjamin, whose athleticism and in-ring ability are considered among the best of his generation. Despite jaw-dropping performances in matches like the Money in the Bank ladder matches and memorable moments against stars like Shawn Michaels, Benjamin never broke into the main event scene during his initial WWE run. While he has since returned to the company in a veteran role, many argue that WWE missed an opportunity to make him a world champion during his prime years.
Wade Barrett
Wade Barrett, the leader of the infamous Nexus faction, seemed poised for greatness when he debuted on the main roster in 2010. His run as the villainous leader of the group was compelling, and he quickly established himself as a top heel. However, a combination of booking decisions, injuries, and missed opportunities saw Barrett’s momentum fade. Despite winning multiple midcard championships, he never captured a world title in WWE before his departure in 2016.
JBL’s Perspective
JBL’s critique highlights a recurring theme in WWE: the challenge of consistently elevating new stars to main event status. According to JBL, WWE sometimes fails to recognize when a talent is on the cusp of breaking through or mismanages their push, leading to missed opportunities. He pointed out that wrestling success isn’t just about in-ring ability; timing, character development, and booking play equally significant roles.
“When you have someone with that kind of potential, you can’t wait forever. The window isn’t open indefinitely,” JBL said. He elaborated that certain stars, like Mr. Kennedy or Shelton Benjamin, had all the tools to be top stars but were let down by factors beyond their control, such as inconsistent booking or injuries.
Fans and Critics Respond
JBL’s comments have resonated with fans, many of whom agree that WWE has a history of underutilizing certain talents. Social media erupted with discussions, with fans debating which stars best fit JBL’s critique. Some noted that while WWE has successfully created megastars like John Cena, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins, others with equal potential fell through the cracks.
Critics, however, argue that wrestling is an unpredictable business. Injuries, changing creative directions, and backstage politics often derail even the most promising careers. In some cases, talents themselves may share part of the blame, whether due to personal issues or failing to seize opportunities when presented.
The Broader Lesson for WWE
JBL’s comments are not just about specific stars but a reminder of the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent at the right time. WWE operates in a competitive entertainment landscape where fans have more options than ever, from AEW to international promotions like NJPW and Impact Wrestling. Missing the boat on promising talent could mean losing them to competitors who may better utilize their skills.
Looking Ahead
While WWE has undoubtedly made mistakes in the past, the company has also shown an ability to adapt and correct course. In recent years, WWE has embraced a more flexible approach to talent development, allowing stars like Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes to return and thrive after initially being overlooked or underutilized.
For the stars JBL referred to, their legacies remain strong in the eyes of fans, even if they never reached the heights they deserved in WWE. And for WWE, JBL’s comments serve as a call to action to ensure that future stars don’t face the same fate, reminding the company of the immense potential waiting to be unlocked in its roster.
