JR, JBL weigh Andrade release, Wrestlepalooza amid ESPN McMahon future

On recent episodes of their podcasts, WWE Hall of Famers Jim Ross and John "JBL" Bradshaw Layfield weighed in on several headline developments in professional wrestling, addressing Andrade's abrupt WWE release, criticism of the inaugural Wrestlepalooza premium live event, and ongoing speculation about Vince McMahon's future in the sport. Their remarks come amid a broader moment of transition for WWE under a new broadcast partnership with ESPN.

WWE announced that performer Andrade was released over the weekend for a violation of the company's wellness policy, officials said. Andrade last competed at WWE SummerSlam 2025 in August. On the Something to Wrestle With podcast, JBL said he did not know the full facts behind the reports and declined to comment on alleged personal issues. "I don't know anything about any of these issues that he's had," he said, adding that people often get multiple chances. "Nearly everybody gets second, third and fourth chances," he said, arguing that a clear plan and clean conduct are needed to earn a return.

JBL also used his appearance to defend Wrestlepalooza, the first premium live event under WWE's five year partnership with ESPN, which drew mixed...