The Think Tank: The Greatness That is John Bradshaw Layfield

By Pete Ellis

On Friday, I sat down to my usual dose of Smackdown and found myself taken completely by surprise.

No, it wasn't a new wrestler. No, it wasn't a new storyline. My surprise came in the form of actually looking forward to color commentary for the night. Later, I picked up tickets for a live WWE event and found myself disappointed that I would miss John Bradshaw Layfield's commentary of the event.

The truth hit me like a clothesline from hell. JBL is the funniest guy on the WWE. This week's commentary highlight came in the form of watching Teddy Long make out with Krystal and JBL's ensuing commentary: "I AM GONNA PUKE, he's supposed to be running this show and instead..."

I will always admire Jim Ross for his passion for wrestling and his country charm, but I feel that people like JBL are the future of color commentary - not only for wrestling but for sporting events in general.

He's the kind of color man who is his own form of entertainment beyond the show; always ready to pick on the play by play man, always with a good story or two ready, and always confident and loud... even when he has no idea what he's talking about.

I remember rooting against JBL as he battled people like Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit. But looking back on his career, I am forced to smile as I remember a cowering JBL throwing in the towel BEFORE John Cena had a chance to make use of a large metal pipe.

Not to mention a proud JBL who rode a white horse into a crowded arena with an American flag draped over his shoulders as he sported his newly-won WWE Championship - a sight more comedic than detestable, more enjoyable then aggravating.

John Bradshaw Layfield is a true entertainer, and with a little research I discovered that he has been a part of some of the greatest ideas in the history of sports entertainment. That includes his work with Tribute to the Troops and some of our modern match formats.

From his days with the Acolytes to his time spent with Jillian Hall at his side, JBL has managed to construct a successful career with more then a few title reigns and some very memorable moments.

So here's a drink for you, Bradshaw. From deep in the heart of Texas to the concrete jungle of New York City, from Bull Rope matches to trading stocks online, don't hold back from your broadcast position and keep the fresh ideas coming!

Oh, and try not to let Michael Cole talk so much next week.