As reported in the June 4 Observer Newsletter, John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) and Shawn Michaels offered their own differing perspectives on Chris Jericho’s in-character heel behavior in Brazil where he denigrated the Brazil flag and was later rushed out of the country and subsequently suspended 30 days by WWE:
Reports The Observer: “John Layfield, who was involved in a similar incident, when he goose stepped to get heel heat while in Germany in 2004, defended Jericho saying he knew the intent was to entertain and not insult anyone. But he saw both sides of the issue, saying when he did the goose stepping he didn’t think anything of it, but he ended up losing a television gig as a stock analyst when the story came back to the U.S., and WWE faced some potential hot water in Germany over it, which was later smoothed over.”
Specifically, JBL said: “Times change, and for the better. Chris did what a ton of older heels would have done and he reacted. He is being pushed and he apologized. He is one of the all-time greats and a great friend. Old habits are hard to change, but we must. Times change and we have to change with it, and we will.”
As for Shawn Michaels’ take on the Jericho situation, HBK was shocked that Jericho was suspended and issued the following comments: “Seems to me I’d blame the horrific PC world we’ve allowed ourselves to be caught up in where you can’t act and have it called acting. I’ll stand behind Chris Jericho any day of the week and twice on Sunday. What’s the big E stand for in WWE anyway. I honestly don’t see how many of you make it with that much anger in your life. Seems exhausting and a colossal waste of time.”
For the full June 4 Observer Newsletter, subscribe here.
