JBL out.

Renowned on-air bully John Bradshaw Layfield announced that he has stepped down from his role on “SmackDown Live” last week, but not because of the alleged backstage bullying he put members of the WWE community through.

Layfield, who was accused of being one of the ringleaders in the WWE harassment scandal, publicly announced his departure from the network Friday after he said he wanted to shift his focus entirely on his charity, Beyond Rugby Bermuda, which helps at-risk youth and communities. Although he won’t appear on “SmackDown Live” anymore, Layfield said he will continue to be a part of the WWE family where he’s spent over 20 years in the business, from being Smackdown’s longest reigning WWE Champion to his most recent broadcasting role.

The timing of Layfield’s departure seems coincidental in light of the harassment issue surrounding him and the WWE in recent months, with numerous wrestlers and announcers voicing their displeasure with the bullying environment WWE’s seems to allow.

Multiple wrestlers have come out against Layfield’s hazing over the years, with The Miz — one of WWE’s most popular stars — the most recent who said he was insulted and hazed by Layfield in front of other wrestlers. Layfield admitted the hazing and said he has “no apologies about it whatsoever.”

But the red flag was raised highest when Layfield allegedly attacked ex-broadcaster Mauro Ranallo for missing a SmackDwon broadcast earlier this year. The WWE initally said Ranallo missed the date because of bad weather but backtracked after they confirmed Ranallo has bipolar disorder, which Ranallo claims was exacerbated by Layfield’s apparent harassment. Before Ranallo came out and told his side, Layfield questioned Ranallo’s dedication to the job after missing an event.

Another former announcer, Justin Roberts, said that Layfield made “life hell” for wrestlers and personnel with his behind the scenes treatment, including one episode where Layfield ordered a few members of his posse to steals Roberts’ passport which delayed Roberts’ flight back to the United States.

Sports Illustrated reported that Layfield’s exit started 11 months ago when his contract expired because he was tired of the strenuous travel that is required for WWE announcers each week. Layfield, who lives in Bermuda, regularly changed his travel itinerary for nearly two months to show up on the day of the show rather than the night before which caused WWE officials to confront him. They believed that Layfield became “burnt out” by the insane travels, according to SI.

Some of WWE’s Board of Directors were “appalled” that Layfield remained on-air in his high position while these allegations were first brought to light, however WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon refused to fire Layfield because he felt Layfield was being used as a scapegoat, according to the report.

Corey Graves, who broadcasts on WWE’s RAW, will step into Layfield’s Smackdown role, according to WWE.com.