John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield walks away from WWE Smackdown after bullying claims
Wrestling shocked as champion-turned-presenter quits - 4 months after defending himself over 'unfounded rumours'
WWE mainstay John "Bradshaw" Layfield has quit as a Smackdown presenter - four months after blasting "unfounded" bullying claims.
The legendary broadcaster has been part of WWE since 1995, including as a champion fighter in 2004-2005 and commentating since 2006.
But controversy has cast a shadow over Layfield since fellow presenter Mauro Ranallo suddenly left SmackDown LIVE in April.
Rumours of tension between the duo peaked when Layfield criticised Ranallo for tweeting about winning a Wrestling Observer award.
Ranallo said his ensuing departure had nothing to do with Layfield.
But in the past Layfield has been publicly accused of bullying.
That has split the opinion of several former WWE stars, who either rejected or supported such claims about Layfield's personality.
He himself made no reference to the saga when he announced his departure, saying he will spend more time as ambassador for community chairty Through Beyond Sport.
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Layfield tweeted: "My new schedule will allow me to continue to be a part of the WWE family and also continue my work that I feel is the most important thing in my life.
"I will continue my 20+ year relationship with WWE and will appear on such marquee shows as Tribute to the Troops, WrestleMania, amongst others."
WWE must now decide whether to replace Layfield or keep Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton as just a two-man team.
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