The APA splitting up may have led to the creation of the JBL character, but the WWE Hall of Famer would’ve been fine if that never transpired.
This week marked 20 years since Bradshaw turned on Ron Simmons/Farooq. On-screen, their split was caused by then-SmackDown General Manager Paul Heyman.
Reflecting on the two-decade milestone, JBL said he’d have been happy to remain in a tag team with Simmons for the rest of his career.
Loved being JBL, but if I had been a member of APA till my retirement with Ron, I’d have happily taken it. Ron had just gotten ready to retire and wow did he help make me a heel when I didn’t leave with him! He made me in every way. Love that man. https://t.co/6p70Pbkaqb
— John Layfield (@JCLayfield) March 18, 2024
Splitting from Simmons would pay off for Bradshaw, who introduced his JBL character shortly after. He would capture the WWE Championship that same year.
The APA Splitting Up: Reflecting on the Impact of the JBL Character
It has been 20 years since the APA, one of the most iconic tag teams in WWE history, split up. This split led to the creation of the JBL character, which would go on to become a significant part of Bradshaw’s career. However, in a recent tweet, the WWE Hall of Famer expressed that he would have been content remaining in a tag team with his partner Ron Simmons, also known as Farooq, for the rest of his career.
Reflecting on the milestone, JBL acknowledged that Simmons played a crucial role in his transformation into a heel character. He stated, “Ron had just gotten ready to retire and wow did he help make me a heel when I didn’t leave with him! He made me in every way. Love that man.”
The split between Bradshaw and Simmons was scripted by then-SmackDown General Manager Paul Heyman. This decision allowed Bradshaw to introduce his new persona, JBL, shortly after the split. The character was a wealthy businessman with a cowboy hat and a penchant for delivering scathing promos.
The introduction of JBL proved to be a turning point in Bradshaw’s career. In 2004, just a year after the split, JBL captured the WWE Championship. This achievement solidified his status as a main event player and propelled him into the spotlight.
While the JBL character brought success and recognition to Bradshaw, it is evident that he holds a deep appreciation for his time as part of the APA. The APA, short for Acolytes Protection Agency, was known for their tough-guy personas and their willingness to take on any challenge. They were a dominant force in the tag team division and left a lasting impact on fans.
Bradshaw’s sentiment reflects the bond and camaraderie that often develops between tag team partners. The partnership between Bradshaw and Simmons was a successful one, and they were able to create a memorable legacy together. However, the split allowed Bradshaw to explore new opportunities and showcase his versatility as a performer.
The WWE has a long history of tag teams splitting up and leading to the rise of individual stars. This pattern can be seen with other notable examples such as Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty of The Rockers, Edge and Christian, and Matt and Jeff Hardy. These splits often serve as a catalyst for character development and allow wrestlers to showcase their individual skills.
In conclusion, the split of the APA and the subsequent creation of the JBL character marked a significant turning point in Bradshaw’s career. While he acknowledges the impact of the JBL character, he also expresses gratitude for his time as part of the APA. The split allowed Bradshaw to explore new opportunities and ultimately led to his capture of the WWE Championship. The story serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of professional wrestling and the potential for reinvention and success that comes with it.