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#9 JBL
After an APA reunion on SmackDown in 2003, Bradshaw went through a huge change on the blue show in 2004 when partner Ron Simmons was released from his contract.
Following Ron Simmons on-screen 'firing' in April 2004, Bradshaw emerged the following week a new man. Now with a new, classy upbeat but smug theme music and even more smug attitude, a new cowboy hat and suit-wearing Bradshaw was now identified as 'John Bradshaw Layfield', a cocky businessman.
The gimmick was actually based on real life. While JBL did enjoy a beer or two and a game of cards, he was a very smart player on the stock market and a financial quarter FOX News analyst.
The character was an instant hit and thanks to top heels, Brock Lesnar leaving WWE and Kurt Angle being on the shelf for six months, JBL was in the right place at the right time for a main event push.
JBL had an excellent feud with Eddie Guerrero which resulted in him becoming WWE Champion and holding it for nine months. He would also become the WWE United States Champion and engage in many memorable feuds with the likes of Rey Mysterio and Bobby Lashley. Following both of his retirements, he also became a colour commentator for SmackDown and a good one at that.
I think these accolades make JBL more than deserving for an appearance on SmackDown 1000.
