WWE Releases Statement on JBL Stepping Down

As previously reported, John Bradshaw Layfield is stepping down as an announcer and leaving his commentator position on weekly SmackDown Live programming.

WWE has released the following statement:

“In a tweet posted Friday evening, JBL announced that he is stepping back from his weekly role as SmackDown LIVE announcer to focus on his new role as a Beyond Sport Global Ambassador. The longest-reigning WWE Champion in SmackDown history will continue his more than 20-year relationship with WWE by appearing on events such as WrestleMania and WWE Tribute to the Troops – which JBL inspired in 2003.

WWE admires JBL’s continued determination to make a difference in the lives of at-risk kids in Bermuda and around the world.”