June 12, 2004
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By DON KAPLAN
June 10, 2004 -- CNBC has axed a pro-wrestler who moonlighted as a TV finance expert after he gave a Nazi salute during a wrestling match in Germany.
John Layfield, 36, the author of "Have More Money Now," attempted to rile the crowd during a match against WWE champion Eddie Guerrero in Munich last weekend by goose-stepping around the ring and raising his arm numerous times in an Adolf Hitler salute.
Layfield, who wrestled under the name Bradshaw, had been a regular, paid commentator on CNBC's "Bullseye" until his heil Hitler antics cost him the job this week.
The fascist act is illegal in Germany, but German officials did not press charges.
Typically, Mexicans bear the brunt of his prejudice during the WWE's weekly telecasts.
The WWE also responded to the goose-stepping incident: "WWE and John Layfield deeply regret Mr. Layfield's actions in the ring at our event in Munich and apologize if it has offended or upset our fans. Mr. Layfield has been reprimanded for his actions."
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