The Miz recently spoke out to challenge the common perception of JBL as a locker room bully in WWE. Opening up about his early experiences backstage, The Miz described how JBL actually offered encouragement when he felt like an outsider in the wrestling business. This conversation took place during an episode of Six Feet Under with The Undertaker, in which The Miz recalled that while some veterans made him feel unwelcome, JBL was supportive rather than antagonistic.
Contrary to the widespread belief that JBL was harsh or difficult, The Miz said that JBL took the time to give positive feedback and motivated him to continue improving his craft, offering reassurance that he was on the right path.
“You could have been, you could have been the person. I don’t know if you actually told me verbatim, that I was never gonna make it. I don’t think… You actually didn’t. You were actually very… You know it’s weird. A lot of people get a lot of… JBL gets a lot of flak, for like bullying and like he was an a**hole or whatever. He gets a lot of that. It wasn’t really him. He was the person that would take me aside and go, ‘hey kid, you are doing a good job. Keep doing this, keep doing this, this this this this. Well keep it up.’”
This candid comment highlights a side of JBL that fans and critics have often overlooked, as The Miz emphasized the veteran’s role as a mentor offering constructive guidance rather than intimidation or bullying. His remarks, shared on Six Feet Under with The Undertaker, add nuance to JBL’s reputation within the industry.
Alternative Views: The Godfather Reflects on JBL’s Locker Room Conduct
The Miz’s perspective aligns with opinions previously expressed by another WWE veteran, The Godfather. On the Two Man Power Trip podcast, The Godfather explained that JBL’s old-school wrestling mindset might clash with the expectations of newer generations but did not equate to bullying behavior.
He noted that JBL embodied a traditional wrestler’s mentality, shaped by earlier times when locker room dynamics adhered to more rigid rules that today’s fans might misinterpret. According to The Godfather, JBL was not a bully but rather someone operating within the framework of an outdated code of conduct.
“What he is, is an old-school wrestler that was taught by old-school wrestlers and he had that mentality. The modern day kids and people growing up were changing and they didn’t understand that, but he, by no means, was no bully. He just lived by locker room rules that were old-school rules. Those rules are gone now.”
This commentary offers context to JBL’s approach, framing it as a product of his era in wrestling rather than personal antagonism. The Godfather’s remarks reinforce the idea that wrestling’s evolving culture sometimes causes misunderstandings about veteran performers’ behavior.
JBL’s Most Recent Appearance and Continuing Legacy
Although JBL’s primary in-ring and commentary career has slowed, he remained visible within WWE as recently as January 2025. During this last known appearance, he served as a guest commentator for a match featuring Rey Mysterio and Kofi Kingston, two popular WWE stars. This involvement shows that JBL continues to have ties to the company and remains a recognized figure.
The conversation sparked by The Miz and The Godfather regarding JBL’s backstage demeanor sheds light on how wrestling’s internal culture and locker room traditions are often misunderstood by fans and media. Their insights invite a reassessment of JBL’s legacy, emphasizing mentorship and old-school values rather than bullying.
As WWE evolves, it remains to be seen how veterans like JBL will be remembered and how future locker room dynamics may change in response to shifting attitudes within professional wrestling. For now, The Miz defends JBL bullying claims by presenting a perspective grounded in personal experience and respect.
