JBL Defends WWE Wrestlepalooza Amid Negative Reviews – WWE Hall of Famer JBL has spoken out in defense of WWE’s inaugural Wrestlepalooza event following mixed reactions and critical reviews. Speaking on the Something to Wrestle With podcast, the former WWE Champion dismissed the negativity surrounding the premium live event, arguing that early reviews don’t always reflect a show’s long-term impact.

Much of the discussion stemmed from ESPN’s official review of Wrestlepalooza, which gave the event a “C” grade and stated it “fell a little short of expectations.” The review gained traction on social media and fueled debates among fans about whether WWE delivered on the hype surrounding its first premium live event under its new five-year partnership with ESPN.

JBL, however, believes criticism is often driven by a desire to sound more insightful. “I saw some negative stuff out there. I think people love to be negative,” he said. “Dracula is the most sold booked behind the Bible, and reviews when it came out were horrible. So I think reviewers have always been negative. You sound smart when you’re negative, you don’t sound smart when you’re positive. I think it’s a terrific start for WWE, I think it’s gonna be huge.”

Despite the mixed reception, Wrestlepalooza featured several major moments. The show opened with Brock Lesnar decisively defeating John Cena in his first match in over two years, a result that stunned many fans. Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in the main event, while AJ Lee returned to in-ring action after more than a decade, teaming with CM Punk to defeat Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch. Stephanie Vaquer also captured the Women’s World Championship in one of the night’s standout matches.

JBL’s comments reflect WWE’s belief that Wrestlepalooza was a strong debut for the new ESPN partnership, even if initial reviews were less than glowing.

JBL Defends WWE Wrestlepalooza Amid Negative Reviews

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