From the WWE Rumor Mill: Potential replacements for JBL on SmackDown Live

What’s the story?

On a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio, veteran professional wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer revealed a few potential replacements for John Bradshaw Layfield on the SmackDown Live commentary team.

Meltzer speculated that Jerry "The King" Lawler may very likely get the job, however, the only issue with that would be Vince McMahon’s reluctance to accord the position of lead announcer to Lawler owing to The King’s advanced age.

Additionally, a couple of other names could possibly be given JBL’s spot on the blue brand’s announcer table, namely Nigel McGuinness or David Otunga.

In case you didn’t know…

John Bradshaw Layfield has now stepped down from his position as the SmackDown Live commentator -- a move that’s being attributed by several pro-wrestling pundits to Layfield’s highly-publicised ‘bullying’ fiasco, wherein the former WWE Champion had allegedly bullied popular commentator Mauro Ranallo.

Nevertheless, JBL has refrained from saying that the aforementioned fiasco as the reason behind him quitting the commentary job, and instead cited spending time with his family as the motive that led him to step away from the announcer’s table.

The heart of the matter

Speaking of JBL’s spot on the SmackDown Live commentary team and his recent departure, Meltzer said that Jerry Lawler would probably be accorded JBL’s spot, but plans may change owing to Vince McMahon’s apprehension, as the WWE boss apparently feels Lawler is a too old to play a central role on the SmackDown commentary team.

Furthermore, either NXT commentator Nigel McGuinness or former RAW announcer David Otunga, is likely to join the blue brand’s commentary team.

What’s next?

As of the time of this writing, the WWE is yet to confirm which commentator would serve as JBL’s replacement from this point going forward on SmackDown Live.

Author’s take

In my opinion, JBL did a great job calling the action, and regardless of whatever transpired between him and Mauro Ranallo, I wish him the best of luck.

Besides, as the man himself has stated, Mr. Layfield will forever be a part of the WWE family. Here’s hoping WWE management choose their new announcer wisely.