A WWE Hall of Famer is crediting the late wrestling legend Eddie Guerrero for playing a major role in transforming his career.
John “Bradshaw” Layfield recently reflected on the impact Eddie Guerrero had on his rise to the top of WWE, revealing that the former WWE Champion was instrumental in helping shape the character that eventually propelled him into the main event scene.
Speaking on The Undertaker‘s Six Feet Under podcast, JBL said Guerrero not only supported the creative direction behind his push but also advocated dropping the championship to him to elevate his status.
“Eddie Guerrero not only made me, but Eddie Guerrero gave me the angle that not only made me, but took the title off himself,” JBL said. “So, my whole career, I owe to Eddie. I’m putting that man over.”
JBL Recalls His Iconic Bloody WWE Match With Eddie Guerrero
JBL also recalled a memorable match between the two at Judgment Day 2004 in the Staples Center that came together with almost no planning. According to Layfield, Guerrero rejected the agent’s proposed structure for the bout, leading the pair to improvise much of the match once they stepped through the ropes.
The result was a physical and bloody encounter that JBL said reflected Guerrero’s instinctive approach to wrestling.
“Eddie couldn’t put a match together backstage to save his life… He felt things. He just got out there and did things,” JBL explained. “It was unbelievable… that was 100 per cent feel with Eddie.”
Layfield added that Guerrero possessed a deep understanding of pacing and crowd psychology, something he believes has become increasingly rare.
He also recalled an example of Guerrero’s unconventional thinking during another match, when Guerrero suggested remaining in a headlock for an extended period to intentionally slow the crowd following a previous high-energy bout, before building the audience back up for the finish.
The feud between JBL and Guerrero ultimately helped establish Layfield’s top heel persona, particularly during the controversial storyline involving Guerrero’s mother in El Paso. The segment, which centred on a staged “heart attack” angle, generated significant heat and helped cement JBL’s villainous character.
Layfield said the reaction was so intense that he required a police escort to leave the area after the show. He described the moment of silence in the arena following the segment as one of the most powerful experiences of his wrestling career.
