What’s the story?
World Wrestling Entertainment has consistently been hit with allegations of bullying over the last few weeks, with current SmackDown Live announcer John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield at the centre of the claims.
However, despite his actions, it seems unlikely that JBL is going to face any real punishment, and Cageside Seats has reported that the only effect stemming from the situation is that he will be a straight babyface announcer from here on out.
In case you didn’t know...
Mauro Ranallo has been missing from WWE TV for well over a month now, and the prevailing assumption is that John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield is the reason behind Ranallo’s absence. JBL was extremely vocal in his criticism of Ranallo, and reports began to spread of a bullying culture within WWE.
Also read: 5 of JBL's alleged bullying incidents
The news has been the talk of the incident in the wrestling world for the past couple of weeks, but major mainstream media outlets have stayed away from covering the story to date. As a result, JBL isn’t expected to be punished in any severe manner. Ranallo is not expected to return to WWE TV.
The heart of the matter
Whilst it is unlikely that JBL is going to be punished in any way that matters, Cageside Seats is reporting that the former WWE Champion could well see his on-screen character change somewhat in the coming weeks.
Crowds have been extremely vocal in their anger towards JBL recently, and if this rumour is true, it is clear that WWE is hoping that the whole thing will simply blow over in time.
JBL could well become a straight babyface announcer moving forward, although that would leave the SmackDown Live announce table heavily skewed, in favour of babyfaces. JBL also has little experience playing a babyface during the last decade, and fans are almost guaranteed to reject him in any sort of sympathetic manner.
What’s next?
WWE is yet to address the situation publicly, but JBL’s demeanour this coming Tuesday may well be the clearest indication yet of what the promotion is planning. JBL is due to be joined at the announce desk by Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton, and unless Saxton turns heel it is unlikely that JBL will immediately jump behind the good guys.
WWE is in a tough position, but more will become clear on Tuesday night.
Author’s take
WWE is certainly in a difficult position, but at the same time, this is a position of their own making. The supposed culture that infests WWE is something that should have been nipped in the bud a long time ago, and the only way to stop individuals from bullying others in the future is to mete out a genuine punishment.
JBL might not enjoy playing a babyface, but is it likely to change his backstage behaviour?
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