In the later stages of their careers, many wrestlers from previous generations often assist today’s stars by critiquing or “agenting” their matches. During a recent interview with “Huge Pop Radio,” former WWE Champion JBL shared his thoughts on whether he is suited for the role of an agent, especially when it comes to one particular wrestler.
“I’ve told Sami Zayn this… I was Sami Zayn’s agent once, and then I quit,” JBL said with a laugh. “I love Sami. He’s one of the best characters I’ve ever seen.” JBL explained that he and Zayn have different approaches to match preparation.
While JBL would focus on the match duration and finish, Zayn’s style requires more intricate planning. However, JBL believes that Zayn’s performance at WrestleMania 36 exemplified how their contrasting methods can still create magic.
“I remember calling a match at WrestleMania with no crowd… and Sami was screaming every time [Bryan Danielson] kicked him,” JBL recalled. “I thought, ‘This is brilliant.’ It made the match. He was even crying at one point… I love Sami, but I don’t want to be his agent.”
Zayn emerged victorious in that match, defeating the current AEW World Champion and successfully retaining his WWE Intercontinental Championship. He has continued to achieve great success in WWE, even headlining Night 1 of WrestleMania 39 alongside Kevin Owens.
Zayn’s WrestleMania accomplishments also include defeating Gunther at this year’s event, where he claimed the Intercontinental title before eventually losing it to the current champion, Bron Breakker. Although Layfield has not entirely stepped away from in-ring appearances, the WWE Hall of Famer has recently been seen in various promotions, including GCW, AAA, TNA, and MLW.