JBL Gives Major Props To Michael Cole, WWE Hires New Announcer

- The Miami Herald has an interview with JBL, who discussed his Seven Summits Bermuda Challenge. During the interview, JBL discussed filling in for Jerry Lawler at the the announce booth this past week.

"I really enjoyed doing commentary and doing it with Michael Cole," Layfield said. "I think he is one of the best play-by-play guys that I certainly have ever seen. I was tongue tied. I was rusty and made a ton of mistakes, but it was a lot of fun to be back. It was really enjoyable. I have always enjoyed the art of the heel commentator. It's just a lot of fun to be out there."

Layfield, who begins his climb of Mount Kilimanjaro this weekend, noted that he wasn't sure what his future plans were with WWE.

"I haven't had many plans beyond that [climbing Kilimanjaro]," Layfield said. "They called me asking if I could fill in for Jerry, and I was very happy to do that. My program starts up in Bermuda when I get back, which is working with some great young men deemed at risk by society. I have a pretty busy fall, so I have no idea. They are trying to figure out right now if Jerry is okay and what they are going to do.

"Booker [T] has been moved to general manager of SmackDown. I have no idea. I'm not privy to their conversations. I don't know any more of the future than I'm climbing a mountain with hopes that I live and can come back to work on the program with our kids in Bermuda."

JBL also discussed receiving Lawler's blessing before Night of Champions, working with Jim Ross for the first time, training for this weekend's climb and much more. You can check out the full interview by clicking here.

- Jim Ross wrote on his Twitter that WWE has hired TV sportscaster Tony Luftman as a commentator for NXT. Luftman debuted at tonight's NXT taping at Full Sail University.

#1 Raiders Fan contributed to this article.