John Bradshaw Layfeild was greatly inspired by the career of Stan Hansen and adopted the Lariat (JBL's Clothesline from Hell) in tribute to him. Everything about the former APA member's style screamed 'Hansen', although Hansen may have been even stiffer in the ring than Bradshaw was. These days, a lot of newer WWE fans know JBL as that announcer guy who sits beside Michael Cole and Jerry 'The King' Lawler. He's retired from the ring, but he had a lengthy run as a wrestler for the company between 1995-2009. He has made sporadic in-ring appearances since then, but his days as a full-time worker are over. It wasn't until 2004 that he (somewhat controversially) ascended to the main event scene, but he does deserve to be inducted. Once he established himself as a top guy, he pretty much stayed a top guy, until injuries forced him to call it a day. In 2012, Layfield was the man chosen to induct Ron Simmons into the WWE Hall Of Fame. The pair had worked for years as a tag-team, and developed a close bond behind the scenes. If JBL is to be honoured himself, it's likely that Simmons would be called upon to be he one to induct his friend. Born in Sweetwater, Texas, JBL is another who could be considered a local legend and is an obvious choice for induction.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
