JBL Feared Getting Arrested After Steve Austin Segment

JBL is a veteran in pro wrestling, having begun his career during the Attitude Era in the late 90s. He often shares captivating stories from his time in the business, and one memorable moment involved him fearing arrest after a segment with Steve Austin.

In 2011, Steve Austin made a memorable return to officiate a much-criticized match at WrestleMania, where he served as the referee for the bout between Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler. The match was intended to give Cole an advantage, as he originally wanted John “Bradshaw” Layfield to referee. However, Austin crashed the contract signing, leading to JBL receiving a stunner and an unexpected beer shower.

After the show, which took place in Texas, Layfield drove to the venue but felt uneasy about the trip home. He recounted on Sportskeeda’s What Were They Thinking podcast that he worried he might get arrested if pulled over, as he strongly smelled of alcohol after the beer bath he received from Austin. He recalled thinking that a local cop might stop him and, due to the smell, he could end up in jail.

“One time, Stone Cold was making a return or something at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, and I drove up from Texas… So, I come out, and Steve stuns me and pours beer on me. Well, I had to drive home that night, and I’m sitting there thinking, ‘You know, one of these small-town local cops could pull me over this reek of beer. I’m going to jail if they stop me.”

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JBL also revealed how Vince McMahon reacted to his near-death experience backstage in WWE as McMahon blamed JBL. Regardless, JBL was simply relieved he didn’t get arrested and that’s all that mattered to him in the end.

Are you surprised by this revelation brought forth by JBL? Sound off in the comments section below!