JBL comments on what led to his WWE main event push in 2004

While speaking to Chris Van Vliet, JBL (John Layfield) commented on what led to his WWE main event push in 2004. Here is what JBL had to say…

“I knew I’d have the opportunity. I knew because they made the character for Eddie Guerrero, so I knew I had the opportunity. They called me specifically for the match at the Staples Center in six weeks, eight weeks, whenever it was, and I just got lucky. Yeah, Brock [Lesnar] had left the company to become UFC champion.”

Ron [Simmons] had set me up perfectly with the way that with the APA quit, and all of a sudden you needed somebody for Eddie Guerrero. Vince called me and asked me if I wanted to take a shot at it, and so I knew I had the chance. Now whether it’s going to be successful or not was up to what was going to happen in that match.”

Simmons, who was also being interviewed, gave his thoughts on JBL’s push…

“No, [JBL] didn’t get lucky. Like I said before, which is cool. I understand where he’s coming from. Well, he had put his work in. Germany, Japan, traveling all around, doing the things that people don’t get to see, living in and out of a car, sleazy ass hotels and motels and that kind of thing. He had gone through multiple partners, and in and out with a single thing. It was an absolute perfect moment for that. Any other phase, I believe, would have altered that run that he had. The timing was perfect. He was prepared for it.”

Thanks to ChrisVanVliet.com for the quote.