The wrestling world will forever mourn the loss of Shad Gaspard, but Da Pope Elijah Burke has put something very special together to commemorate his late colleague.
The inaugural Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup will take place on April 20 in Jacksonville, FL with eight men competiting in the tournament which includes Gaspard’s Cryme Tyme tag partner JTG. Also competiting in the tournament are the following names:
KC Navarro
Kenny King
Jay Rios
T.I.M.
Thom Latimer
General Obazo
3Prince Agballah
AEW star and WWE Hall of Fame Mark Henry will be in attendance to honor Gaspard.
“We Loved Shad. I loved Shad. I’m there.”
“We Loved Shad. I loved Shad. I’m there.” -Mark Henry
On 4-20-24 we honor a Dad, Son, Brother, Friend, Mentor & Hero. This night 8 men will enter beast mode as we honor WWE Hall of Famer Shad “Beast” Gaspard.
All proceeds from the event will go towards Burke’s Love-Alive charity, whose mission is to “improve the quality of life to less-advantaged individuals, families and communities through humanitarian effort and charitable donations in Jacksonville, Florida and surrounding areas.” You can donate or purchase tickets at the Love-Alive Charity website.
Shad Gaspard Died A Hero
Gaspard will forever be known to put his son Areyah ahead of himself. On Sunday May 17, 2020, Gaspard and Areyah went to Venice Beach and both were caught in a rip current. When a rescue team came to pull them to safety, Gaspard made certain that Areyah went first telling, rescuers to “take my son.” However, Gaspard got pulled by the current and tragically drowned, with his body being found days later. Gaspard would still wrestle from time to time, but really took a focus on a career in Hollywood, even writing a wrestling television pilot “PinFall” that was getting a lot of eyes on it. He called it a series a tribute that all his fellow wrestlers had gone through.
#PINFALL Series Synopsis Professional wrestlers battle their personal demons while the new female CEO of their organization struggles to rebuild the business. It's high stakes in a world where nothing is real, everything hurts, and you can't trust anyone. #WWE#AEW#ROH#NJPWpic.twitter.com/c3ciQ8Kwum
In a video shared by the Love Alive Charity, D’Angelo Dinero spoke about how Shad gave so much to those around him. Dinero also spoke about Shad giving “the ultimate gift” as a father to his son. Dinero added that Shad’s memory and impact on wrestling and those who knew him best will live on forever.
With the permission of Shad’s wife Siliana Gaspard, D’Angelo announced the Inaugural Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup Tournament for April 20. The tournament will be hosted by the Love Alive Charity. Dinero said that the tournament will allow those involved to “let out our inner beast” for a good cause.
The tournament will take place at the Murray Hill Baptist Church Gymnasium in Jacksonville, Florida. Doors for the show will open at 6 pm local time, with bell time at 7 pm.
The Get to Know Series looks at The Jobber Tears Podcast. The podcast is having great success, with all three hosts making strides in the professional wrestling business. The group will also hold its second live wrestling event called JobberSlam this Summer.
A strong work ethic and consistency can be crucial to a successful content creator. The wrestling podcast business has grown in recent years, with independent content creators getting opportunities in the wrestling business. In the case of The Jobbers Tears Podcast, they’ve grown to be one of the most popular wrestling creators amongst wrestling fans and talent.
Their success didn’t happen overnight, as they had to work hard to produce content consistently. However, it has earned them the ability to commentate on wrestling and helped them gain opportunities in the wrestling industry.
I recently had the chance to speak with the group. Here’s the video of our discussion, followed by written highlights.
How Did The Jobber Podcast Begin?
The road to becoming a popular podcast didn’t start well for The Jobbers Tears Podcast. It began in 2017 with Wilkins “Sir Wilkins” Petit-Frere and Janelle “Janella From The HR” Garcia from HR as the wrestling debators, with another individual acting as a moderator. The original podcast called Yep, I Got a Podcast only lasted a few episodes before the moderator went on vacation, leaving Sir Wilkins and Janelle from HR to find another member. Sir Wilkins’s brother Yardley “Mr. Blacc” Petit-Frere replaced the moderator, and the group began to find their stride.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CO264AFrgAK/
Unfortunately, the moderator returned and had creative differences, which resulted in the individual erasing the first six episodes from streaming platforms.
“…In general, he deleted all the episodes, got rid of them, whatever. So I asked my brother, would you want to do a podcast with me. I still wanted to continue it because I knew it was something there, said Sir Wilkins. Along with their ex cameraman, the group got together at a bar to figure out the new name of the podcast. “…We literally sat there, and then we googled names. Ironically, all of them were taken. Anything that was like somewhat wrestling related it was taken,” said Sir Wikins. He continued, “So then we went with Jobber and then we have this friend named Larry, who we are cool with, who used to always troll on sports websites. I got a cup of tears of Giants fans or I got a cup of tears of like Knicks fans stuff like that. So then Janelle was maybe like tears and then we were like Jobber Tears!”
The Jobbers Tears Podcast officially started on Jan. 11, 2018.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWlvq6APw1A/
Spotlighting The Independent Wrestling Scene
Once the podcast officially started, the group began to think of ways to differentiate themselves from most wrestling content creators. Instead of focusing on popular wrestling companies like WWE, they also spotlighted the indie wrestling community. They networked with talent by interviewing independent wrestlers and going to events and rose in popularity.
“…We had these built with certain people because we met them through the independent scene or we spoke to them. One of my first interviews was Austin Theory,” said Sir Wilkins. He shared that signed talents like Theory and Carmelo Hayes know them because they networked with them before WWE. The podcasts have numerous high-profile interviews, including Shad Gaspard, Tasha Steelz, Nick Aldis, and Thunder Rosa.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdD3uq4glyQ/
The group also became more involved in the professional wrestling business by getting into independent wrestling. They better understand the decision-making behind wrestling, which Janelle from HR believes sets them apart from other podcasts.
“…As we progressed with the podcast, we’ve also been understanding to the business side of wrestling, which I think a lot of podcasts and it’s not a shade or anything or a shot to anybody, but a lot of podcasts don’t do, because they are in that fan realm,” said Janelle from HR.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcmBTtQOx52/
What’s Next For The Jobber Tears Podcast?
Although the podcast has reached success, the group is getting more involved in professional wrestling both together and individually. Mr. Blacc is training to become a referee and is working on a lifestyle project with The Dirty Heelz Podcast called The Sped Ed Kids Podcast. Sir Wilkins is preparing to have his first wrestling match and is working for Complex alongside Church of Joshi’s Alex Lajas for Complex Unsanctioned on Spotify. Janelle from HR has become part owner of Battle Club Pro Wrestling, which has an upcoming event Welcome 2 War on Jun. 19.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd4baPlukS0/
The group is preparing their second live wrestling event under Battle Club Pro Wrestling called Jobberslam for Aug. 20. The event is still in development, and shared that more information will be released later. The Jobber Tears Podcast is also planning their AEW Double or Nothing watch party for fans at Legends Bar in New York, NY, on May. 29.
The Jobber Tears Podcast hopes to have a legacy as great wrestling content creators who also have positively impacted the business. The achievements that they have earned are a reminder that a great work ethic, consistency, and ambition can lead to incredible opportunities.
The Shad Gaspard foundation has started a campaign to ensure better security arrangements at the beaches of Los Angeles.
The foundation run by the widow of the late WWE star and other family members has initiated a petition to put proper warning flags over the beaches of the city.
The petition mentions how 456 rescues had already been made over the weekend at the Venice beach where Gaspard later drowned after getting caught in a current.
The Shad Gaspard Foundation is demanding to get warning flags placed on Venice beach, Dockweiler State beach, Sunset beach, Marina beach, Mother’s beach, Play Del Rey beach, Pacific Ocean beach, Will Rogers State beach, and Santa Monica beach:
Shad had multiple runs with WWE between 2002 and 2010. He is probably best known for his work as part of the Cryme Tyme tag team on the main roster.
The late wrestling star passed away in a tragic manner back on May 17, 2020. He was visiting the Venice beach with his family when Shad and his son got caught in a strong rip current.
When lifeguards approached, Gaspard requested them to save his son first. Unfortunately, the late star had disappeared when guards returned. His body was found 2 days later.
The late Shad Gaspard was posthumously honored with the Warrior Award at this year’s WWE Hall Of Fame induction ceremony from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. The former WWE star’s wife Siliana and his son Aryeh were in the attendance. While taking the award, Siliana described Shad as a sheepdog who always protected his flock:
“There are endless stories I can tell about shad standing up for others, helping others, and fighting for what was right. Shad used to tell our son that there are two types of men in the world, The wolves and the sheepdogs, and he would tell him to always be a sheepdog. The definition of a sheepdog is as follows.
The Sheep Dog protects the flock of sheep from the wolves, by combining elements from both the sheep and the wolf. They are empathetic towards others, yet they understand violence and aggression. Most importantly, they know how to use their aggression to protect others. The true definition of Shad.” She said about Shad Gaspard.
Siliana went on to tell her son that he was a sheepdog too. It was something Shad had seen long before her. She told Aryeh that the best of Shad lived in him and she wants him to hold his head high anytime anyone speaks of his dad. Shad Gaspard was given the award after he passed away while heroically saving his son from a strong current at Venice beach in May 2020.
Each year, WWE presents the Warrior Award at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It’s given to people who are courageous, honorable and have overcome adversity.
Over the past several years, wrestling fans have pleaded with WWE to name the award after someone else, anyone else, due to The Ultimate Warrior’s history of racist, homophobic, hateful and downright cruel public statements.
Ultimate Warrior’s Beliefs
The Ultimate Warrior had made many controversial statements before his passing on Apr. 8, 2014. He wrote blog posts and spoke publicly about his offensive personal beliefs.
Vice published an article with several quotes from The Ultimate Warrior, like mocking Heath Ledger’s and Bobby Heenan’s death. He also made offensive remarks regarding the LGBT community and the black community.
In 2005, The Ultimate Warrior shared some of his problematic beliefs with students at The University of Connecticut. A video of the speech was published on Youtube. He expressed that the LGBT community and Kwanzaa were illegitimate during his speech.
“…In the classrooms across this country, minds are being trained anti-truth, anti- discipline, anti-virtue, anti-American. We are training minds in this country and the schools across this nation literally to be anti-mine, and this continued idiotic assault to rationality and reason upside down on its head and supplant feelings for thinking so much so that every word of every concept in every act of every action no longer have any meaning has compromised not only our republic but our humanity altogether to an offensive of world relativity where everything is just as legitimate as everything else, where there are no absolutes. No right or wrong. No true or false,” said the Ultimate Warrior.
He continued, “… The broadest and most despicable illustration of this most destructive consequence of moral relativity is that barbarism today is as legitimate as civilization. Nothing subject to moral relativity is left out to these two extremes. That the bums is as legitimate as the businessman.” The Ultimate Warrior brought up homosexuality. However, a female student groaned in displeasure, and he made a sexist remark. He shared, “…Let me come down off my politically correct horse, that queers are as legitimate as heterosexuals. He also shared he believed homosexuality wasn’t legitimate. When asked why by upset students, he said “reality.” He also said “…That Kwanzaa is just as legitimate as Santa Claus at Christmas.”
Dana Warrior on Her Husband Past
The widow of the Ultimate Warrior, Dana Warrior, shared before his passing that he changed his heart thanks to his daughters. It’s unclear precisely what that means, but fans will never know if he changed his views or became accepting of others. Unfortunately for the Warrior Family, The Ultimate Warrior has a documented history of controversial and offensive comments.
Wrestling fans believe that WWE can have someone else’s name attached to the award.
Why Shad Gaspard Should be Considered
WWE announced that Shad Gaspard would posthumously receive the Warrior Award in the 2022 Hall of Fame. On May. 17, 2020, Gaspard and his son were caught in a strong current while swimming. When Lifeguards came to help, he instructed them to help his son first, and Gaspard disappeared at sea to be found dead days later. He passed away at 39 years old. He was beloved by his peers and fans, that also believed Gaspard should be honored by naming the award after him.
The company’s description of the Warrior Award is “…presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of The Ultimate Warrior.” Wrestling fans believe that Gaspard is a true embodiment of courage and compassion.
While The Ultimate Warrior is a wrestling legend, he has a problematic past. His past comments contradict what the WWE considers to be his character. Gaspard fits WWE’s criteria, and the company also believes because he’s receiving the award posthumously. Although it may come with WWE having to answer admit wrongdoing, the company should consider renaming the Warrior Award.
WWE has announced that Shad Gaspard will receive the Warrior Award next week at the 2022 WWE Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.
Gaspard tragically passed back away in May of 2020. He was caught in a rip current in Venice Beach while saving his son.
Shad was with WWE from 2002-2007. However, his most notable work in the company comes from his partnership with JTG as a part of Cryme Tyme. Cryme Tyme debuted in OVW and the main roster 2006. The group was released in 2007, and then brought back from 2008 to 2010.
The Warrior Award
The Warrior Award is “presented to an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance” and who has lived life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of The Ultimate Warrior.
The award was established in 2015. Connor “The Crusher” Michalek, Joan Lunden, Eric LeGrand, Jarrius “JJ” Robertson, Sue Aitchison, Rich Hering and Titus O’Neil are all past recipients of the award.
Hall of Fame 2022
So far, The Undertaker, Vader, and Sharmell have been announced for this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class.
The 2022 WWE Hall of Fame induction ceremony airs Friday, April 1st on Peacock immediately following WWE SmackDown.
Congratulations to the family and friends of Shad Gaspard.
JTG debuted with the NWA at the “When Our Shadows Fall” PPV earlier this month. He defeated Fred Rosser on the show and has since been taking part in episodes of Powerrr exclusively on FITE. The former member of Cryme Tyme spoke to Metro UK recently about how he is hoping to keep Shad Gaspard’s memory alive through his run with the NWA.
JTG was asked what is driving him to get back in the ring at this point in his career.
“Besides my passion, it would definitely be representing both Shad and myself,” JTG said during the interview.
JTG continued to say he wants to represent Cryme Tyme in the best light possible with everything he does in his career moving forward.
“I’m not just representing myself anymore. When people see JTG, Jay Tha Gawd, they automatically think of Shad”
“I wanna make sure I represent the team and myself and him in the best light possible, and keep Cryme Tyme alive with whatever I do forwards.”
JTG On Fan Response To Shad Gaspard’s Passing
Also during the interview, JTG said that the outpouring of respect and care following Gaspard’s passing really helped him in the grieving process.
“To see it on social media, everybody sharing – it helped me a lot during my grieving, seeing all these things that people were writing about him, the videos, charity, all that good stuff,” JTG said. “It definitely helped me through the grieving process.”
.@Jtg1284 made a HUGE statement as he advanced in the NWA National Title qualifiers.
Muhammad Hassan wrote a graphic novel with Shad Gaspard titled “Assassin and Son.” It has recently been published by Scout Comics with proceeds going to Gaspard’s family. Hassan recently was a guest on the Chris Van Vliet Show and spoke about the project.
“It was in Los Angeles that I started writing a screenplay with Shad Gaspard which is actually a graphic novel by Scout Comics,” Hassan says during the interview.
“I think everybody knows the story of Shad and the heroic actions that unfortunately led to his death. So Scout Comics had this idea to release an edition early, just the first book, but a tribute edition for Shad. It’s available at ScoutComics.com. I want to sell these out, because all of the proceeds from this go to Shad’s family.”
Assassin and Son tells the story of Donovan Braddock, an assassin who works with a unit known as the Horsemen. Braddock tries to leave the life but his wife is murdered in front of him and his young son.
Assassin and Son #1 – Tribute Variant Covers are NOW AVAILABLE! RIP Shad Gaspard https://t.co/emSrICqAzm
Muhammad Hassan On If His Character Would Work In 2020
Hassan was also asked during the interview if he feels his character would work in 2020.
“I don’t think the character could be done the way it was done 15 years ago,” Hassan said. “I think it was insensitive. It became very insensitive towards Muslim Americans and Arab American people. The way that the character changed from being this Arab-American who was upset at the unjust treatment of his people to a more radicalized Muslim and Arab young man who was lashing out violently, I don’t think that would be appropriate at this time.”
JTG and Shad Gaspard first started teaming together in 2006 on Ohio Valley Wrestling shows. Between 2 runs on the main roster of WWE and wrestling on the independents beginning in 2014, Cryme Tyme never stopped being a team. Following Shad Gaspard’s tragic death, JTG posted a message to his longtime partner and friend.
“I want to say thank you to all the friends, fans and family who reached out to me and Shads family during this difficult time. The outpour of love and support has definitely helped me get through this. I have my moments where I’m in disbelief and feeling a tremendous amount of hurt but as soon as I start to reminisce about Shad and our relationship I begin to smile,” JTG says in the above post.
JTG also posted a link to a GoFundMe account to support Shad’s family.
“Shad, Thank you for always being there for me. You were more than my tag team partner, more than a friend you were the big brother I always wanted growing up. The world will remember you for what you are. A HERO.”
The demise of the former WWE star Shad Gaspard is one of the saddest news coming out of 2020 and fans around the world have been paying their respect to him since his death was confirmed.
WWE also paid tribute to the Cryme Tyme member through an opening graphic on this week’s episode of NXT and he was remembered on SmackDown as well.
During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, WWE Vice President Triple H was asked about the star and he recalled his last meeting with Shad which happened six months ago:
“Stephanie and I saw him maybe six months ago. We were at FOX for a meeting and he was just coming out of the lobby, we were coming into the lobby. We probably stood there for 20 minutes talking. He was just the greatest guy, so nice.”
The Game then discussed the unfortunate circumstances of his death. Triple H said that Gaspard was a great human being and his thoughts are with Shad’s wife and kid:
“With the circumstances around all of this, and you know, his son, thank God he’s okay. Knowing that he said, ‘Save my son’ and that was the last thing he did, that’s all you need to know about the guy.
He was just a great human being and it’s tragic, and my thoughts and prayers, as are everyone’s here, are to his wife and his kid, just the family, it’s tragic.”
The former World Champion continued by explaining how even when the incident was happening everybody was holding hope for Shad’s safe return and his death is very tragic.
You can check out Triple H’s comments in the video below:
As we’ve noted, former WWE star Shad Gaspard has passed away. The former Cryme Tyme member’s body was located on Venice Beach
Earlier this week Gaspard and his 10-year-old son found themselves caught in a strong rip tide. Gaspard instructed lifeguards to help his son first before assisting him. Luckily, Gaspard’s child was safely returned to shore. However, Gaspard was subsequently taken underwater by a big wave.
Gaspard was missing for a few days before his body was eventually located yesterday on Venice Beach. Gaspard was 39-years-old. Now, in the wake of his confirmed passing, Gaspard’s wife, Siliana, has released a statement on the matter.
“Aryeh, myself, and the Gaspard and Chittick families would like to take this time to thank everyone for their prayers and support, as we mourn the terrible loss of our beloved Shad. Shad was our whole world and we were his. There are not enough words to describe what he means to all of us.
“He was our heart, our soul, our protectors, our warrior. He was a bright force of nature, who brought joy to many through his joyous and gracious nature. The outpouring of love from Shad’s friends, colleagues and fans has meant more to us than you can even imagine. We’d like to once again thank the lifeguards, coast guard, divers, fire and police departments for their efforts. Shad was and will always be our real life super hero. Siliana Gaspard.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gaspard family during this difficult time.
A body now confirmed to be Shad Gaspard has been discovered on Venice Beach. His body was discovered near where he went missing on Sunday after getting caught in a riptide. Gaspard was 39-years-old.
Reports that the body of an unidentified male had been found in the area were made earlier this morning. The body was later confirmed to be Shad Gaspard.
“The individual that was seen here on the beach this morning was an African-American male approximately 6ft 6, over 240lbs. So it matched the description of the missing swimmer that had gone missing during the rescue efforts that we conducted here on Sunday afternoon,” the official in the above video says.
Shad Gaspard 1981-2020
In the wake of this tragedy, many wrestlers and those from the wrestling business have been speaking about what a quality human being Shad was. Shad is being remembered as brave and selfless and as a good friend and father.
“Shad is a fighter, a warrior and a magical soul. We are hoping and praying for his safe return,” a statement released by family yesterday reads. “As a family we thank you all for your concern and well wishes. Please continue to keep sending your positivity and prayers to our beloved Shad.”
The unfortunate incident with former WWE star Shad Gaspard has been the point of discussion among wrestling fans but so far WWE had not commented on the matter.
Now the company has finally released an official statement on the incident through their official twitter account, telling people to keep his family in their prayers.
The WWE chairman Vince McMahon has also come forward and on behalf of the company, he said that that the thoughts of everyone at WWE are with Gaspard’s family:
“WWE’s thoughts are with the family of Shad Gaspard. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
The thoughts of everyone at WWE are with Shad Gaspard’s family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/dLRnF6oElX
Shad Gaspard went missing after getting caught in a riptide at Venice Beach in California on Sunday. The lifeguards had reached out to him for help but he asked the rescuers to help his 10-year-old son first.
The former WWE star was unfortunately crushed by a large wave before the guards could reach back to him and this was the last time he was seen.
The search operations ran through Sunday and Monday but the US Coast Guard have confirmed that they have suspended the operations now.
Shad’s family has issued a statement on the matter expressing their gratitude towards the first responders and hoping for the former WWE star’s safe return.
The search for Shad Gaspard has been suspended by the US Coast Guard. According to a report from TMZ, the US Coast Guard suspended search efforts this morning. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed with Fox News shortly after, however, that they have not called off their search for Gaspard even if other agencies have.
The family issued the following statement today:
“We would like to express our gratitude to the first responders who rescued Aryeh and to the lifeguards, coast guard, divers, fire and police departments for their continued efforts to help find our beloved Shad.”
“Shad is a fighter, a warrior and a magical soul. We are hoping and praying for his safe return. As a family we thank you all for your concern and well wishes. Please continue to keep sending your positivity and prayers to our beloved Shad.”
JTG recently posted a screen cap from a conversation he had with Gaspard:
Several people have been out searching for Shad today. Chris Masters and Lillian Garcia have both gone out to the beach to look for him. Garcia is asking fans for their prayers.
Walking over to The Marina/Venice beach for @Shadbeast If anybody else wants to come I’ll be there in about a half hour
The family of the former WWE star Shad Gaspard who went missing after getting caught in a riptide has issued a statement on the matter.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the first responders who rescued Aryeh and to the lifeguards, coast guards, drivers, fire and police departments for their continued efforts to help find our beloved Shad.
Shad is a fighter, a warrior and a magical soul. We are hoping and praying for his safe return. As a family we thank you all for your concern and wishes. Please continue to keep sending your positivity and prayers to our beloved Shad.”
The Gaspard Family
Shad Gaspard went missing after getting caught in a riptide at Venice Beach in California on Sunday. There were a number of swimmers that were pulled by the current but the former WWE star was the only one that went under.
The lifeguards had reached out to the people and they were trying to pull them out. The wrestling star reportedly directed them to help his 10-year-old son first which they did.
However, another large wave crashed down on Gaspard before the authorities could reach him and this was the last time he was seen. Los Angeles Fire Department lifeguard specialist Pono Barnes has confirmed that Shad was the only person to submerge.
The search operation continued until sundown on Sunday and it was resumed on Monday morning at around 7 am local time. Shad’s family remained on the beach as the operations continued but there have been no updates on the matter.
Shad Gaspard is currently missing after getting caught in a strong rip tide yesterday at Marina Del Rey beach. Lifeguards were attempting to get people out of the water due to the conditions and Gaspard is reported to have directed them to help his 10-year-old son before helping him. Gaspard’s son was rescued and unharmed but Gaspard was taken underwater by a large wave.
According to CBSN in Los Angeles, Rescuers called off the search for Gaspard in the water at 7:30 PM yesterday and are hoping he will be found on land. TMZ later confirmed that the 39-year-old in CBSN’s report is Shad Gaspard.
The CBS Los Angeles report can be viewed in the player below:
Shad Gaspard In Wrestling
Gaspard debuted in the WWE developmental system as “Da Beast” in OVW in 2003. He then debuted on the main roster as 1/2 of Cryme Tyme along with JTG in 2006.
Gaspard was also an actor. He portrayed the role of former World Champion boxer Jack Johnson in a stage adaptation of Pugilist in 2013. He also played the role of Muhammad Ali in the TV film “The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time.”
JTG and Shad Gaspard, collectively known as “Cryme Tyme” currently wrestle on the independent circuit. They were with WWE from 2006-07 and then again from 2009-2010. They spoke to the Hannibal TV about possibly working for AEW, MLW, or Impact Wrestling in the future.
“If they reach out to us, you know,” JTG said when asked if there was any chance of them ending up in MLW or Impact Wrestling.
“The difference with me and J is that we’re taken care of,” Shad added. “We didn’t buy houses with our money, we invested and then the money that we didn’t invest, that we squandered, we learned from those lessons immediately and then when we got money back in, we started investing again and being smart. So now we have incomes that are over $300,000 a year so it’s like, we’re good on doing nothing.”
“It’s not about the pay, it’s about the quality of wrestling cause at the end of the day, we’re all wrestling fans,” Shad continued.
“We’re always down to further the business that we f***ing capitalized on,” he added.
JTG then mentioned some teams he’d really like to wrestle. Shad made it clear that JTG does not speak for him.
“WWE, the Usos, I think we’d have great in-ring chemistry with them. AEW, we got to have a match with the Young Bucks, I will not rest until we have our match with the Young Bucks,” JTG said.
JTG then mentioned the Hart Foundation from MLW as well. Shad then said he wants to wrestle Private Party from AEW and the Street Profits from RAW.
You can watch the full interview in the player below:
Cryme Tyme’s Shad Gaspard recently posted a table read of his TV drama “Pinfall” which is currently in development. The show is focussed on the backstage and personal lives of those in the wrestling business.
Gaspard posted the following to Twitter recently:
Had an amazing table read with an awesome cast, this show is going to shock the hell out of people. Here is a scene from the read of my TV drama, PinFall set in the backstage world & personal lives of professional wrestlers. @theblcklst#WWE#AEW#ROH#NJPWpic.twitter.com/LzYxcXBhfv
Earlier this summer, Gaspard shared details about the project:
#PINFALL Series Synopsis Professional wrestlers battle their personal demons while the new female CEO of their organization struggles to rebuild the business. It's high stakes in a world where nothing is real, everything hurts, and you can't trust anyone. #WWE#AEW#ROH#NJPWpic.twitter.com/c3ciQ8Kwum
“If wrestling is fake, then why the hell does it hurt so much? Wrestlers may live larger than life, but they’re all fighting battles: injuries, addictions, financial woes, adultery, and media scrutiny, to name a few. In a world where reality and fantasy are blurred, being the best comes at a price. While wrestling legends contend with their younger counterparts, a young woman helms her deceased father’s company, while struggling to keep it all together.”
Shad Gaspard, JTG, Cryme Tyme
Cryme Tyme took to social media following All Out this summer to state that Cryme Tyme did not steal the AEW World Championship belt.
“First off…. Cryme Tyme are not thiefs. We’re actually outstanding citizens, @shadbeast13 and I actually Re-Rack the weights and wipe down the equipment when were done at the Gym ! ! ! We are GOOD People. We have NEVER stolen anything in our entire career. That was a rumor that got out of hand. We borrowed this title to make a message. This was not a hit on @chrisjerichofozzy But a message to AEW. If you want your precious title back…. Its simple.We want The Young Bucks?“
JTG and Shad Gaspard, formerly known in WWE as Cryme Tyme, have challenged The Young Bucks to a matchup.
In an upload to his Instagram account, JTG shared a picture of himself and his partner with the AEW Championship. His post is most likely in response to a tweet by Shane “Hurricane” Helms, who inferred that Cryme Tyme could have been behind Chris Jericho’s missing, and now recovered, AEW Championship.
“I don’t want to point fingers or anything, buuuuuut, has anyone seen @Jtg1284 or @Shadbeast lately? Just asking. No reason.”
JTG accompanied his image, which features a speech bubble reading ‘Do we have your attention now’ with the following caption:
“First off…. Cryme Tyme are not thiefs. We’re actually outstanding citizens, @shadbeast13 and I actually Re-Rack the weights and wipe down the equipment when were done at the Gym ! ! ! We are GOOD People. We have NEVER stolen anything in our entire career. That was a rumor that got out of hand. We borrowed this title to make a message. This was not a hit on @chrisjerichofozzy But a message to AEW. If you want your precious title back…. Its simple.We want The Young Bucks ? #crymetyme#aew#maketagteamwrestlinggreatagain#TAGTEAMGOATS#WRESTLING#tagteam#tagteamwrestling“
Cody has previously stated that AEW has only revealed approximately 40% of its roster. With All Elite Wrestling debuting on TNT on October 2nd, could Cryme Tyme be a team the promotion might be interested in?
Former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard is teasing that he could be making a comeback in the near future. The former Cryme Time member has been keeping busy making movies since his departure from the company back in 2010. With the upcoming brand extension, we could see Cryme Time back on WWE TV this summer.
Coincidentally, Joey Styles tweeted the following video on Wednesday looking at top tag teams who never captured the WWE tag team titles. Wouldn’t you know, Cryme Time is featured prominently.
When asked by a fan on Twitter about WWE recognizing Cryme Time as one of the best teams to never capture tag team gold, Shad Gaspard’s former partner JTG replied:
Being Super Over is wAaaAaaAY! more cooler than ever being a champion. Champions are selected ,being over is earned. https://t.co/dRqHBpWzeN
– Despite agreeing to terms with the WWE, independent wrestling star Uhaa Nation is scheduled to work the next set of WWNLive.com events.
– Former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard, who was part of the “Cryme Tyme” tag-team, has a small role in the new film, “Get Hard,” which features Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart. Gaspard can be seen in the trailer below at approximately the 1:30 mark as the character “Big Ass Julien.”
– Former WWE Superstar Alberto Del Rio will be appearing at The Wrestling Guy Store in Huntington Park, California at 1pm on September 20th.
– Former WWE Tag-Team Crime Time (JTG and Shad Gaspard) played in a celebrity football game hosted by hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg this past weekend. The event was a charity event to raise money for cancer awareness.
– After working several matches against each other at NXT live events, Solomon Crowe and Kalisto have formed a tag-team. The two defeated Wesley Blake and Buddy Murphy at the most recent NXT live event. There is no word yet on what this means for the tag-team of Kalisto and Sin Cara.
– Former WWE Superstars JTG and Shad Gaspard wrestled the first match on what they are calling the “Crime Time World Tour” this weekend for the Warriors of Wrestling promotion. The two teamed up with The Blue Meanie to defeat Chachi, Verna and J-George at the Staten Island-based event.
– While shooting footage for The JBL & Cole Show, Michael Cole suffered a black eye. The injury occurred while the WWE announcer played rugby at Huddersfield Stadium in West Yorkshire, England with professional player Eorl Crabtree. John “Bradshaw” Layfield posted this image on Twitter of Cole’s accident.
– WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch recorded this message today promoting her upcoming appearance at the Classic Grand Rock Club in Glasgow, Scotland taking place this Thursday. The event will feature a Q&A session and meet and greet. Event details are available here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCNRQax5PzE
– WWE Superstar JTG reunited with his former partner in crime, Shad Gaspard, this weekend in Venice Beach, California.
