JBL reveals what it was like entering the Royal Rumble match as a commentator (Exclusive)

Modified Feb 03, 2025 10:05 GMT

JBL makes his way to the ring for the 2014 Royal Rumble (Image via WWE.com).

JBL has taken part in his fair share of Royal Rumble matches. The former WWE Champion first stepped into the ring for the famed match-up back in the nineties. He has also surprised fans by entering the Rumble match as a commentator.

During a recent edition of What Were They Thinking? on Backstage Pass, JBL talked about his experience working the 2014 Royal Rumble match as a color commentator.

"I did the announcer entrance, which Vince loves. King did it. I did it. You know, Michael Cole's done it back. If he's done it, you know, get up, say a sentence, don't finish the sentence, get thrown out, come back, finish the sentence like nothing happened. And Vince loved doing that." [10:58 onwards]

The WWE Hall of Famer praised Roman Reigns for protecting him during that particular Rumble appearance. For those unaware, Layfield spent about 49 seconds in the rumble before Reigns eliminated him.

Did you know a top WWE Superstar just wrestled outside the company? More details HERE

"And it's Roman Reigns, so I was very happy that Roman took care of me and didn't hurt me." [11:20 onwards]

Reigns broke the record for the most Royal Rumble eliminations that night when he sent 12 men over the top rope. WWE Hall of Famer Kane previously held the record.

Get the full episode of What Were They Thinking? with JBL and Gerald Brisco on Backstage Pass. You can also unlock our exclusive content via YouTube membership.

About the author

Manik Aftab writes Exclusive articles for Sportskeeda Wrestling’s WWE division. A BA (Hons) in English Literature helped him improve his writing skills before starting his career as a pro wrestling writer.

Before joining Sportskeeda, Aftab worked for Ringside News and The Sportster, where his wrestling articles and feature pieces consistently ranked on the first page of Google SERPs.

He prioritizes accuracy, relevance, and ethics in his reporting by conducting thorough research, verifying sources, and adhering to professional journalistic standards.

While Aftab’s favorite wrestler in AEW is Hangman Adam Page, he doesn’t have a favorite in WWE yet. However, he considers Stone Cold Steve Austin to be the greatest professional wrestler of all time. His earliest memory of watching pro wrestling was when The Rock faced The New Age Outlaws in a handicap match, but it was the John Cena vs. Edge match from Unforgiven 2006 that got him hooked. If given the chance to manage a star from the Attitude Era, he would choose The British Bulldog, as he believes Davey Boy Smith was a terrific worker and could've benefitted from having a mouthpiece for his lack of mic skills.

When not watching pro wrestling, Aftab enjoys reading science fiction and watching anime.

Know More

Edited by Rahul Madurawe