JBL is often regarded as one of the biggest bullies in professional wrestling history. Over time, numerous stories have emerged about his fondness for bullying and disrespecting others in WWE, whether they were fellow wrestlers or commentators. When he harassed commentator Mauro Ranallo, Ranallo left the company. Joey Styles, known as the voice of ECW, pushed back against JBL’s bullying, but both men were relatively smaller in stature. The real question arises when JBL decided to bully Steve Blackman, a wrestler known as “The Deadly Weapon.” Blackman did not tolerate the harassment and responded with a violent retaliation. This confrontation, which took place on May 23, 1999, was dramatic, but became overshadowed by the tragic death of their friend Owen Hart later that same night.
Bob Holly, a friend of both JBL and Steve Blackman, detailed the incident in his book “Hardcore Truth: The Story of Bob Holly.” Holly recounted that JBL, drunk on a flight to Kansas City, Missouri, repeatedly annoyed Blackman by tapping him inappropriately. Despite warnings from Blackman to stop, JBL continued his behavior, causing Blackman to strike JBL with quick jabs until others intervened. Months later, JBL admitted on his podcast that he was told to provoke Blackman but underestimated Blackman’s mood, as Blackman was suffering from a migraine at the time and ultimately fought back.
Steve Blackman, who departed WWE in 2002 and opened a self-defense MMA school, shared his perspective in an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He explained that although he didn’t want to seriously hurt JBL, the situation escalated, resulting in a chaotic fight where even elderly bystanders were injured. Blackman apologized for the incident, noting that WWE legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin found humor in his apology.
Following the fight, JBL publicly apologized in the cafeteria, but Vince McMahon still intervened and fined both men. However, the conflict lost significance that night due to the tragic accident of Owen Hart, who fell from the rafters during a show. Blackman, who was backstage with The Rock at the time, witnessed the aftermath and realized the gravity of the situation. About a month later, both Blackman and JBL returned to television, their feud quietly resolved as real life tragedy took precedence.
Fan Take: This story offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of WWE, exposing the intense emotions and real dangers wrestlers face both inside and outside the ring. For WWE fans, it highlights how even fierce rivalries can be put into perspective by life’s unexpected tragedies, reminding us of the humanity behind the entertainment.
