JBL Faced Death Threats After Controversial WWE Storyline in 2004

In 2004, a shocking incident at a WWE house show in El Paso, Texas, led to real-life consequences for wrestler John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL). During a controversial storyline involving Eddie Guerrero and his mother, JBL's actions in the ring sparked intense anger among fans, resulting in legitimate concerns for his safety.

The incident occurred on May 2, 2004, when JBL, portraying a villainous character, attacked Eddie Guerrero and his mother as part of the storyline. However, the situation escalated when Guerrero's mother appeared to suffer a heart attack in the ring. JBL recently revealed the details of the incident on Twitter, shedding light on the real-life repercussions he faced.

"The police gave me an escort out of town and told me to drive to Odessa, Texas and fly out from there. They told me they thought I would be killed if I stayed in El Paso," JBL tweeted. The former WWE Champion had to leave the city immediately to prevent a potential riot, driving away in his wrestling gear. The incident highlighted the intense emotional response that wrestling storylines can evoke from passionate fans.

Following the incident, WWE provided JBL with extra security at events, fearing for his physical safety. "I had to have extra security everywhere after this, lol. I think WWE was worried I'd be shot or stabbed and wouldn't make the Staples Center," JBL recalled in another tweet. The company took the threats seriously, ensuring that JBL was protected from potential harm.

Despite the real-life consequences, JBL acknowledged the role of Eddie Guerrero and his family in crafting the controversial storyline. "Chavo Sr and Eddie's idea to do this-we sold out the Staples Center off this storyline," he tweeted. The incident and subsequent events helped establish JBL as one of the most hated villains in WWE history, generating intense heat from fans.

The 2004 storyline remains a demonstration of the power of professional wrestling to blur the lines between fiction and reality. While the events were scripted, the emotions and reactions they elicited from fans were genuine. The incident also highlightsthe risks that wrestlers sometimes face when portraying controversial characters and engaging in provocative storylines.

In the years since the incident, JBL has expressed appreciation towards Eddie Guerrero and his family for their contributions to his career. "I owe everything to Eddie and the Guerrero family. Viva la raza,"he tweeted, acknowledging the significant impact of the storyline on his success as a wrestler and the enduring legacy of Eddie Guerrero.

The shocking events at the El Paso house show in 2004 serve as a stark illustration of the complex relationship between wrestling storylines and real-life consequences. While the incident undoubtedly solidified JBL's status as a top heel in WWE, it also exposed the potential dangers that wrestlers face when their on-screen personas incite strong emotions from fans.

Key Takeaways

• In 2004, JBL's actions at a WWE house show in El Paso sparked intense anger, leading to real-life safety concerns.
• JBL had to leave the city immediately, escorted by police, to prevent a potential riot.
• WWE provided JBL with extra security at events, fearing for his physical safety.
• The controversial storyline, involving Eddie Guerrero's mother, generated intense heat and sold out the Staples Center.
• The incident highlights the risks wrestlers face when portraying controversial characters and engaging in provocative storylines.