JBL Recalls Being Overwhelmed in Early WWE Days

One big thing: WWE Hall of Famer JBL admits to feeling overwhelmed when he first joined WWE in 1995.

• JBL, known for his confident on-screen persona, revealed he was initially apprehensive about succeeding in WWE.
• The former world champion was particularly intimidated after watching Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart’s Iron Man match at WrestleMania 12.
• Despite being a “top guy” in other promotions, JBL found WWE to be on a different level.

Why it matters:

JBL’s admission sheds light on the challenges wrestlers face when transitioning to WWE, even for established stars from other promotions. It highlights the pressure and scale of WWE operations compared to other wrestling companies.

By the numbers:

• JBL signed with WWE in 1995
• WWE had 14-15 TV trucks at the time, showcasing the company’s production scale
• The Iron Man match he referenced lasted 60 minutes

What they’re saying:

“I remember just watching Shawn rappel from the ceiling and had that incredible match. I remember thinking, ‘I probably should go back to Japan.’ It was really overwhelming,” JBL recounted.

The big picture:

Despite initial doubts, JBL went on to have a successful career in WWE, including:
• Forming the popular APA tag team with Ron Simmons
• Winning the WWE Championship
• Becoming one of the most hated heels in wrestling
• Being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame

What’s next:

JBL’s story serves as an inspiration for current and future wrestlers facing similar challenges when joining major promotions like WWE or AEW.

How do you think JBL’s early experiences in WWE shaped his later success as a top heel? Share your thoughts in the comments below.