OVW held its historic 1400th episode at the Davis Arena in Louisville, Kentucky, last night. The star-studded event drew many past-timers to celebrate. Road Dogg was on commentary, John Cena gave a shout-out, and even JBL came out of retirement. The Wrestling God dusted off the boots to team with Cash Flo against Dustin Jackson and Kash Daniel. Clad in cowboy boots, John Bradshaw Layfield proved that he’s still got it. Here’s a closer look, as JBL wrestles at OVW 1400.
JBL Wrestles in a Texas Tornado Match
If there’s one thing that Bradshaw likes to do, it’s fight for cash. So, the WWE Hall of Famer teamed with Cash Flo to teach the cocky Kash Daniel and Dustin Jackson a lesson.
Before the match, Dustin Jackson told the former WWE Champion that he would become the new “Wrestling God.” JBL took offense to the notion and told the rising OVW Superstars that they would face the veterans in a Texas Tornado Match.
Paying homage to his New Blackjacks days with Barry Windham, the WWE Hall of Famer wore boots from the OG Blackjack Mulligan. He put those boots to good use, cracking Dustin Jackson right in the face with one!
Why Did JBL Come Out of Retirement to Team with Cash Flo?
Last time JBL and Cash Flo met eye-to-eye, the WWE Hall of Famer knocked the Wrestlers star down with a Clothesline from Hell at Nightmare Rumble. JBL gave the same treatment to Cash Flo’s then-opponent, EC3. The dual Lariats allowed his former Cabinet member, Doug Basham, to cash in his Key of Opportuity to win the National Heavyweight Championship.
Since then, JBL has continued to pay close attention to the happenings in the Ohio Valley. Leading into OVW 1400, JBL took offense to the cocky nature of Dustin Jackson. So, the Wrestling God challenged him to a Tag Team Match at this historic event.
Dustin Jackson picked Kash Daniel. However, JBL told the young one that he picked the wrong “Cash.” JBL chose the returning Cash Flo to be his partner. The popular OVW star had been on a hiatus from the wrestling scene, as he was filming another season of Tulsa King.
Being an OVW legend, it was fitting that Cash Flo’s first match back was the Main Event as JBL wrestles his first match since the WrestleCade 2025 Battle Royal.
JBL and Cash Flo Win at OVW 1400
Fans in Louisville were treated to vintage JBL. The Texan-turned-New-York-tycoon dished out a beating on his opponents. Like an APA whipping, the Hall of Famer rang the bell of Dustin Jackson, literally.
While JBL gave a beating, he took one too. The Wrestling God took a bump from a shoulder tackle and was on the receiving end of a 2-on-1 assault. Not deterred, the legend fought back, eventually tagging Cash Flo into the action. Cash Flo Chopped the life out of his opponents, setting Dustin Jackson up for a Clothesline from Hell. However, the brash young star rolled out of the ring and retreated.
As JBL watched his opponent take off, Kash Daniel attacked JBL from behind. Unfortunately for the upstart, he was taken down by an ugly Shoulder Tackle from JBL and Cash Flo. The two put him down with a Chop into a Clothesline from Hell. JBL gets the win for his team!
What’s Next for JBL in OVW?
JBL is staying busy in retirement. He is currently on his Clotheline World Tour. When he’s not commentating for AAA, the WWE Hall of Famer has been popping up at indy shows around the world.
It seems like the former Attitude Era star isn’t done with OVW. After the match was over, Dustin Jackson announced that he had never lost. After all, he evaded the Clothesline from Hell. So, it looks like he might have one coming for him in the future.
As JBL waved to the crowd, the lights went off in the Davis Arena. The commentators got nervous about a power outage when a former rival of JBL’s took over the screen.
John Cena Appears on OVW 1400
John Cena became a prototype of how a WWE Superstar should be by cutting his teeth as The Prototype in OVW. The GOAT was an OVW graduate, coming up in the same class as Shelton Benjamin, Brock Lesnar, Batista, and Randy Orton.
While John Cena is retired, he hasn’t forgotten his roots. The Never Seen 17 recorded a video at his Hard Nocks Gym to pay respects to Ohio Valley.
The WWE legend stated:
“I’m John Cena, and yes, my performance time in a wrestling ring is up. But, I wouldn’t have an end to such a beautiful journey if I didn’t have a start.
Ohio Valley Wrestling celebrates its 1400th consecutive episode. That is almost three decades of consistent programming.
That is a testament to those behind the scenes, a testament to all those who have walked through the Howard Halls, including a wonderful class that I was part of.
Most importantly, the audience. You, the fans of OVW. You keep it alive and breathing. And for that, I’m grateful because without you, this might be a whole different path.
I value hard work. I value trust, respect, and certainly persistence. And at 1400 episodes, Ohio Valley Wrestling has them all. Congratulations, and here’s to the road ahead.”
WWE legend, Al Snow, is the current Owner of OVW. While they’ve fallen on a lot of financial hard times, OVW keeps chugging along. WWE owns all of the archival footage of OVW up until they moved to Florida with FCW. As JBL and John Cena work with OVW, perhaps WWE can have a relationship with Al Snow’s company in the future?