WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield, widely known as JBL, has entered the social media space by partnering with BZZR, a platform designed exclusively for sports fans. The move marks a new chapter for the former professional wrestler, who has spent decades in the ring and as a commentator, as he aligns with a company that promises to cut through the clutter of traditional social media.
BZZR describes itself as “the world’s first streaming and social media platform built exclusively for sports without any nonsense or slop.” The platform has already attracted several notable figures from the wrestling world, including MVP, Kayla Becker, and Dwayne Swayze. Layfield told Fox News Digital that his decision to join BZZR was influenced by his favorite baseball team, the Texas Rangers, which had already partnered with the company.
“I got a good friend, I call him ‘Shooter’ (Chris) Dunn. He’s been with WWE before. He’s now with BZZR. BZZR seems like a great platform,” Layfield said. “I’m a huge Texas Rangers fan and the Rangers have partnered with BZZR. My grandfather was blind but before he passed away and for several years he used to listen to the Rangers on the radio every afternoon and every night and I’d go over and sit there with him. I’m huge Ranger fan because of that and they’re working with BZZR so it kinda got my interest because the Texas Rangers are involved with them but it seems like such a wonderful platform so I’m glad to be involved.”
One of the key features that appealed to Layfield is the platform’s commitment to keeping discussions focused solely on sports. Unlike many social media platforms where users can hide behind pseudonyms and engage in toxic behavior, BZZR requires users to use their real names and photos, a policy Layfield strongly supports. “Isn’t that amazing? You actually go on something and you don’t expect anyone to tell you, ‘You suck’ or you ‘look stupid’ or you don’t know anything about anything. ‘Remember back in the 1930s there a big,’ No. I don’t actually remember because I have a life,” he said. “It’s unbelievable. I don’t know what you do with the social media but the one thing BZZR is doing, which is great, I think you have to have your name on there, you have to have your picture. The people that hide behind pseudonyms or can become keyword warriors – it gives people a voice that some should not have a voice. Some should but some should not.”
Layfield’s wrestling career is storied. He is a 20th Triple Crown champion in WWE history and a 10th Grand Slam champion. Beyond the ring, he has worked as a commentator for AAA Lucha Libre Worldwide. His partnership with BZZR represents a foray into the digital world, leveraging his extensive fan base and experience in sports entertainment.
The platform aims to unite sports fans by providing a space free from the distractions and negativity often found on larger social networks. By requiring real identities, BZZR hopes to foster more respectful and meaningful conversations about sports. The involvement of figures like Layfield and the Texas Rangers adds credibility and visibility to the fledgling platform.
As social media continues to evolve, niche platforms like BZZR are emerging to serve specific communities. For Layfield, this partnership is a natural extension of his lifelong connection to sports, from his childhood memories of listening to Rangers games with his grandfather to his professional career in wrestling. The platform’s focus on sports aligns with his personal interests and professional background.
BZZR’s approach has resonated with other sports figures as well, and the company is expected to announce additional partnerships in the coming months. For now, Layfield is excited to be part of a platform that prioritizes the fan experience. “It seems like such a wonderful platform,” he said, “so I’m glad to be involved.”