Former WWE Champion Turned Down In-Ring Return

WWE

A former WWE Champion has revealed that he previously turned down an in-ring return in 2023.

While not seen quite as often under the Triple H era of WWE creative, both the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches have always been synonymous with surprise entrants.

The 2023 Royal Rumble was no different – with WWE Hall of Famer Booker T returning to a massive ovation from his hometown fans in San Antonio, TX.

Another famous Texan legend  – JBL was also in attendance for the show, serving as manager to former WWE star Baron Corbin, who entered in the Rumble at number 14.

While JBL only appeared at the show to escort Corbin to the ring, if WWE had their way he would have also entered into the 30-man Rumble.

Speaking on Something to Wrestle With, JBL explained why he said no to making an in-ring return at the Alamodome, despite WWE’s efforts to convince him to do so, as well as detailing an exchange he had with Brock Lesnar backstage.

JBL recalled:

“I remember when [Booker T] was in the Royal Rumble in San Antonio. They wanted me to be in it, and I said, ‘I can’t get the Royal Rumble!’ They said, ‘Oh, Booker’s in it. I said, ‘Yeah, he’s in shape, and he looks good. I’m not!’

“Then I found out, at the Royal Rumble, that Brock Lesnar was coming out right after I walked Baron Corbin out, and I came back, and I literally told Brock. I said, ‘Brock, you do not walk out of this dressing room until I’m back. You’ll break me.”

Despite dealing out Clotheslines across TNA Wrestling, MLW and AAA within the last year, JBL has not made a return to active competition, with his last match being a brief cameo in the 2014 Royal Rumble.

JBL did recently reveal his interest in returning to WWE in a commentary role – follow this link here for his full comments.

Transcript via Fightful

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