JBL Leaving Smackdown and JR Going to ECW??

News

Monday’s Wrestling Observer newsletter will have a note about John Bradshaw Layfield planning to leave WWE. According to an update posted online today by Dave Meltzer, “He had given notice and the 10/8 PPV show from Raleigh was to be his final show. However, we’ve heard today that WWE is attempting to keep him and something may have been worked out.”

Following this report, PWTorch.com reported that “…a deal was actually worked out earlier this week to keep him with the company.” So, it looks like JBL’s staying and the issues have been resolved.

What were those issues?

Both the Torch and Observer have reported that JBL was unhappy with the time committment necessary to work Smackdown tapings on Tuesdays around the country while still participating in his other successful business ventures in NYC. Additionally, the Observer says that JBL was reportedly unhappy with the on-air product, and figured he was comfortable enough to retire and do well for himself with his other jobs… yet the Torch says that he has recently been enthusiastic about his job. Take that for what it’s worth.

One possible concession that Vince McMahon may have made in order to keep JBL on board was allowing him to ride in Vince’s private plane — something talent rarely gets to do, unless you’re the Big Show and you’re booked to be in two places in one night — which would allow JBL to get back to work on Wednesday morning, rather than lose the day due to travel. WWE had no intention of replacing JBL, with no one else really ready for prime-time.

In other announcer news, WrestlingObserver.com has reported that Jim Ross — in a recent radio interview — said that he will be co-announcing the ECW main event next Tuesday with Joey Styles: the first time they’ve shared broadcast duties.

Matthew Michaels is editor emeritus of Pulse Wrestling, and has been since the site launched.