What’s the story?
After the stories of JBL’s bullying exploits broke on the internet, Reddit user WigglingCaboose shared a transcript of a 2001 interview of former WWE referee Billy Silverman that described the atrocious acts of the SmackDown commentator towards one such Charles Robinson.
In an interview with Get in the Ring radio, Silverman summarised how Robinson became the cheif target of JBL and his harmless ribs. He further pointed out some ribs that were not-so-harmless but were still borderline disturbing.
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Over the years, John Bradshaw Layfield has gained notoriety for being a backstage bully. While his exploits were often overlooked by his peers and the internet community in the past, his actions have been met by mainstream criticism recently, courtesy of SmackDown LIVE lead announcer Mauro Ranallo.
Also read: 5 of JBL's alleged bullying incidents
Ranallo has been absent from WWE TV for the past few weeks and has been rumoured to be recovering from an onset of depression that many believe was the outcome of JBL’s bullying.
Since then, reputed Dave Meltzer has stated that as many as 15 current and former employees of the WWE have confided in him about being coerced by JBL. The stories that are written in former WWE ring announcer Justin Roberts’s book, Best Seat in the House: Your Backstage Pass-through My WWE Journey, also outline the tormenting nature of the former WWE World Champion.
The heart of the matter
During the interview, Silverman recounted an incident in which JBL coerced Robinson to carry a large amount of his liquor across the Canadian border by threatening him with violence. He recalled that Robin consequently injured his back while carrying JBL’s bottles and was moreover forced by the ‘boys’ to pour them drinks when the plane landed.
According to Silverman, Robinson took the matter to the management but was shushed and told to do as Bradshaw told him to. Silverman added that while Robinson called JBL a self-appointed "chief of police" in the WWF, many, including him, considered Layfield to be a bully and ‘a f***ed up human being.’
What’s next?
WWE has refrained from commenting on the situation thus far, but with new accounts of JBL’s atrocious behaviour popping up on mainstream media now and again, it is just a matter of time before the company has to deal with the situation.
Author’s take
While the authenticity of the story has not been established, the odds are stacked against the SmackDown commentator as various accounts of his bullying exploits have come to light.
At the very least, WWE should reprimand JBL for his actions and force him to issue a public apology. However, none of this would compensate the misery he inflicted on his targets.
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