In 2004, when John “Bradshaw” Rayfield stirred controversy by winning the WWE Championship from Eddie Guerrero at the Great American Bash, the wrestling world was eager to see his reign as the top champion, which lasted 280 days. As a champion, JBL had media responsibilities, and despite his often disliked sneaky tactics, he shared some valuable advice Vince McMahon gave him during his first media tour—insights on how to elevate from being just a typical heel champion to embodying the “god of wrestling” through his words and presence. JBL recounted in “Something to Wrestle” that his good rapport with Vince helped, with Vince advising him to charm everyone he met, whether men or women, to win them over. JBL was surprised at how well this approach worked. Reflecting on his rise, JBL saw Vince McMahon as the ultimate guide for refining his media skills. JBL eventually lost the WWE Championship to John Cena at WrestleMania 21 in 2005, calling Cena the “17/last real champion I’ve ever seen.”
Fan Take: This insight into Vince McMahon’s personal mentorship highlights the importance of charisma and media savvy in wrestling, beyond just in-ring talent. For WWE fans, it reinforces how champions are crafted both inside and outside the ring, shaping the sport’s storytelling and legacy.
