The WWE has incorporated a new tradition—post-show press conferences. These press conferences, which have been likened to those hosted by AEW, mix scripted television and real-life politics backstage. Not everyone is particularly fond of them, though.

WWE Hall of Famer JBL recently offered a blunt analysis of the company's press conference style, calling it "horrible" and "confusing." His remarks come at a time when WWE fans are already questioning the company's attempt to mix reality and kayfabe in its storytelling.

The WWE Press Conference Problem: Kayfabe or Reality

JBL Rips WWE Pressers as 'Horrible, But Backs Triple H JBL Rips WWE Pressers as 'Horrible, But Backs Triple H
WWE

Since Triple H took the creative reins, WWE has tried to mimic the authenticity of AEW's post-show pressers, but with mixed results. Unlike AEW, where stars often speak out of character, WWE's version leaves audiences guessing, TJR Wrestling points out.

Triple H usually offers straightforward, out-of-character insight. However, the wrestlers themselves often shift unpredictably between staying in character ("working") and speaking their minds ("shooting"), making it hard for fans to determine what's real.

"Those press conferences are horrible. I hate them because there's no way to win with those things because you want to either stay in character or not stay in character. It's hard to do both," JBL told Something to Wrestle With podcast via WrestlingNews.co. "It's hard to work and then also shoot on those things. I don't, I don't get the press conferences."

Triple H Ripped Over R-Truth Comments

One of the biggest flashpoints was during the Money in the Bank post-show press conference. Triple H insisted that R-Truth's temporary departure and return were all part of a greater angle. But various reports, even words from R-Truth and his son, suggested otherwise.

In real life, fan outrage and WWE President Nick Khan's intervention resulted in Truth's return. Fans were left feeling deceived by Triple H's account of events, and they accused him of fabricating a narrative to support storyline purposes.

JBL defended Triple H's strategy despite the backlash.

JBL Applauds Triple H for Crossing Lines

JBL might not enjoy the press conference format, but he praises Triple H for using it to keep everyone in the dark. He feels that the blurred line between reality and fiction is more crucial than ever in this hyper-connected era.

He said that he liked what Triple H did. He believed that keeping the storyline mysterious was important all along.

JBL pointed out that in a time when fans are looking for ultimate transparency, misleading them within a tale is now an effective means.

Fueling the rumor, wrestling icon Booker T theorized that Ron Killings (better known as R-Truth) could be in line for a big push if not even a World Championship shot.