In a recent episode of his podcast “Something To Wrestle”, JBL talked about the start and eventual dispersion of the APA (Acolytes Protection Agency).
The podcast featured key highlights, including:
On the APA formation: JBL recounted how the APA was conceived on his birthday in Philadelphia. He was initially apprehensive about going to the TV hotel after having too much to drink. Upon arriving at the hotel, he met Vince and Shane who proceeded to pile on more drinks. It was this situation that convinced Vince to incorporate elements of it into the wrestling TV program.
“He said ‘You and Ron sitting around drinking, bantering. That’s what men do…That’s what we’re going to do.’ So I walk out and I walk to Ron, and Ron said, ‘Best idea I’ve ever heard.’ And that’s essentially the birth of APA”, said JBL. Vince was essentially wanting to replicate what JBL and Ron did daily: socializing and bantering over drinks.
On their split in 2002: The break up of the APA wasn’t sentimental for JBL and Ron, as both were not particularly emotional individuals. Despite their separation on screen, JBL disclosed that they were both optimistic about a future reunion.
“We just figured we would be back together at some point…unless we’re on different shows, which we were in on different shows, we’re still going to ride together. So things didn’t really change,” JBL noted. He pointed out that they had a strong bond, similar to close-knit tag teams like the Steiners, the Hardys, Edge and Christian, The Funks, the Briscoes, and Harlem Heat.