The Godfather slapped controversial ex-WWE star in real-life confrontation, JBL recalls
The Godfather was widely viewed as one of the toughest guys in the wrestling business in the 1990s. John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) recently disclosed details about a real-life incident between his fellow WWE Hall of Famer and Ludvig Borga.
Borga worked for WWE in 1993 and 1994. The Finnish wrestler is best remembered for ending Tatanka's undefeated streak and feuding with Lex Luger. Outside the ring, he caused controversy due to his outspoken political views.
On Something to Wrestle, JBL said The Godfather once slapped Borga after they got into an argument at a bar:
"Godfather and I were good friends almost right away. He's just a good dude. I'd known him from Europe when he came over. I believe it was Ludvig Borga he slapped one night at a bar. Ludvig's a tough guy, and I don't know what happened but Godfather didn't like it, and Godfather was right, by the way." [32:17 – 32:35]
Borga, who passed away aged 47 in 2010, portrayed an anti-American heel during his short WWE run. He also had a Nazi tattoo on his calf but was forced to cover it up when he wrestled.
The Godfather once got into a fight with Bruiser Brody
Dutch Mantell, formerly known as Zeb Colter in WWE, booked legendary wrestler Bruiser Brody on shows in Memphis, Tennessee, in the 1980s. The Godfather once attended an event but was not a wrestler at the time.
In a 2022 interview on WSI, Mantell recalled how the former Intercontinental Champion allegedly confronted Brody:
"He punched Brody and he got into a fight with Brody, and they had to pull him and Brody apart. I think Godfather just said, 'I wanted to get noticed. What's the best way to get noticed?' He was a big guy too."
The Godfather joined WWE in 1991 and went on to perform as several characters, including Kama and Papa Shango.
Do you have any memories of Ludvig Borga in WWE? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
Please credit Something to Wrestle and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use JBL's quotes from this article.
