Attack 49 year old superstar; dream match with legend? 4  ways JBL can make his WWE return

Between 2004 and 2008, the WWE Universe witnessed one of the most underrated heels in the business, John Bradshaw Layfield. In his career with the Stamford-based promotion, Layfield, popularly known as JBL, won the world championship on one occasion and even won the Intercontinental and United States Championships.

While his last appearance for the Triple H-led promotion came at the 2014 Royal Rumble, JBL recently teased his return to the company. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he wrote he was pain-free after getting Stem Cells and even teased a possible in-ring comeback.

In this article, we will look at four ways JBL can return to WWE if he chooses to do so.

---

#4. JBL could attack a fellow WWE legend

If JBL returns to WWE and gets involved with in-ring action, it would make sense for him to attack a 49-year-old WWE legend, Rey Mysterio. The reason behind this is simple and dates back to 2009.

That year, JBL wrestled his last singles match for the promotion against Mysterio. However, the clash did not go in the former's favor as Rey not only registered the win but also dethroned him of the Intercontinental Championship.

Hence, Layfield could return and attack the Latino World Order leader for revenge.

---

#3. Criticize LA Knight

Last year (2023), LA Knight went through a historic run where every time he made an appearance, the crowd went wild. While Knight's run lasted for quite a while, it would be safe to say in recent times, his momentum has dried up a little, despite recently winning the United States Championship.

One way in which WWE can help him bring back the hype is by booking him as a top-tier heel. This is where someone like JBL could come into play. The former United States Champion could criticize Knight's run as champion and say that the title needs him.

This angle could then lead to a match between the two superstars.

---

#2. Feud with CM Punk?

The last time JBL appeared on WWE programming was on the December 8, 2023, edition of SmackDown, which was also a Tribute to the Troops special. This episode also marked CM Punk's first appearance on the blue brand since returning to WWE, and the 57-year-old was commentating during the same.

If the latter decides to return, he could cite the December 8 edition as an inspiration behind his comeback. He could say that seeing Punk lit the fire for him to make a comeback, and hence, it would only make sense for him to face The Straight Edge Superstar.

This scenario would lead to another face vs heel rivalry.

---

#1. Dream match with John Cena could be possible

When John Cena and JBL regularly wrestled, they crossed paths on many occasions. The duo also put up a widely remembered match at the Royal Rumble 2009 in which Cena defended the World Heavyweight Championship.

Given the 16-time world champion will be making his return to commence his Farewell Tour, it will be nostalgic to see him and JBL run back the clock.

A rivalry between the two superstars at this stage in their careers would be highly entertaining to watch.