The wrestling world is built on mentorship and learning from legends who paved the way. For WWE Hall of Famer JBL, one particular veteran served as the master class in heel psychology that would define his entire career trajectory.
The Master Class in Heel Psychology
During a recent appearance on “Something to Wrestle,” JBL opened up about the profound influence Fit Finlay had on his development as a performer. The revelation showcases how wrestling knowledge gets passed down through generations of performers.
According to JBL, Finlay represented the purest form of heel work in professional wrestling. The Northern Irish veteran didn’t rely on flashy gimmicks or modern entertainment value to draw heat from audiences.
“Well, I can tell you this, there was nothing cool about Fit. Fit was not a cool heel. Nothing, nothing — absolutely … he was a pure heel. Finlay was a heel 24/7. That’s where I learnt how to be a heel. That’s where JBL was born was learning from Dave [Finlay].”
A Career That Could Have Changed Wrestling History
The conversation took an intriguing turn when JBL began analyzing Finlay’s untapped potential in WWE’s landscape. He positioned the veteran alongside other “what if” stories that haunt wrestling history.
JBL specifically referenced the mid-1990s era when WWE shifted its focus from larger-than-life characters to skilled in-ring performers. This period, dominated by technical masters like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels, represented a missed opportunity for Finlay’s talents.
“Finlay, to me — you talk about Vader being a ‘what if.’ Finlay is a ‘what if’ to me. They wouldn’t have done much [with him] in the Hogan era because they were all so big on size, but after that when Bret Hart and Shawn [Michaels], and Vince realized the guys that could work, it didn’t matter if they are 6’8″, 300 pounds, that era, Finlay could’ve printed money. Absolutely printed money.”
The European Wrestling Foundation
JBL’s admiration for Finlay extends beyond their shared time in American promotions. The Hall of Famer expressed genuine regret that American audiences never witnessed Finlay during his prime years in European wrestling circuits.
Finlay’s extensive work throughout the 1970s and 1980s in Europe built the foundation for his later success in WCW and WWE. This international experience shaped his unique style and heel psychology that would later influence performers like JBL.
American wrestling fans finally got their introduction to Finlay during the Monday Night Wars era when he joined WCW. His WWE run came later, following the acquisition of WCW, where he continued making his mark both as a performer and behind-the-scenes contributor.
Legacy of Influence in Modern Wrestling
The relationship between JBL and Finlay represents more than just professional admiration. It demonstrates how wrestling evolution happens through direct mentorship and careful observation of seasoned veterans.
JBL’s success as the longest-reigning WWE Champion of the modern era can be traced back to lessons learned from watching Finlay’s methodical approach to generating genuine heel heat. This influence helped create one of WWE’s most memorable championship runs.
When legends like JBL credit specific performers for shaping their careers, it raises fascinating questions about wrestling’s hidden history. What other untold mentorship stories exist between generations of wrestlers, and how might different timing have changed the trajectory of careers we thought we knew completely?
