What’s the story?
SmackDown LIVE commentator JBL has come under fire in recent weeks due to his alleged bullying of fellow commentator Mauro Ranallo and former WWE announcer Justin Roberts.
JBL took to Twitter to dispute the claims about both men and called Roberts an idiot.
In case you didn’t know
Roberts participated in a Reddit chat where he discussed being bullied by JBL. He claimed that JBL would terrorise people backstage and that he stole his passport on a tour.
Here’s what Roberts had to say:
“He terrorized guys.
It's funny because people are bringing this up now because of the stuff going on now and the book release, but this was like 2003-2004; it was a long time ago.
He terrorized me, and a lot of guys. He'd make life hell for a lot of guys. He chewed Miz and Morrison out after they won the titles for not celebrating enough.
He had taken my passport out of my bag, and the next tour I guarded it with my life. On the flight back, Orlando Jordan told me he would watch my back and [that] I should go to the gift shop. I didn't take his advice.
I also remember being told I had to bring beer to the guys on the plane, but I got out of that, luckily.”
Ranallo has been absent from WWE television primarily because of his struggle with depression which many people claim was due to JBL’s alleged bullying.
The heart of the matter
JBL would release a statement on Twitter claiming he wouldn’t comment on “Net rumours,” but specified that Roberts was hated by the entire crew. JBL also stated that he didn’t steal Roberts’ passport.
He also released a statement about wishing Ranallo nothing but the absolute best.
JBL doesn’t seem to be under fire from the WWE at the moment.
What’s next?
For JBL’s sake, it would be good if nobody else comments on any allegations of hazing or bullying from him.
Also read: WWE News: Justin Roberts talks about backstage bullying
With JBL’s rumoured history of bullying various WWE wrestlers and employees, any more comments would do further damage to JBL and possibly the WWE’s image.
Author’s take
Many fans have probably sided with Roberts in this scenario due to JBL’s alleged history of bullying. Whether it was with John Morrison, The Miz, or Roberts, JBL has a reputation that makes defending himself difficult, with regard to public opinion.
On the other hand, Roberts has little to nothing to gain from speaking about being bullied in the past, barring any unknown vendetta. Plus, the timing of this information surfacing coupled with Ranallo’s recent bout with depression definitely favours him.
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