WWE commentator threatened to walk out after Vince McMahon criticism, JBL says

John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) provided color commentary alongside WWE announcer Michael Cole throughout the 2010s. In a recent podcast episode, the legendary wrestler disclosed details about a backstage confrontation involving Cole and former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.

During his four decades in charge of WWE, McMahon often spoke to announcers through a headset during shows. According to JBL, the 79-year-old was harsh on Cole and Jim Ross compared to other commentators.

On Something to Wrestle, the former WWE Champion recalled how Cole once threatened to leave his job after getting "chewed out" by McMahon:

"Michael walks into Gorilla [backstage area] and he has his finger out of his holster and he's pointing at Vince and he's telling him he is a professional," JBL said. "'Don't you ever say that s**t to me again. I will walk out of here.' And he reads Vince McMahon the freaking riot act in front of everybody, which is something you don't do. If you get Vince alone in his room and you read the riot act to him, he has no issue with that. If you do it in front of people, that man bows up. That's something you don't do." [1:31:14 – 1:31:41]

Cole joined WWE in 1997 as an announcer and interviewer. He now serves as the company's lead commentator and Vice President of Announcing.

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JBL on Vince McMahon's reaction after Michael Cole's outburst

Although he allegedly disliked being called out publicly, Vince McMahon reacted nonchalantly after Michael Cole's threat.

According to JBL, McMahon casually questioned why Cole was upset before putting his headphones back on:

"Vince was sitting there just looking at me. It was such a departure from normal Michael. He cuts this promo you wouldn't believe on Vince and he storms out, and I'm right behind Michael, and Vince looks up at me and goes, 'What's he on about?' I go, 'I don't know, I guess he had a bad night,' and Vince goes, 'Goddam, what the f**k [puts headphones back on].'" [1:31:42 – 1:32:00]

JBL also disclosed details about McMahon firing a "special" superstar after he said a "classless" word during a promo.

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Please credit Something to Wrestle and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.