John “Bradshaw” Layfield’s days as part of SmackDown Live’s broadcast team appear to be done.
The former WWE Champion tweeted earlier this evening teasing a significant announcement:
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Biggest announcement of my life to follow! At 50 years old I aim to spend my time left making a difference. Very grateful.
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) September 1, 2017
In the subsequent tweet, JBL attached a link that provided a better format for longer texts. Here was his message:
“After much consideration, I will be stepping back my weekly role as Smackdown Announcer to dedicate more continuous time on the work I have done since 2010 with at risk kids and communities. My new schedule will allow me to continue to be a part of the WWE family and also continue my work that I feel is the most important thing in my life. I will continue my 20+ year relationship with WWE and will appear on such marquee shows as Tribute to the Troops, WrestleMania, amongst others.”
“With the help of Beyond Sport, I founded Beyond Rugby Bermuda in 2010–which has been recognized as one of the world’s best charities for work with at risk, gang focused, youth intervention. Beyond Rugby Bermuda won the 2014 NACRA Fair Play Award out of 7,000 programs and 17 countries for its work with at risk kids. I was named as a Beyond Sport Global Ambassador–an organization backed by all major sports leagues in the U.S.”
“I’m proud to say that in addition to being Smackdown’s longest reigning WWE Champion, I inspired WWE’s Tribute to the Troops over 10 years ago. WWE has been my partner in all my philanthropic works and this new deal with WWE ensures that will continue. WWE has made my dreams come true and helped me become a global name. And now, WWE is helping me use that name to make a difference.”
Wow. This comes as a shock as there were no indications of JBL ever wanting to leave his role on SmackDown. However, his decision seems like a personal one. Not to mention, JBL’s move for leaving is incredibly novel.
As mentioned JBL will still be hanging around WWE, but in what capacity we do not know. However, we can expect him to make appearances at WWE’s mega shows. For now, there’s quite the void left at Tuesday Night’s announcers’ table. The question of who steps in will be the sources of heavy speculation in the coming days.
Thanks and good luck to JBL!
