WWE issued the following on JBL’s decision to step down as SmackDown Color Commentator:
JBL to step away from the SmackDown LIVE broadcast team
In a tweet posted Friday evening, JBL announced that he is stepping back from his weekly role as SmackDown LIVE announcer to focus on his new role as a Beyond Sport Global Ambassador. The longest-reigning WWE Champion in SmackDown history will continue his more than 20-year relationship with WWE by appearing on events such as WrestleMania and WWE Tribute to the Troops – which JBL inspired in 2003.
WWE admires JBL’s continued determination to make a difference in the lives of at-risk kids in Bermuda and around the world.