JBL Denies Trying To Hurt Buff Bagwell During The Invasion

Professional wrestler JBL denied allegations that he and Ron Simmons attempted to injure Buff Bagwell during a 2001 World Wrestling Federation event, addressing historical reports on an episode of Something to Wrestle marking 25 years since the Invasion storyline.

Addressing the 2001 Tacoma Powerbomb Accusations

During the podcast episode, host Conrad Thompson read from a Wrestling Observer report published at the time of the angle. According to the Wrestling Observer, WCW wrestlers were scheduled to be run off following a SmackDown taping in Tacoma, leaving Bagwell alone in the ring to take a hard powerbomb from the APA. The report also alleged that Bradshaw was ribbing Bagwell about his mother, Judy Bagwell, calling the office to complain about travel arrangements.

JBL disputed the claims regarding the personal ribbing and the intent to cause harm. He stated that the report contained false information and that he had minimal interaction with Bagwell during that period. He added that he was unaware at the time of any phone calls made by Bagwell’s mother to the office.

Inside the APA’s In-Ring Philosophy

Regarding the execution of the maneuver, JBL explained that any instruction he gave Bagwell beforehand was meant to ensure the spot looked effective for the cameras. He noted that if a wrestler intended to cause injury, throwing someone on their head or shoulder would be the method used, calling such tactics unprofessionally malicious. He stated that he never engaged in that behavior, though he acknowledged throwing opponents down hard as part of the APA’s physical style.

According to JBL, the APA played a rough style and expected opponents to match it while delivering it in kind. He suggested that when matches or angles fail to connect, individuals sometimes look for someone else to blame.

JBL Reflects on Locker Room Culture and Invasion Failures

JBL addressed the wider dynamics of the locker room culture at the time, noting that while he did not know about the mother’s phone calls then, it was the type of subject matter he might have utilized for ribbing had he been aware. He also reflected on the broader structural issues surrounding the 2001 Invasion storyline, pointing out that the promotion failed to secure top-tier main event talent from the rival WCW roster.

The Short-Lived WWF Run of Marcus Bagwell

Comparing the handling of acquired promotions, JBL stated that both WCW and ECW were historically significant companies that were run poorly following their acquisition by WWE, resulting in watered-down iterations that ultimately failed to capture their original momentum.

Marcus Bagwell debuted in the WWF in July 2001, facing Booker T for the WCW Championship on the July 2 episode of Raw in Tacoma. He was released shortly after that appearance, with contemporaneous reports citing attitude complaints and an altercation with Shane Helms.

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