As World Wrestling Entertainment champion for the better part of a year in 2004 and into 2005, JBL infuriated audiences with his borderline racist takes on Hispanic immigration, his overbearing personality and his loudmouth promo style. He was grating on the nerves, had the most cocky and arrogant smirk and would do absolutely anything to emerge any match with a victory. He was not worried with looking strong, nor was he opposed to looking absolutely cowardly as he crawled his way to the promised land, his body wracked with pain. If his arm was raised in victory at night's end, he was pleased. Backed by his Cabinet members Orlando Jordan, Doug and Danny Basham and image consultant Amy Weber, JBL ruled over SmackDown with an iron fist, often times picking fights with his mouth that his body could not handle. But, by the time referees counted three and his title defenses had come to a conclusion, he was still champion. That changed when he defended the title against the surging John Cena at WrestleMania 21. He dropped the title that night in Los Angeles, bringing an end to one of the most unexpected championship reign in company history. JBL remained a staple of the SmackDown brand, transitioning to the broadcast table in 2006 as injuries began taking their toll. The double-tough Texan became a quality commentator, doing everything in his power to put the talented men and women of the blue brand over and really exhibiting tremendous pride for the show he reigned atop of just year earlier. He would return to the ring before retiring once again, this time permanently. Currently, he joins Michael Cole and Tom Phillips each and every week in calling the action for the Friday night program. His legacy as a Superstar, however, is one of a rare heel who was so good at getting heat and infuriating audiences that the entire show could be booked around him. Not unlike Triple H, who we discussed a bit earlier.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
