JBL Explains Why In-Ring Comeback Fell Apart After TNA Creative Change

JBL was closer to stepping back into the ring than most fans realized — but a creative shake-up stopped it cold.

During a recent appearance on TMZ’s Inside The Ring, the WWE Hall of Famer addressed speculation about a full-time in-ring return. With recent appearances in GCW and AAA, plus reports of him training with Jody Malenko and Gerald Brisco, many believed a serious comeback was brewing.

According to JBL, it almost happened. He revealed that he had agreed in principle to do something with TNA last year, but once the creative direction shifted, he walked away.

“Yeah, you know, I was going to do it last year and it didn’t work out. I was going to do something in TNA and it didn’t work out. They had a creative change and I didn’t like what the creative was. I didn’t think it was very good. I didn’t think it was good for business or good for me or good for anything. And so I told them, I said, I’m not really interested in doing it. And so I walked out of it, and I still have a good relationship with them.”

JBL explained that the person responsible for the creative pivot was fired shortly after — and then WWE’s partnership with TNA changed the landscape entirely.

“The guy who made the creative change got fired about a week or two later and then WWE partnered with them and so it just never came back to fruition.”

That wasn’t the only opportunity that shifted. JBL also said he had something lined up with AAA in Mexico before WWE’s involvement redirected his role.

“But yeah, I was going to do something in TNA and I was going to do something in Triple A down in Mexico and then all of a sudden WWE buys them and they made me a commentator. So I’m glad they kept me, took me out of the ring. Maybe that was a hint they were giving to me.”

Even at 59 years old, Layfield is still grinding in the gym. He described building out a personal training setup and working closely with respected veterans — but stopped short of confirming any return plans.

“Going fantastic… I got a whole garage set up out there with the mats and suplex dummies and Persian clubs and bonus garbage. And I’m having a blast. You know, I’m 59 years old. Just having fun training. Not sure where it’s going to go. We have kind of an idea, but right now we’re just having a lot of fun.”

For now, JBL appears content staying active while keeping the door slightly open. If he does wrestle again, it won’t be just for nostalgia — it will have to make business sense.

Would you want to see JBL return for one more serious match, or is his Hall of Fame career better left as is? Drop your thoughts below and let us know.

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