The oft-outspoken John Bradshaw Layfield has never been one to shy away from controversy or an opportunity to share his opinion, especially on a subject he’s so knowledgeable and passionate about.
Speaking recently with Busted Open Radio, the former WWE Champion offered his thoughts on the issue with modern-day heels in the industry.
JBL believes that it’s “easier now than ever [to be a heel], but the guys have got to stay in character. […] we stayed in character 24/7. People would think you’re a horrible person, but you don’t want to see a guy at the airport, and smile, and be friendly.”
He admits that this outlook – one that happens to be shared by Chris Jericho – is an “old school mentality,” before explaining, “People don’t like it anymore, but it’s what we did and you didn’t want them coming to the arena and saying, ‘Hey, I met that guy – he’s actually a really good guy,’ and tell everyone around him because that’s what they’ll do. You want people to think you’re this bad guy. You live this character 24/7.”
A Social (Media) Issue
Attempting to pinpoint contributing factors to the issue, JBL highlighted social media as a major reason for this break in heel dynamics.
“I would see these guys trying to be heels and right after some dastardly deed on Monday Night RAW or SmackDown, they quote a bible verse and say how great it is to help people on social media,” he said.
“You’re killing yourself because these same people who follow you on social media are the same ones that watch you on Monday Night RAW and SmackDown, and they’re the ones out there saying, ‘you know, he’s really a good guy; I like him; he’s a good heel.’ If somebody tells you, ‘you’re a good heel,’ you have failed miserably. If you’re selling t-shirts as a heel, you’re selling them, then you’ve failed miserably. If you have a heel section, then you’ve failed miserably.”
What do you make of JBL’s thoughts? Is there a problem with modern-day heels? Is social media to blame?
