PERSON: John Layfield

Contributing reporter

John Charles Layfield (born November 29, 1966), better known by the ring name John “Bradshaw” Layfield (abbreviated JBL), is an American color commentator and retired professional wrestler and formerly part of the broadcast team on SmackDown and pay-per-view events. He also is a regular panelist on the Saturday morning Fox News show Bulls & Bears.

Outside of his WWE work, Layfield is a financial analyst for Fox News. Within WWE, he was previously known by the ring name Bradshaw, and prior to that, the variations Justin Bradshaw and Blackjack Bradshaw (as half of The New Blackjacks with Blackjack Windham). As JBL, Layfield was WWE Champion for 281 days from 2004–2005 after controversially defeating Eddie Guerrero for the title. Layfield’s main gimmick as JBL – a wealthy, big-mouthed, fiery-tempered businessman – was based on Layfield’s real-life accomplishments as a stock market investor. Layfield is a guest panelist on Fox News Channel’s The Cost of Freedom, has appeared on CNBC, and has written a book on financial planning called Have More Money Now. He hosts a weekend talk radio program, syndicated nationally by Talk Radio Network, in which he discusses his conservative political views. Layfield is also employed by Northeast Securities as its Senior Vice President.

Layfield won 24 total championships including one reign as WWE Champion, one reign as United States Champion, one reign as European Champion, 17 reigns as Hardcore Champion, one reign as Intercontinental Champion, and three reigns as WWF Tag Team Champion with Faarooq as part of The Acolytes Protection Agency (APA). He is also recognized by WWE as the 20th Triple Crown Champion and the 10th Grand Slam Champion. During his career Layfield was accused of perpetrating various pranks or hazing upon other WWE employees. After his retirement, Layfield later became an on-air commentator for WWE programming.

— Wikipedia