JBL Blasts Booker T “Worst Announcer” Claim, Calls Critics “Bozos”

WWE Hall of Famer JBL isn’t staying quiet after Booker T was named “Worst Announcer of 2025” by the Wrestling Observer. When the topic came up during his appearance on TMZ’s Inside The Ring, Layfield didn’t just disagree — he went straight for the jugular.

The hosts brought up the controversial award and asked JBL for his take on Booker T receiving the dubious honor. The reaction was immediate.

“I don’t know what waterhead would make Booker T anything but the greatest.”

JBL didn’t stop there. Instead of softening the blow, he doubled down and made it crystal clear where he stands on Booker’s commentary work — and on the man himself.

“I think Booker’s awesome. Everything about Booker — Booker is a role model. Booker is a legend. He’s a multi-time Hall of Famer. I think he’s a great commentator. He’s done so much for this business far as training guys. He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever met. And I think he’s a great commentator. And people agree with that.”

Layfield then shifted the focus to wrestling media culture, arguing that negative takes generate more attention than praise.

“It’s just like these press gimmicks that come out — and it’s not just Meltzer. It’s any of these awards that come out. You don’t get followings by being positive and saying, ‘Hey, this guy’s really great.’ You get followings by saying, ‘Oh, this guy’s terrible.’ And you try to sound smart and try to sound cerebral. That’s why you have some movie that sells a billion dollars in ticket sales and people say, ‘Oh, that’s the worst movie ever.’ That’s right — because of why it just made a billion dollars.”

“These guys like Meltzer and these guys are a bunch of bozos.”

JBL wrapped his defense by pointing to Booker T’s personality and presence — something fans hear every week on WWE programming.

“I think Booker’s awesome. I’m so happy with what Booker’s doing. I think he’s fun to be around. He’s infectious. Booker’s one of these guys that just lights up a room, and I think he does that on commentary also.”

Booker T remains one of WWE’s most recognizable voices, a two-time Hall of Famer who transitioned from in-ring legend to commentator and trainer. While awards like this will always stir debate, JBL made it clear he believes Booker’s impact — both behind the desk and behind the scenes — speaks for itself.

Do you agree with JBL’s take on Booker T’s commentary work, or do you think the criticism is fair? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you stand.