WWE Hall of Famer labelled as least liked guy by Kurt Angle

The landscape of WWE underwent significant shifts during the Attitude Era, and one of the pivotal figures in this transformation was Kurt Angle. 

His remarkable career within Vince McMahon’s promotion left a lasting impact, and he recently shed light on an intriguing aspect of the wrestling world – the locker room dynamics. Angle recently revealed that John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL), a prominent name in WWE, held the distinction of being perhaps the least-liked individual within the locker room.

In 2017, Kurt Angle made his highly anticipated return to WWE, taking on the role of RAW General Manager. While his primary responsibilities revolved around managerial duties, Angle occasionally donned his wrestling gear and engaged in matches during his second stint with the company. His journey culminated in his retirement after participating in WrestleMania 35 in 2019.

Kurt Angle labels JBL as least liked guy in WWE locker room

Reflecting on his prime years, Angle reminisced about sharing the locker room with wrestling’s biggest stars. Speaking on “The Kurt Angle Show,” the former WWE Champion candidly expressed his thoughts on John Bradshaw Layfield’s standing in the locker room hierarchy. According to Angle, JBL earned the distinction of being the least-liked individual due to his penchant for ribbing fellow wrestlers. Angle elaborated that JBL’s approach often carried a bullying undertone, causing some wrestlers to fear him and others to become frustrated. Despite this, Angle acknowledged JBL’s prowess, labeling him as one of the best heels in the business, both in the scripted world of wrestling (as a “work”) and behind the scenes (as a “shoot”).

Angle’s commentary underlined the complexity of locker room dynamics and how personalities can generate contrasting reactions. He highlighted the duality of JBL’s character – a figure who elicited mixed sentiments due to his interactions with fellow wrestlers.

JBL’s notable tenure saw him rise to prominence as a heel character on Friday Night SmackDown. Capturing the WWE Championship after dethroning Eddie Guerrero, JBL held a dominant presence on the brand, holding the title for nearly a year leading up to WrestleMania 21.

Among those who challenged JBL was Angle himself. In 2005, Angle and JBL engaged in a gripping Last Man Standing match, showcasing their intensity and rivalry. Their feud culminated in a Triple Threat match involving The Big Show.

Ultimately, JBL’s championship reign came to an end at WrestleMania 21, with John Cena seizing the coveted WWE Championship. Meanwhile, Kurt Angle’s journey led him to a feud with Shawn Michaels, resulting in a victory for Angle at the same event.