JBL argues that excellent athletes rarely become top coaches and disagrees with Bret Hart’s criticism of the current wrestling producers. Hart, in an interview with Kenny McIntosh for Inside the Ropes, claimed WWE struggles because those advising wrestlers on how to perform lack in-ring experience, specifically naming Bruce Prichard. Conrad Thompson later brought this up with JBL on Prichard’s own podcast.
JBL began by expressing respect for Hart. He stated, “I have a lot of respect for Bret Hart, who has always been kind to me. I don’t want to engage in an online feud with him.” He recalled teaming frequently with Bret’s brothers Owen and Davey and emphasized his admiration for Bret’s contributions to wrestling.
JBL then compared coaching in sports to wrestling. He noted that many legendary players, such as Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw, and Lawrence Taylor, did not transition into coaching roles. He questioned whether Tom Landry and Bill Belichick, famous football coaches, had distinguished playing careers. JBL suggested that while some like Undertaker, Triple H, or Larry Bird excelled both as players and coaches, such overlaps are the exception, not the rule. Importantly, he said being a great player isn’t necessary to understand or succeed in the wrestling business.
He highlighted the evolving importance of producers in wrestling, pointing out that since wrestlers no longer compete nightly, skilled producers have become essential. JBL praised the current producers, including those he collaborates with in AAA, and mentioned he provides his own feedback alongside WWE’s and presumably AEW’s assessments. “Just because someone wasn’t a 13-time world champion doesn’t mean they can’t be a great producer,” he added, referencing Belichick as an example.
Specifically defending Bruce Prichard, JBL went beyond mere support. He called Prichard “one of the greatest producers in television history” and credited him with longstanding trust from influential figures like promoter Paul Boesch and Vince McMahon. JBL emphasized Prichard’s sustained role as McMahon’s key ally and noted the reason behind his lengthy tenure.
JBL took issue only with Hart’s use of the term “idiots” to describe producers, calling it too harsh. Nonetheless, he reiterated his admiration for Hart.
Both JBL and Jim Ross have voiced similar views recently. Ross cited wrestling pioneer Sam Muchnick, explaining that while non-wrestlers can book successful events, those with wrestling experience are better at refining the show’s details. Ross noted that having wrestled helps polish ideas rather than originating them. JBL focused on how producers’ roles have grown as wrestlers perform fewer matches, making producers more crucial now than during Hart’s era.
Notably, JBL defended Prichard on Prichard’s own show. Prichard has been WWE’s Senior Vice President of Talent Relations since 2019 and has worked with WWE in various backstage and on-screen roles over multiple decades. Hart’s criticisms have been consistent for nearly 20 years and predate Prichard’s current position.
Fan Take:
This debate highlights a key tension in wrestling: the balance between in-ring experience and behind-the-scenes storytelling. For fighting fans, it underscores how crucial effective production and coaching are to evolving the sport, especially as wrestlers compete less frequently, potentially shaping the future quality of wrestling shows.
Source: wrestlingnews.co
