Real Name - John Charles Layfield
Birthdate - 11/29/69
6'7" 280 lbs. - Athens, TX
Athletic Background - Football (WAFL)
Teacher(s) - Brad Rheingans
Professional Background - Global(`93-`94), AAA(`93), WAR(`95), CWA(`95), WWF/WWE(`96-), OVW(`03)
Aliases - Johnny Hawk, Vampiro Americano, Death Mask, Texas Hawk, Justin "Hawk" Bradshaw, Blackjack Bradshaw, Bradshaw
Groups - Ministry of Darkness, The Corporate Ministry, APA, The Cabinet
Peak Years - `01-`06
Finisher(s) -
- Clothesline from Hell
- JBL Bomb (Powerbomb)
Favorites -
- Big Boot
- Last Call (Fallaway Slam)
- Powerslam
- Swinging Neckbreaker
- Overhead Forearms
Ringwork Rating -
| Move Set | 5 |
| Science | 0 |
| Aerial | 0 |
| Power | 7 |
| Strikes | 8 |
Intangibles Rating -
| Entertainment | 9 |
| Selling | 4 |
| Bumping | 4 |
| Carrying | 4 |
| Heat | 7 |
| Legacy | 5 |
Place in History - John Layfield's journey through pro-wrestling has been an inspiring one. He was one of those guys who wanted to play pro football so badly, but was just too banged up by the time the chance came his way. Like many of the greats of yesteryear, he transitioned from pro or semi-pro ball to pro-wrestling. Like Stan Hansen, Bobby Duncum and Blackjack Mulligan before him, Layfield found his way into a pro-wrestling ring playing a big roughneck from Texas. Many compared him to Hansen with his aggressive style, interview style and size, but Layfield was never a worker of that caliber. He was able to travel the globe, gaining experience in Europe, Mexico and Japan before signing with WWF. Originally he did the same gimmick he had usually had. The gimmick seemed dated and Bradshaw was not a strong enough worker to push it over the top. Eventually Bradshaw was paired with another former football player, Ron "Faarooq" Simmons, to form the Acolytes, a demonic powerhouse tag team. As time passed, they morphed into a modern version of Dick the Bruiser and Crusher Lisowski. Their barfighting antics turned them into babyfaces as the APA (Acolyte Protection Agency), but injuries, age and financial comfort prevented them from making it to that top level. Simmons retired and Layfield's career began anew. After publishing a book on finance, Bradshaw revamped himself as "JBL," a cross between The Million Dollar Man and J.R. Ewing. The new gimmick was successful and made Layfield's last active years, years as a top star. After retiring from the ring, JBL transitioned to announcing and proved to be excellent at it as well. John Layfield’s career of being a struggling star in the slow years, a supporting star in the hot years and a top star during declining years.
