"I'm so sorry, kid" – JBL recalls WWE official's apology after huge botch
John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) received his first big WWE opportunity in 1996 under the name Justin Hawk Bradshaw. In a recent podcast episode, the Hall of Famer reflected on referee Tim White incorrectly counting him out at Survivor Series 1996.
JBL joined forces with Billy Gunn, Salvatore Sincere, and The Sultan on the Free for All pre-show. The makeshift quartet lost a traditional four-on-four elimination match against Aldo Montoya, Bart Gunn, Bob Holly, and Jesse James.
On Something to Wrestle, JBL recalled how his early elimination from the bout was not in the script:
"I was supposed to get a big push, and Tim White, first time we got ear things in the referee's ear, and he's listening to somebody. I think Bob Holly rolled me up. One, two, I kick out, Tim counts three. I'm supposed to go over. This is my big push, Madison Square Garden, and Tim looks up at me, he goes, 'I'm so sorry, kid.' He goes, 'You're outta here!'" [4:48 – 5:11]
Layfield eliminated Bob Holly eight minutes into the 10-minute match. Seconds later, Jesse James secured a quick elimination over JBL even though he clearly kicked out before the three-count.
JBL on the backstage reaction to the botch
Vince McMahon was part of the commentary team for the match. The former WWE Chairman tried to cover up the error by saying he doubted the decision, but the referee's call was final.
JBL added that former WWE producer Gerald Brisco questioned him about the elimination before realizing Tim White made a mistake:
"I come to the back and Gerald Brisco's waiting for me at Gorilla Position [backstage area]. He goes, 'What are you doing? You're supposed to go over.' And I'm not gonna tell him that the referee counted wrong. I'm not gonna stooge Tim White, he's a legend, and so I said, 'I don't know, just a mistake,' and then Gerry looks at the screen and sees me clearly kick out at two, and he looks at me and goes, 'What is Tim White doing?!'" [5:11 – 5:35]
White passed away in 2022 aged 68. In 2023, Layfield and Ron Simmons inducted the legendary referee into the WWE Hall of Fame.
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Please credit Something to Wrestle and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.
