Vince Russo Addresses Heat with JBL Speculation

Vince Russo is clearing the air about his relationship with John Bradshaw Layfield — and according to Russo, if there’s any bad blood, it’s not coming from his side.

During a recent discussion on the Two Man Power Trip podcas, the former WWE and WCW head writer was asked directly about JBL and whether there’s legitimate heat between them. Russo didn’t hesitate to respond, making it clear that he holds no personal grudge.

“If there’s real heat, there’s heat from his side. There’s not heat for me. I have nothing to be upset with him about.”

Russo acknowledged that JBL has publicly said harsh things about him over the years, but he insists he hasn’t retaliated in the same way.

“He’s said some really mean-spirited things about me. And I’ve not said anything mean-spirited about him other than he was the one that gave me the idea for the Brawl For All.”

And Russo made sure to mention that part wasn’t a joke, “That’s a shoot.” The infamous Brawl For All tournament remains one of the most controversial concepts in WWE history, and Russo has long maintained that JBL’s real-life toughness and barroom reputation were part of what inspired the idea.

The conversation also turned to JBL’s long-standing reputation for locker room bullying — something that has been discussed by multiple wrestlers over the years. Russo was asked point-blank whether he ever witnessed that behavior firsthand. His answer was straightforward.

“People ask me all the time about him being a bully and all that stuff. And I always say I never saw that. He never bullied me. I never saw him bully anybody.”

While Russo didn’t dismiss others’ experiences, he made it clear that his personal interactions with JBL never involved intimidation or mistreatment. In an industry known for long memories and backstage politics, Russo’s comments suggest that whatever friction may exist, it isn’t something he’s carrying. Instead, he framed it as a one-sided issue and kept the focus on professional history rather than personal attacks.

Do you believe Vince Russo’s take on JBL and the Brawl For All story? And do you think there’s still real heat between them behind the scenes? Drop your thoughts below and let us know what you think.