WWE News: JBL steps down as SmackDown Live color commentator

What’s the story?

SmackDown Live's broadcast team just received a major departure. On Friday evening, John "Bradshaw" Layfield announced via Twitter that he is officially stepping down from his role as the color commentator for WWE's Tuesday night show. He isn't leaving WWE entirely but will no longer be heard from week to week.

After much consideration, I will be stepping back my weekly role as Smackdown Announcer to dedicate more (cont) https://t.co/An7zuYRFmV

— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) September 1, 2017

In case you didn’t know…

JBL has been a part of the WWE family since 1995. He's best known for his work in the Acolytes with Farooq as well as his record run as WWE Champion in 2004-2005. He retired from in-ring competition after losing to Rey Mysterio in 21 seconds at WrestleMania XXV.

Layfield first tried his hand at commentating in 2006-2007. He then returned to commentary in 2012 to fill-in for color for Jerry Lawler, who suffered a heart attack a week prior. This lead to a full-time role in the broadcast booth shortly after, a job he has maintained ever since.

The heart of the matter

JBL attached a lengthy write-up to his Tweet explaining that he will now invest more time to the work he pours into at-risk kids and communities.Through Beyond Sport, he will work even more with the charity he founded in 2010, Beyond Rugby Bermuda.

"My new schedule will allow me to continue to be a part of the WWE family and also continue my work that I feel is the most important thing in my life."

Beyond Rugby Bermuda is an acclaimed charity, winning the NACRA Fair Play Award in 2014. For his role with the group, John was named as the Beyond Sport Global Ambassador.

What’s next?

JBL isn't officially done with WWE. He still plans to appear on some of the special shows, much like in the role that Jerry Lawler currently serves in.

"I will continue my 20+ year relationship with WWE and will appear on such marquee shows as Tribute to the Troops, WrestleMania, amongst others."

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton are capable of carrying the commentating as a two man team but knowing WWE, expect a third broadcaster to be added again soon.

Author’s take

With JBL gone from his weekly chair at ringside, SmackDown will have a new sound going forward. I'd personally prefer a two-man team again but WWE seems averse to that formula. It's admirable for JBL that he wants to give back to such a good cause.