John Bradshaw Layfield is stepping down from the SmackDown commentary team. In an announcement he made via Twitter, JBL explained in depth why he decided to make this decision.
But he is leaving his job with WWE for a very good reason as he wishes to spend more time focusing on his other work in helping at-risk children. He said he will continue his relationship with WWE but will be working a new reduced schedule with the company.
We will miss hearing JBL’s quips on SmackDown Live, but in the end, he is doing some great work and will be allowed to do even more with his lighter schedule.
JBL sent out a very long tweet to explain how he came to this decision which you can read below:
Biggest announcement of my life to follow! At 50 years old I aim to spend my time left making a difference. Very grateful.
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) September 1, 2017
After much consideration, I will be stepping back my weekly role as Smackdown Announcer to dedicate more (cont) https://t.co/An7zuYRFmV
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) September 1, 2017
“After much consideration, I will be stepping back my weekly role as Smackdown Announcer to dedicate more continuous time on the work I have done since 2010 with at risk kids and communities. My new schedule will allow me to continue to be a part of the WWE family and also continue my work that I feel is the most important thing in my life. I will continue my 20+ year relationship with WWE and will appear on such marquee shows as Tribute to the Troops, WrestleMania, amongst others.”
“With the help of Beyond Sport, I founded Beyond Rugby Bermuda in 2010–which has been recognized as one of the world’s best charities for work with at risk, gang focused, youth intervention. Beyond Rugby Bermuda won the 2014 NACRA Fair Play Award out of 7,000 programs and 17 countries for its work with at risk kids. I was named as a Beyond Sport Global Ambassador–an organization backed by all major sports leagues in the U.S.”
“I’m proud to say that in addition to being Smackdown’s longest reigning WWE Champion, I inspired WWE’s Tribute to the Troops over 10 years ago. WWE has been my partner in all my philanthropic works and this new deal with WWE ensures that will continue. WWE has made my dreams come true and helped me become a global name. And now, WWE is helping me use that name to make a difference.”
