10 Reasons Why JBL Is WWE's Most Controversial Figure

5. (Allegedly) Forcing Three Departures

JBL Podium
WWE.com

JBL's last major controversy came this spring, when he was implicated as the potential source of Mauro Ranallo's prolonged absence from WWE television. Sidelined with a severe bout of depression brought on by his bipolar disorder, the popular announcer left SmackDown in March, with lifelong friend Bas Rutten suggesting that JBL's bullying had triggered the illness.

Ranallo and the company "mutually agreed to part ways" in April, with Mauro stating that his departure "had nothing to do with JBL." Still, the rumours stuck, and while Ranallo eventually returned to the company through NXT, a number of other sources (including Dave Meltzer) have corroborated Rutten's story.

If true, this wouldn't be the first time Bradshaw's actions have forced another employee out of the company. It happened in 2001, when former WCW referee Billy Silverman decided to resign as a result of JBL's hazing, and again in 2005, when Palmer Canon walked out of the company.

Brought in as a UPN network representative on SmackDown, Canon was originally supposed to transition to a wrestling role, but fell victim to JBL on an international tour. Instead of putting up with it, Palmer said "screw this," flew himself home, and was granted his release a few days later.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.