The APA splitting up may have led to the creation of the JBL character, but the WWE Hall of Famer would’ve been fine if that never transpired.
This week marked 20 years since Bradshaw turned on Ron Simmons/Farooq. On-screen, their split was caused by then-SmackDown General Manager Paul Heyman.
Reflecting on the two-decade milestone, JBL said he’d have been happy to remain in a tag team with Simmons for the rest of his career.
Loved being JBL, but if I had been a member of APA till my retirement with Ron, I’d have happily taken it. Ron had just gotten ready to retire and wow did he help make me a heel when I didn’t leave with him! He made me in every way. Love that man. https://t.co/6p70Pbkaqb
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) March 18, 2024
Splitting from Simmons would pay off for Bradshaw, who introduced his JBL character shortly after. He would capture the WWE Championship that same year.
