Dominique Mysterio recently shared which WWE villains captivated him during his childhood. In an interview with Billboard, the Judgment Day member discussed some of today’s top villains in professional wrestling, his SummerSlam victory over AJ Styles, and more.
When asked if he was the first villain he admired as a fan, Dominique named JBL. He explained that what drew him in was Bradshaw’s ability to make everything feel genuine. The current Intercontinental Champion said, "Everything he did looked so authentic, filled with real hatred, especially because he called himself the ‘God of Wrestling.’ Being a Latin Mexican myself and knowing the cultural nuances around the border, I was instantly hooked. As a heel, you aim to push every possible button."
JBL reinvented himself in 2004 by adopting a new persona, wearing suits and cowboy hats, following the end of his partnership with Faarooq. This controversial character change came during his build-up to a referee match against Eddie Guerrero. Dominique felt JBL embodied someone who could break free from all constraints, which made him a dedicated fan: "JBL was that guy who could escape everything and just do anything."
In a separate conversation, Dominique also reflected on Eddie Guerrero, highlighting how the legendary wrestler’s talents might still be underestimated. More details on that can be found elsewhere.
Fan Take: This insight into Dominique Mysterio’s early influences shows how deeply character authenticity resonates with WWE fans and performers alike. Understanding the impact of legendary heels like JBL helps appreciate the art of wrestling storytelling and hints at how current stars might evolve their personas to keep fans emotionally invested.
