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Jayson Anthony Paul (born December 10, 1984)[1] is an American professional wrestler best known for his time in WWE under the ring name JTG (Just Too Good).
Key Information
Paul began his professional wrestling career in 2006 with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), being assigned to their developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), where he was a two-time OVW Southern Tag Team Champion (with Shad Gaspard, as part of Cryme Tyme). In 2006, Cryme Tyme was promoted to WWE's main roster, before both JTG and Gaspard were released from the company the following year. They both returned to the company in 2008, and later split up and feuded with each other until Gaspard's release in 2010.
Later that year, JTG was assigned to NXT, where he was announced as one of the Pros for NXT Redemption[broken anchor], mentoring Jacob Novak. He eventually turned heel and feuded with Vladimir Kozlov's rookie Conor O'Brian and Kozlov himself. He additionally made appearances on SmackDown and Superstars. From late 2012 to 2013, JTG was relegated to jobber status and continued to compete until his release in 2014.
Early life
[edit]Jayson Anthony Paul was born on December 10, 1984, in Brooklyn, New York City, New York.[1] Paul's mother is of Tobagonian descent. He attended John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, where he participated in acting and drama classes.[4]
Professional wrestling career
[edit]World Wrestling Entertainment (2006–2007)
[edit]
Paul began his career in 2006, working in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) under the ring name The Neighborhoodie.[5] While there, he was placed into a tag team with Shad Gaspard. They held the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship on two occasions.
In 2006, the tag team was promoted from OVW to the Raw brand under the name "Cryme Tyme", with Paul changing his name to JTG. On September 4, 2006, a series of vignettes began airing on Raw, hyping the debut of Cryme Tyme.[6] On the October 16, 2006 episode of Raw, Cryme Tyme debuted and defeated two members of the then named World Tag Team Champions, The Spirit Squad (Mikey and Johnny), in a non-title match.[7] In November 2006, at the Cyber Sunday pay-per-view, Cryme Tyme defeated Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, Charlie Haas, Viscera, and The Highlanders in a Texas tornado tag team match (as voted by the fans).[8] As part of their gimmick, Cryme Tyme regularly stole items belonging to other wrestlers and on-air personalities, and sold them to fans.[8][9] They were also selling false entry numbers at the Royal Rumble.[9] A few months later at the New Year's Revolution pay-per-view, Cryme Tyme won a tag team turmoil match against The Highlanders, World's Greatest Tag Team, Cade and Murdoch, and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan and Super Crazy, earning them a shot at the World Tag Team Championships.[10] They then competed mainly on Heat for the next few months,[9] although they made a backstage appearance at WrestleMania 23.[9] They also took part in the tag team battle royal on April 2.[9][11]
After Mr. McMahon's "death", Cryme Tyme plugged some merchandise and auctions in memory of him.[9] On the June 29, 2007 episode of SmackDown, Cryme Tyme was defeated by Deuce 'n Domino (with Cherry) in an inter-brand match tag team match.[12] While Deuce, Domino and Cherry celebrated their victory, Cryme Tyme appeared on the titantron and, in storyline, stole their car, taking it to Brisco Brothers Auto to sell it for parts chanting their signature catchphrase, "Money money, yeah, yeah".[12] On July 21, 2007, Cryme Tyme defeated The James Boys to win the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship for the second time.[13][14] On August 13, 2007, Cryme Tyme returned to their hometown of New York City on an episode of Raw from Madison Square Garden, losing to then-World Tag Team Champions Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch in a non-title match by disqualification when Shad used a chair on Murdoch.[15] On the August 20, 2007 episode of Raw, Cryme Tyme stole Murdoch's hat and sold it to a fan,[16] and the following week, stole Cade's and gave it away to a fan.[17] In the middle of this feud, on September 2, 2007, both Paul and Gaspard were released from WWE.[18]
Independent circuit (2007–2008)
[edit]Paul, along with Gaspard wrestled at the Jersey All Pro Wrestling 10th Anniversary Show on October 27, 2007. Wrestling as Crime Time, they defeated The Dirty Rotten Scoundrelz.[19] Paul appeared in Derby City Wrestling (DCW) at their end of year show.[20] He was then involved in a feud with The Mobile Homers in DCW.[21]
Return to WWE
[edit]Cryme Tyme reunion (2008–2010)
[edit]
Cryme Tyme returned to WWE on the March 31, 2008 episode of Raw, where they defeated Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch in their first televised match in nearly six months.[22] Cryme Tyme began working with John Cena on the June 30 episode of Raw when they helped him interfere during John "Bradshaw" Layfield's match.[23] The following week, they again appeared together in a backstage segment when they vandalised JBL's limo.[24] After a house show match, Cena announced they had created a faction called CTC, "Cryme Tyme Cenation".[25] Separately, Cryme Tyme started a feud with then World Tag Team Champions Ted DiBiase and Cody Rhodes, stealing their championship belts for a time,[26] then losing a title match to them at Unforgiven.[27] JTG entered early into the Royal Rumble match at the 2009 Royal Rumble pay-per-view in January, after cheating to get a spot instead of Shad.[28] JTG lasted nearly 12 minutes before he was eliminated by The Undertaker.[28] On the January 26 episode of Raw, JTG and Shad attempted to win the World Tag Team Championship from John Morrison and the Miz, but were unsuccessful.[29]
On April 15, 2009, Cryme Tyme were drafted to the SmackDown brand as part of the 2009 supplemental draft.[30] They earned a Unified WWE Tag Team Championship match against Jeri-Show (Chris Jericho and Big Show) for SummerSlam after defeating The Hart Dynasty on the July 31 episode of SmackDown.[31] On the August 7 episode of SmackDown, JTG pinned Jericho in a major upset,[32] however at SummerSlam they lost the match after Show hit JTG in the face and Jericho pinned him.[33] At the Royal Rumble, JTG entered his second royal rumble match but only lasted 25 seconds getting eliminated by CM Punk.[34] At WrestleMania XXVI, Cryme Tyme competed in the dark match battle royal, but neither won the match.[35]
On the April 2, 2010 episode of SmackDown, Cryme Tyme was quickly defeated by John Morrison and R-Truth.[36] The loss of the match prompted Gaspard to attack JTG, breaking up the team.[36] Their feud culminated with a strap match at Extreme Rules which JTG won. After JTG won against Caylen Croft, Gaspard immediately attacked him unsuccessfully. Shad won a rematch on the May 6 episode of Superstars, but their feud came to an end when Gaspard was sent to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW).
Singles competition (2010–2014)
[edit]
Also after the split up of Cryme Tyme in 2010 JTG went on to compete in singles and in tag team action strictly on the SmackDown roster wrestling against talent such as Mike Knox,[37] Chavo Guerrero,[38] Jack Swagger,[39] CM Punk,[40] Vance Archer,[41] and even teaming with other talent such as MVP, Chris Masters, and Trent Barreta[42][43][44] in tag team action and in six man tag team action since the team split up.
JTG was announced to be one of the Pros for NXT Redemption[broken anchor], mentoring Jacob Novak. On the May 3, 2011 episode of NXT, he started his feud with William Regal when Regal called him a "muppet" while Novak was calling Regal out to a match, turning him heel. Two weeks later, Novak was on eliminated, being the first to no longer be part of the show. In the 2011 WWE draft, JTG was drafted to the Raw brand in the supplemental draft via WWE.com on April 26, 2011.[45]
On the May 24 episode of NXT, JTG had a feud with Vladimir Kozlov's rookie Conor O'Brian after he was pinned by O'Brian in a singles match. Afterwards JTG attacked O'Brian until Kozlov made a save and attacked JTG. He wrestled on the May 26 episode of Superstars as a face in a losing effort against Curt Hawkins. He officially cemented his status as a heel on the June 7 episode of NXT Redemption when he attacked Yoshi Tatsu on JTG's in ring segment "Straight Outta Brooklyn". As he was going backstage, Matt Striker came out and announced JTG would face Tatsu in a match, which JTG lost. On the July 19 and August 2 episodes of NXT Redemption, Kozlov started a feud with JTG beating him two times in a row with Kozlov also dressed like JTG in the second match. The feud ended when Kozlov was released by WWE on August 5, 2011. JTG scored his first win in months on the August 5 episode of SmackDown teaming with David Otunga and Michael McGillicutty to defeat The Usos and Trent Barreta. JTG gained a girlfriend and manager in Tamina in November 2011, leading to a feud with The Usos, whom Tamina had formerly managed;[46] JTG continually found himself losing to The Usos.[47]
Alicia Fox then approached JTG in May 2012 and offered to give him a makeover, which JTG accepted. On the May 9 episode of NXT Redemption, JTG debuted a new look and defeated Yoshi Tatsu,[48] which was his first and only win in 2012, as JTG soon reverted to losing matches for the rest of 2012 and 2013,[49] including his final match, which was a loss to Santino Marella on the September 20, 2013 episode of Superstars.[50] After not appearing on WWE television in 2014, JTG was released on June 12.[51]
One night return (2022)
[edit]On April 1, 2022, JTG, in his first WWE appearance in eight years, appeared with Shad Gaspard's wife and son in the 2022 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, awarding the Warrior award to Gaspard.[52][53]
Return to the independent circuit (2014–present)
[edit]Cryme Tyme second reunion (2014–2020)
[edit]
In June 2014, JTG and tag team partner Shad Gaspard began taking bookings as Crime Time, changing the spelling of their name in order to avoid a lawsuit from WWE. On August 23, 2014, for Warriors of Wrestling, Crime Time and The Blue Meanie were defeated by Chachi, Verna and J-George. This was JTG's first match since leaving WWE. He appeared at wrestling events by himself or with Gaspard as part of Crime Time in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In 2017, he wrestled for Joey Ryan's California Bar Wrestling promotion in matches alone and alongside Gaspard. In 2019, he wrestled a tag match with Shad at a Game Changer Wrestling/Suburban Fight Pro event, and in a battle royal at Joey Janela's Spring Break 3.[54]
On February 15, 2020, Crime Time appeared at former WWE wrestler Santino Marella's Battle Arts promotion in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, which would be their final match together as following scheduled events were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gaspard died three months later on May 17, disbanding the tag team.[55]
Singles competition (2020–present)
[edit]Three months after Gaspard's death, JTG made his first wrestling appearance at VxS Wrestling on August 16, 2020, losing to Brian Cage. He also appeared at Brii Combination Wrestling on September 5 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. On October 9, JTG defeated Trey Miguel at Game Changer Wrestling's For The Culture event, and also participated in a Battle Royal at the promotion's Spring Break 4 event the following day, which was broadcast on FITE TV. On November 6, JTG won the VIP Wrestling Heavyweight Championship in Haltom City, Texas, becoming his first solo championship after defeating Gino, Shane Taylor, and Will Allday.[56] He reappeared at the wrestling promotion on January 29, 2021, after issuing an open challenge to take his championship title, which Alex Hammerstone accepted but lost. He returned to the promotion again on March 26, defeating Carlito, and has continued to make appearances with the promotion, with his most recent being on March 6, 2022, in a match against Shane Taylor.
In February 2021, he appeared at Florida-based wrestling promotions and returned to VxS Wrestling in New Jersey, defeating Mance Warner.[57] On April 9, he appeared at VxS Wrestling's Lucid Dreams show in Tampa, Florida that was broadcast on FITE TV in a match against Dr. Cube. After being attacked by Dr. Cube and his entourage, he was saved by Big Cass and won the match.[58] On October 22, he made his PCW Ultra debut in Wilmington, California, where he was defeated by Steve Madison.[59] On October 24, he won the Waco Association Wrestling Championship in Waco, Texas after defeating Juventud Guerrera.[60]
On February 3, 2023, JTG appeared at House of Glory's The Beginning show in an attempt to earn the Heavyweight Championship title from Jacob Fatu, though lost the match.[61] He also attempted to earn the Super Indy title from Cole Karter at International Wrestling Cartel's Twenty Two Show the following month, though also lost.[62]
National Wrestling Alliance (2021–2022)
[edit]On June 6, JTG made his National Wrestling Alliance debut at their When Our Shadows Fall pay-per-view event, defeating Fred Rosser.[63] A month later on July 6, he was defeated by Chris Adonis in an attempt to earn his NWA National Championship title.[64] In December of that year, he formed a tag team with Dirty Dango under the name "Dirty Sexy Boys."[65]
Other activities and media
[edit]
JTG published his first book Damn! Why Did I Write This Book? in May 2015,[66] followed by its sequel Damn! Why Did I Write This Book Too? How to Play the Game the following year.[67] He published his third book and first fitness e-book, The Newbies Guide To Big Biceps: So Easy To Follow A Child Could Do It! in December 2020.[68]
As an actor, JTG made his film debut in Bad Night and appeared in The Last Sharknado: It's About Time. In 2017, he appeared on the song "Team Asoka" with The Asoka alongside wrestlers John Morrison and Rocky Romero.[69]
In 2018, JTG founded a beard and body care line named Sexy As Hell Beard Care.[70] The following year, he created an app called Earsaye, which creates audio memes.[71]
JTG has appeared in the video games as a playable character in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008,[72] WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009,[73] WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010,[74] and WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011.[75]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Silent Library | Himself | Season 4, Episode 3 |
| 2014 | We The Economy | Himself | "GDP Smackdown" (Short film) |
| 2015 | Bad Night | Knuckles | |
| 2015 | Wrestling Isn't Wrestling | Theater Audience Member | Short film |
| 2017 | Campus Law | Dynamite Joe | "Quill Plus" (Season 1, Episode 3) |
| 2018 | Coach's Wrestling Class | Himself | Short film |
| 2018 | The Last Sharknado: It's About Time | Joe Louis | Television film |
| 2023 | I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson | Himself | "So Now Every Time I'm About to Do Something I Really Want to Do, I Ask Myself, 'Wait A Minute, What Is This?'" (Season 3, Episode 4) |
Bibliography
[edit]- Damn! Why Did I Write This Book?. CreateSpace Independent Publishing. 2015. ISBN 978-1512286113.
- Damn! Why Did I Write This Book Too? How to Play the Game. CreateSpace Independent Publishing. 2016. ISBN 978-1530743445.
- The Newbies Guide To Big Biceps: So Easy To Follow A Child Could Do It!. 2020.
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]- NWA Wildside Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Shad Gaspard
- Fighting Evolution Wrestling
- FEW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Shad Gaspard
- Hoodslam
- Best Athlete In The East Bay Championship (1 time)
- Love-Alive Charity
- Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup (2024)
- Ohio Valley Wrestling
- OVW Southern Tag Team Championship (2 times)[13] – with Shad Gaspard
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Superstars of Wrestling Federation
- SWF Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Shad Gaspard
- VIP Wrestling
- VIP Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Shad Gaspard
- VIP Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[60]
- Waco Association of Wrestling
- WAW Lonestar Championship (1 time)[56]
- World Wrestling Alliance
- WWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Shad Gaspard
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h "Jayson Paul profile" (in German). Cagematch.de. Retrieved January 15, 2008.
- ^ a b c "JTG". WWE. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
- ^ Mihaly, John (July 2008). "Tyme Bandits". WWE Magazine. p. 68.
- ^ Yanes, Nicholas (January 12, 2017). "An Interview with Jayson Paul, WWE's "JTG"". Sequart Organization. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
- ^ "OVW results – 2006". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved September 21, 2007.
- ^ Zack Zeigler (September 4, 2006). "R-K-Ohhhhh". WWE. Retrieved December 24, 2007.
- ^ Zack Zeigler (October 16, 2006). "Let The voting begin". WWE. Retrieved December 24, 2007.
- ^ a b Andrew Rote (November 5, 2006). "Cryme Tyme steals Four Team Tag Match". WWE. Retrieved December 24, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f "Cryme Tyme tag team profile". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved December 24, 2007.
- ^ Andrew Rote (January 7, 2007). "Taking over the turmoil". WWE. Retrieved December 24, 2007.
- ^ Noah Starr (April 2, 2007). "HBK dumps Cena". WWE. Retrieved December 24, 2007.
- ^ a b Andrew Rote (June 29, 2007). "The Animal's revenge". WWE. Retrieved December 25, 2007.
- ^ a b "OVW Southern Tag Team Title". Wrestling-Titles. Retrieved August 9, 2007.
- ^ "JTG". Gerweck. Archived from the original on January 7, 2008. Retrieved December 24, 2007.
- ^ Greg Adkins (August 13, 2007). "Rhodes keeps on rolling". WWE. Retrieved December 25, 2007.
- ^ Corey Clayton (August 20, 2007). "Royally wrong". WWE. Retrieved December 25, 2007.
- ^ Greg Adkins (August 27, 2007). "All the rage". WWE. Retrieved December 25, 2007.
- ^ "Cryme Tyme Released". WWE. Archived from the original on December 21, 2007. Retrieved September 2, 2007.
- ^ "10th Anniversary Show". JAPW. October 27, 2007. Archived from the original on January 8, 2008. Retrieved January 12, 2008.
- ^ "DCW TV Results Davis Arena – December 29, 2007". Derby City Wrestling. December 29, 2007. Retrieved December 31, 2007.
JTG def. DEWEY
- ^ "DCW TV Results Davis Arena – January 12, 2008". Derby City Wrestling. January 12, 2008. Retrieved January 17, 2008.
- ^ Clayton, Corey (April 1, 2008). "Brooklyn, Brooklyn…". WWE. Retrieved July 8, 2008.
- ^ Adkins, Greg (June 30, 2008). "Opportunity Knocked, Punk Answered". WWE. Retrieved July 25, 2008.
- ^ Sitterson, Aubrey (July 7, 2008). "Chain Gang Carjack". WWE. Retrieved July 25, 2008.
- ^ Pena, Daniel (July 14, 2008). "What "CTC" stands for". Rajah. Archived from the original on August 18, 2008. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
- ^ Sitterson, Aubrey (August 18, 2008). "It takes a thief". WWE. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
- ^ Vermillion, James (September 7, 2008). "Price(less) is right". WWE. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
- ^ a b Martin, Adam (January 25, 2009). "Royal Rumble PPV Results – 1/25/09". Wrestleview. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
- ^ Nemer, Paul (January 27, 2009). "Raw Results – 1/26/09". Wrestleview. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
- ^ "2009 WWE Supplemental Draft results". World Wrestling Entertainment. April 15, 2009. Retrieved April 15, 2009.
- ^ Nemer, Paul (August 1, 2009). "Smackdown Results – 7/31/09". Wrestleview. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
- ^ Nemer, Paul (August 8, 2009). "Smackdown Results – 8/7/09". Wrestleview. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
- ^ "Unified Tag Champions Chris Jericho & Big Show def. Cryme Tyme". WWE. July 23, 2018. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
- ^ Martin, Adam (January 31, 2010). "Royal Rumble PPV Results – 1/31/10". Wrestleview. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
- ^ "JTG profile". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
- ^ a b Nemer, Paul (April 3, 2010). "Smackdown Results – 4/2/10". Wrestleview. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
- ^ "SmackDown: JTG vs. Mike Knox". WWE / YouTube.com. May 13, 2010. Retrieved May 13, 2010.
- ^ "SmackDown: JTG vs. Chavo Guerrero". WWE / YouTube.com. June 18, 2010. Retrieved June 18, 2010.
- ^ "SmackDown: JTG vs. Jack Swagger". WWE / YouTube.com. March 4, 2011. Retrieved March 4, 2011.
- ^ "SmackDown: JTG vs CM Punk". WWE / YouTube.com. August 27, 2010. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
- ^ "WWE Superstars: MVP & JTG vs. Vance Archer & Curt Hawkins". WWE / YouTube.com. August 19, 2010. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
- ^ "SmackDown: MVP, JTG & Masters vs. The Straight Edge Society". WWE / YouTube.com. August 6, 2010. Retrieved August 6, 2010.
- ^ "WWE Superstars: Chris Masters & JTG vs. Guerrero & Curt Hawkins". WWE / YouTube.com. January 13, 2011. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
- ^ "WWE Superstars: JTG & Trent Barreta vs. The Corre". WWE / YouTube.com. February 24, 2011. Retrieved February 24, 2011.
- ^ "WWE News: Full list of 2011 WWE Draft Picks (televised Raw Draft & Supplemental Draft)". Pro Wrestling Torch. April 26, 2011. Retrieved April 27, 2011.
- ^ James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 11/9 – Week 36: Kidd vs. Barreta, love triangle emerges, U.K. announcer shake-up". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved December 3, 2012.
- ^ James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 12/15 – Week 41: Showtime vs. Curtis, Love Triangle continues, Titus snaps, Ronald Reagan". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved December 3, 2012.
- ^ James, Justin. "JAMES'S WWE NXT REPORT 5/9 – Week 62: JTG debuts new look, Laurinaitis infiltrates NXT, Overall Reax". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved December 7, 2012.
- ^ "JTG in 2012". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved December 7, 2012.
- ^ "JTG in 2013". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved June 7, 2014.
- ^ Caldwell, James. "WWE roster cuts: 11th talent released Thursday afternoon". PWTorch.com. Retrieved June 13, 2014.
- ^ WWE.com Staff (March 25, 2022). "Shad Gaspard to receive 2022 Warrior Award at WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony". WWE. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
- ^ "WWE honoring Shad Gaspard with 2022 Warrior Award". FOX Sports. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
- ^ "Matches « JTG « Wrestlers Database « CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database".
- ^ Johnson, Kelli (May 20, 2020). "L.A. County coroner's office identifies body that washed ashore in Venice Beach as Shad Gaspard". KTTV. Los Angeles: Fox Television Stations. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ a b "Reference at www.cagematch.net".
- ^ "Reference at www.cagematch.net".
- ^ Mukherjee, Subhojeet (April 11, 2021). "Big Cass Saves JTG from Brutal Beatdown at WrestleMania Weekend Event". Ringside News. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
- ^ "PCW ULTRA All Systems Go at ILWU Memorial Hall wrestling results - Internet Wrestling Database".
- ^ a b "Login • Instagram".
{{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help) - ^ "Reference at www.pwponderings.com".
- ^ "Reference at www.cagematch.com".
- ^ Stewart, Walker (June 7, 2021). "NWA 'When Our Shadows Fall' PPV Results". eWrestlingNews. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
- ^ Thompson, Andrew (July 6, 2021). "Chris Adonis defeats JTG to become NWA National Champion". Post Wrestling. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
- ^ Thompson, Andrew (December 13, 2021). "Women's Tag Title match, Dirty Dango & JTG in action on 12/14 NWA Powerrr". Post Wrestling. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
- ^ G, J.; Pub, Createspace Independent (May 23, 2015). Damn! Why Did I Write This Book? by Jayson Paul. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1512286113.
- ^ Paul, Jayson (March 25, 2016). Damn! Why Did I Write This Book Too? How to Play the Game by Jayson Paul. ISBN 978-1530743445.
- ^ "The Newbies Guide To Big Biceps: So Easy To Follow A Child Could Do It! by Jayson Paul". Amazon.
- ^ AsokaTV (June 21, 2017). "Johnny Morrison, JTG, Rocky Romero, & Christopher Daniels - TEAM ASOKA (Official MUSIC VIDEO)". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 17, 2021. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
- ^ "Sexy As Hell Beard Care Homepage".
- ^ Harris, Jeffrey (December 10, 2019). "Various News: JTG Promotes New App, Shares Meme on Young Bucks Ignoring Cryme Tyme, Titus O'Neil Spearheading Joy of Giving Event". 411Mania. Retrieved December 5, 2021.
- ^ Miller, Greg (October 3, 2007). "WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2008 24/7 Mode Report". IGN. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
- ^ Miller, Greg (October 9, 2008). "WWE SVR 2009: Roster Editor & Team Management Announcement". IGN. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
- ^ Ekberg, Brian (September 16, 2009). "SmackDown vs. Raw 2010: The Full Roster Revealed". GameSpot. Archived from the original on August 22, 2012. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
- ^ Miller, Greg (October 21, 2010). "WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011 Review (PS3, X360)". IGN. Retrieved February 18, 2015.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2010". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved December 26, 2015.
External links
[edit]
- JTG on X
- JTG at IMDb
- JTG's profile at WWE , Cagematch, Wrestlingdata, Internet Wrestling Database
Personal life
Early life
Jayson Anthony Paul, better known by his ring name JTG, was born on December 10, 1984, in Brooklyn, New York.[3] He grew up in a tough urban neighborhood in Brooklyn, where the challenges of city life shaped his early years.[7] Paul attended John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, a school renowned for its emphasis on the arts.[8] There, he participated in acting and drama classes, performing in various plays and productions, which honed his performative skills.[9] As a child, Paul developed a passion for professional wrestling through watching World Wrestling Federation (WWF) events on television.[10]Family and relationships
JTG is the father of a son from his relationship with ex-girlfriend Ashley Murrey, which began in 2017; the child lives primarily with him due to Murrey's career as a flight attendant, and he co-parents.[11] His son has played a significant role in his personal life, serving as a key motivator for his continued involvement in professional wrestling and independent ventures following his WWE release.[12] In his romantic life, JTG has been open about challenges in relationships, particularly with the mother of his son, his ex-girlfriend and baby mama. In October 2022, he filed for a restraining order against her, alleging domestic violence during an altercation at his Los Angeles home where she reportedly injured him; court documents described mutual pushing but emphasized his request for protection due to ongoing tensions.[11][13] This incident highlighted strains in his support network post-WWE, though he has maintained close ties with wrestling peers for emotional backing. JTG shared a profound friendship with fellow wrestler Shad Gaspard, his longtime tag team partner in Cryme Tyme, whom he regarded as a brother. Gaspard's tragic death in May 2020, while heroically saving his son from drowning at Venice Beach, deeply affected JTG emotionally, prompting public tributes where he described Gaspard as radiating positive energy and recounted cherished memories of their bond.[14][15] In April 2022, JTG participated in the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony to honor Gaspard with the Warrior Award, joining Gaspard's family on stage, including rolling dice—a nod to their Cryme Tyme gimmick—with Gaspard's son Aryeh.[16][17]Professional wrestling career
Pre-WWE training and debut (2005–2006)
Jayson Anthony Paul, better known by his ring name JTG, began his professional wrestling journey in 2005 by training at the Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) school in Louisville, Kentucky. There, he developed foundational skills in ring psychology, athleticism, and storytelling, drawing from his background in high school football where he built physical toughness.[3][1] Paul initially performed under the ring name "The Neighborhoodie." He later adopted the moniker JTG, an acronym for "Just Too Good." The name stemmed from his early promos in OVW, in which he frequently boasted about his superiority in the ring, declaring himself "just too good" to capture audience attention and build his heel persona. This confident gimmick helped him stand out during his initial appearances, transitioning from amateur aspirations to professional bouts.[18] JTG made his in-ring debut in 2006 in developmental matches within OVW circuits. By mid-2006, JTG had begun partnering with fellow trainee Shad Gaspard in tag team matches, forging a chemistry based on their shared Brooklyn roots and complementary athleticism that would define their future collaborations.[4][19]First WWE stint and Cryme Tyme formation (2006–2007)
In 2006, JTG signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and was assigned to its Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) territory, where he had previously teamed with Shad Gaspard under the name The Gang Stars. There, the duo adopted the Cryme Tyme gimmick, portraying streetwise hustlers with a hip-hop flair, complete with vignettes depicting them engaging in comedic "crimes" like stealing car stereos. This character was inspired by urban comedy sketches and quickly gained traction in OVW, where they won the Southern Tag Team Championship on May 24, 2006, in their first match as the team.[20] Cryme Tyme's main roster call-up began with promotional vignettes airing on the September 4, 2006, episode of Raw, building hype for their arrival. They made their televised in-ring debut on the October 16 episode of Raw, defeating The Spirit Squad in a tag team match, which showcased their high-energy style and crowd-pleasing antics. The team quickly integrated into Raw storylines, including a memorable segment with D-Generation X (DX) on November 13, where Triple H and Shawn Michaels "pimped out" their lowrider car, leading to humorous interactions that highlighted Cryme Tyme's entertaining persona. At Cyber Sunday on November 5, Cryme Tyme competed in (and won) a fan-voted four-team Texas Tornado match also featuring Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch, The Highlanders, and Charlie Haas and Viscera, establishing themselves as fan favorites in the tag division.[2] Following the 2007 WWE Draft, Cryme Tyme was moved to the SmackDown brand, where they continued building momentum through tag team competition. They engaged in a rivalry with Cade and Murdoch, including victories that positioned them as contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship, emphasizing their opportunistic "thug" dynamic against the more traditional cowboy gimmick of their opponents. Another notable feud developed with The Miz and John Morrison, involving web show battles between Cryme Tyme's "Word Up" and the heels' "The Dirt Sheet," culminating in matches that played up the teams' contrasting personalities and mic skills. These encounters, often featuring street-themed stipulations, helped solidify Cryme Tyme's role as a midcard act known for blending athleticism with comedy.[21] Cryme Tyme's first WWE run ended abruptly on September 2, 2007, when both JTG and Gaspard were released from their contracts. The decision stemmed from a backstage prank at a house show that escalated into a physical altercation; the duo had stolen Murdoch's cowboy hat as a rib, leading to a confrontation that required intervention from John Cena and others to de-escalate. WWE management viewed the incident as disruptive amid ongoing roster adjustments, cutting the team short just as their feud with Cade and Murdoch was heating up toward a potential title opportunity.Independent circuit transition (2007–2008)
Following their release from WWE on September 2, 2007, JTG and tag team partner Shad Gaspard transitioned to the independent circuit, continuing to perform as Cryme Tyme while adapting their street-oriented gimmick to smaller promotions. Their first notable booking came at Jersey All Pro Wrestling's 10th Anniversary Show on October 27, 2007, in Bayonne, New Jersey, where they defeated E.C. Negro and K.C. Blade in a tag team match. This appearance marked an immediate return to action for the duo just weeks after their WWE departure, drawing on their established chemistry from the Cryme Tyme run.[22] In early 2008, JTG and Gaspard focused on rebuilding visibility through appearances in Derby City Wrestling (DCW), a promotion affiliated with Ohio Valley Wrestling serving as a developmental feeder system. They competed in multiple events throughout January, including victories over local teams such as The New Generation and American Made, which helped maintain their tag team momentum in regional markets like Louisville, Kentucky. These smaller-scale shows contrasted sharply with WWE's national exposure, requiring the pair to engage more directly with enthusiastic but limited audiences in community venues.[19] The independent stint presented challenges in sustaining fan interest and adapting their high-energy, comedic persona—originally honed in WWE's Cryme Tyme vignettes—to the indie scene's demands, including longer travel and inconsistent bookings. Despite these hurdles, their consistent tag team performances, including occasional singles outings for JTG, showcased resilience and paved the way for renewed WWE interest by late winter 2008.[23]WWE return and tag team success (2008–2010)
In early 2008, JTG and Shad Gaspard were re-signed by WWE following their release in 2007, marking a return for the duo under their established Cryme Tyme gimmick.[24] They made their comeback on the March 31 episode of Raw, defeating Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch in a surprise match that highlighted their high-energy street-style offense.[25] This appearance reintroduced Cryme Tyme's over-the-top "ghetto" persona through in-ring antics and post-match sketches, where they portrayed opportunistic hustlers robbing defeated opponents or interacting comically with authority figures.[2] Cryme Tyme quickly integrated into WWE's tag team division across Raw and SmackDown, competing regularly on WWE Superstars and building momentum with victories that emphasized JTG's agility and Gaspard's power.[26] A key feud developed in mid-2009 on SmackDown, pitting them against The Hart Dynasty (David Hart Smith and Tyson Kidd), often involving Eve Torres in mixed-tag formats that showcased Cryme Tyme's charisma against the technical prowess of their rivals.[27] The rivalry culminated in a tag team qualifying match on the October 16 episode of SmackDown, where Cryme Tyme emerged victorious to secure spots on Team SmackDown for Bragging Rights.[28] At the Bragging Rights pay-per-view on October 25, 2009, they contributed to Team SmackDown's win over Team Raw in the main event, solidifying their status as fan favorites in the interbrand competition.[29] One of Cryme Tyme's most prominent achievements came earlier that year at SummerSlam on August 23, 2009, when they challenged Jeri-Show (Chris Jericho and Big Show) for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship in a high-profile match that drew significant crowd support for their underdog energy.[30] Although they lost via pinfall after 9:42, the bout represented the peak of their tag team push, blending athletic sequences with their signature humorous vignettes aired on WWE programming.[31] These skits, including interactions with other midcard talent, reinforced Cryme Tyme's entertaining "hood" archetype while competing in various house shows and television bouts throughout 2009 and early 2010. By April 2010, creative decisions within WWE led to the dissolution of Cryme Tyme, as the company shifted focus away from tag team storylines amid a perceived lack of emphasis on the division.[32] On the April 2 episode of SmackDown, following a loss to John Morrison and R-Truth, Shad Gaspard turned on JTG in a scripted betrayal, abruptly ending their partnership without further tag team opportunities.[33] This split aligned with broader WWE directives prioritizing singles competition, though Gaspard's subsequent injury issues contributed to his limited follow-up appearances before his release later that year.[34]WWE singles push and release (2010–2014)
Following the dissolution of Cryme Tyme in April 2010, when Shad Gaspard turned heel on JTG after a loss to John Morrison and R-Truth on SmackDown, JTG shifted to singles competition primarily on the SmackDown brand.[35] His initial singles outings included victories over Caylen Croft on April 16 and Mike Knox on April 23, showcasing his agility and streetwise persona, before defeating Gaspard in a Strap Match at Extreme Rules on April 25.[19] To build his solo character, JTG hosted the comedic talk show segment "Str8 Outta Brooklyn" on SmackDown, featuring irreverent interviews with other wrestlers that highlighted his quick wit and Brooklyn roots.[2] In early 2011, JTG made his singles debut on Raw during the brand's supplemental draft on April 26, though his appearances remained sporadic.[35] He participated in the 2011 Royal Rumble on January 30, entering at number 12 but lasting only about one minute before elimination by Michael McGillicutty of The Nexus.[19] JTG engaged in a brief series of matches against Drew McIntyre, losing to him on SmackDown on January 28 and on Superstars on April 13, positioning him as an underdog challenger in midcard bouts.[36] Later that year on NXT, where he served as a mentor (Pro) to rookie Jacob Novak, JTG attempted a heel turn by attacking Novak after a loss on May 24, leading to a short feud with Vladimir Kozlov and Conor O'Brian; he scored a win over Kozlov on June 21 but participated in NXT storylines concluding in August matches against Titus O'Neil.[35] By 2012, JTG's role evolved into that of a jobber, with limited television exposure across SmackDown, Superstars, and the new Main Event program, often losing to rising stars like Zack Ryder on January 17, 2013, and Brodus Clay in various dark matches.[19] His matches emphasized putting over opponents rather than personal storylines, reflecting WWE's creative constraints and roster depth during this period.[2] JTG's underutilization culminated in his release on June 12, 2014, as part of a larger wave of talent cuts that included over ten superstars, amid ongoing shifts in WWE's programming direction.[37]Post-WWE independent resurgence (2014–2020)
Following his release from WWE on June 12, 2014, JTG reunited with longtime tag team partner Shad Gaspard to reform Cryme Tyme on the independent circuit, revitalizing their careers through bookings in regional promotions across the United States and internationally. Their debut match as the reunited team occurred on August 23, 2014, at Warriors of Wrestling's Under the Lights 3 event in New York City, where they joined forces with fellow former WWE performer The Blue Meanie in a six-man tag team loss to Chachi, J-George, and Mike Verna.[28] The duo quickly secured additional appearances, including a loss to Joe Hendry and Marty Scurll at Destination Wrestling's Relentless event in Edinburgh, Scotland, on October 11, 2014, and a victory over The Playaz Club (Kevie Lee Storm and Myke Fight) at Jersey All Pro Wrestling's ROH vs. JAPW event in Rahway, New Jersey, on November 15, 2014.[38] These early outings highlighted Cryme Tyme's adaptation to the more intimate, fan-interactive environment of independent wrestling, where they leveraged their WWE-honed charisma to engage crowds in smaller venues. Throughout 2015 and beyond, Cryme Tyme expanded their schedule to include promotions such as Southside Wrestling Entertainment in the United Kingdom, where JTG and Gaspard teamed with local talent like Stixx for victories, including a win over Joseph Connors and The Pledge on October 10, 2015.[19] They also competed in Game Changer Wrestling and other East Coast circuits, often collaborating with former WWE colleagues to draw crowds nostalgic for their tag team dynamic. The partnership reached a high point on July 5, 2019, when Cryme Tyme captured the VIP Wrestling Tag Team Championship in a four-way match at VIP X Killin' Da Business in Haltom City, Texas, defeating teams including Gino and Joe Alonzo.[28] They successfully defended the titles in subsequent events, solidifying their status as a draw on the independent scene through high-energy performances and storylines centered on their streetwise gimmick. The resurgence took a tragic turn on May 17, 2020, when Shad Gaspard drowned at age 39 while heroically saving his son from a rip current at Venice Beach, California, ending Cryme Tyme's run.[39] JTG, honoring his partner's legacy, shifted to singles competition later that year, pursuing individual accolades amid the fan-driven indie landscape. On November 6, 2020, at VIP Setting the Bar 10 in Haltom City, Texas, JTG won the vacant VIP Heavyweight Championship in a four-way elimination match against Homicide, Moose, and JD Griffey, marking his first major singles title and a pivotal moment in his post-WWE career revival.[40] This victory underscored JTG's versatility, as he transitioned from tag team specialist to a resilient solo performer capable of headlining East Coast and Southern independent shows.National Wrestling Alliance involvement (2021–2022)
JTG made his National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) debut on June 6, 2021, at the When Our Shadows Fall pay-per-view event, where he defeated Fred Rosser in a singles match.[41] Building on his independent circuit resurgence since 2014, JTG quickly positioned himself as a midcard mainstay, competing regularly on the weekly NWA Powerrr television series to help revitalize the promotion's roster during its revival under President Billy Corgan.[42] His appearances emphasized a renewed focus on athleticism, as he entered the NWA National Heavyweight Championship tournament, advancing through qualifiers before losing to Chris Adonis in the final on the July 6 episode of Powerrr.[43] Throughout late 2021, JTG engaged in several midcard feuds on Powerrr and its companion show PowerrrSurge, including a heated rivalry with Slice Boogie that culminated in a no-contest match on November 16 due to outside interference.[44] He also participated in a battle royal at the NWA 73rd Anniversary Show on August 29, 2021, competing against up-and-coming talents like Captain Yuma, Mims, and Jamie Stanley for a shot at the National Championship, though Judais emerged victorious.[45] As a veteran performer, JTG contributed to promoting newer roster members by teaming with prospects such as Colby Corino in tag team contention matches, including a first-round win in the NWA World Tag Team Title #1 Contendership Tournament on September 28.[46] In 2022, JTG shifted toward tag team competition, partnering with Dirty Dango (formerly Fandango) as The Dirty Sexy Boys for the Crockett Cup tournament at the Nashville Fairgrounds. The duo advanced in the first round on March 19 by defeating Aron Stevens and The Blue Meanie but were eliminated in the quarterfinals the following night by the Briscoe Brothers.[47] JTG's final NWA appearances came in November 2022, including a hardcore team war rules victory alongside The Pope and Anthony Mayweather over Alex Taylor, Jax Dane, and Mercurio at Hard Times 3 on November 12, followed by a tag team win with The Pope on the November 26 episode of NWA USA.[48] He departed the promotion thereafter, returning to freelance independent bookings.[1]Recent independent matches and appearances (2023–present)
In 2023, JTG continued his independent circuit activity with a focus on Northeast promotions, beginning with a high-profile challenge for the House of Glory (HOG) Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu on February 3 at HOG's "The Beginning" event in Queens, New York, where Fatu retained the title via pinfall after a 12-minute bout featuring high-impact maneuvers.[49] Later that year, he secured a victory over Alec Price on March 29 at VxS in Baldwin Park, California, showcasing his technical prowess in a singles match.[50] JTG also competed in a grueling casket match against AJ Gray on March 30 at Circle 6 in Los Angeles, where Gray emerged victorious after closing the casket lid.[51] His "Just Too Good" persona remained prominent, blending charisma and streetwise aggression, as seen in a title defense of the Best Athlete In The East Bay Championship on May 5 at Hoodslam in Oakland, California, though he lost the belt in a four-way match to Allie Katch and Mylo.[52] Further Northeast bookings included a loss to IWC Super Indy Champion Cole Karter on March 25 at IWC in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.[53] In October, JTG appeared at GCW's "Blood On The Hills 2" on October 14 in Los Angeles, falling to Santana Jackson in a 10-minute singles match that highlighted his resilience against younger talent.[54] Transitioning from his NWA commitments, JTG diversified his 2024 schedule across regional promotions while honoring his late tag team partner Shad Gaspard. A standout moment came on April 20 at the Shad Gaspard Memorial Cup in Jacksonville, Florida, where JTG won the tournament by defeating Thom Latimer in the first round, Kenny King in the semifinals, and Prince Agballah in the final, earning the accolade in a three-match showcase of endurance and skill.[55] He maintained his "Just Too Good" character in local events, such as a loss to SoCal Heavyweight Champion Slice Boogie on July 27 at Relentless Wrestling in Orange, California, and a failed bid for the WildKat Heavyweight Title in a three-way match on June 1 in Metairie, Louisiana.[56][57] JTG also ventured internationally, losing to Ultimo Guerrero on March 10 at IWC in Westminster, Colorado, and to Franco Varga on August 30 at APW in New Minas, Nova Scotia.[58][59] In September, he defeated Eli Everfly on September 7 at XPW's "Symphony of Destruction" in Glendale, California, reinforcing his veteran status.[60] By 2025, JTG's appearances emphasized international expansion and WWE-adjacent opportunities, particularly through All Caribbean Wrestling (ACW). On April 17 during WrestleMania Weekend in Las Vegas, he challenged for the Pan-Afrikan World Diaspora Wrestling Championship against Suge D at ASÉ Vegas but was defeated.[61] Domestically, JTG won against Anthony Idol on April 5 at SoCal Pro Wrestling in Vista, California, and against Gino Rivera on May 3 at Flashback Pro Wrestling in Glendive, Montana.[62][63] A pivotal event occurred on June 10 at ACW in the Bahamas, where JTG defeated Tito Colada in a singles match, part of ACW's partnership with WWE ID that positioned him for high-stakes opportunities.[64] This led to a contract match against WWE ID prospect Gal on June 28 at ACW's "Baha Bash 2" in Nassau, Bahamas, where a win would grant JTG entry into WWE's developmental program, which ended in a time limit draw.[6][65] JTG continued his "Just Too Good" gimmick in events like a victory over Boyce LeGrande on May 31 at SOW in Alameda, California, and a title loss to PRW Heavyweight Champion Nick Diamond on July 19 in Portage, Indiana. In September 2025, JTG returned to the ring at ACW's Bajan Brawl event.[64][66][67] Throughout 2023–2025, JTG addressed speculative WWE return discussions in interviews, expressing openness to opportunities without confirming deals. In a February 2023 interview with Tim Hann Rivera, he stated, "Maybe I'll pick up my phone when they call, but somebody's gonna call," regarding potential WWE or other major league interest.[68] In September 2025, during a podcast with Bill Apter and Dr. Chris Featherstone, JTG discussed Cryme Tyme's potential tag title run and his desire to face current WWE stars like Gunther, while shutting down direct questions about rejoining under Triple H's regime.[69] He reiterated similar sentiments in a September 5, 2025, interview with R3 Jonah, focusing on his independent momentum and book promotion rather than immediate WWE teases.[70]Media and other ventures
Authored books
JTG entered the literary scene with his debut memoir, Damn! Why Did I Write This Book?, self-published in May 2015 as an e-book priced at $0.99. The book chronicles his WWE tenure through personal anecdotes centered on backstage "heat"—interpersonal conflicts and politics that influenced career trajectories—including stories from Wrestlers' Court, an informal disciplinary system among wrestlers. It also highlights his close partnership and friendship with tag team partner Shad Gaspard, offering insights into the camaraderie and challenges faced by midcard performers.[71][72][73] The memoir's themes emphasize the cutthroat nature of professional wrestling's industry politics, where strategic alliances and avoiding rivalries were key to survival, blended with humorous and candid personal reflections on events like scrapped gimmicks and travel mishaps. Reviewers praised its accessibility and insider perspective, noting it as an entertaining read for WWE enthusiasts despite its self-deprecating title, with one critic calling it a "great read for a WWE superfan" that humanizes the often-glamorized business. The book's low price and direct storytelling helped it resonate, establishing JTG as a forthright voice on wrestling's underbelly.[74][75][72] Capitalizing on the success and fan demand, JTG released a sequel, Damn! Why Did I Write This Book Too? How to Play THE GAME, in April 2016. This follow-up expands on the original by delving deeper into "THE GAME"—backstage maneuvering and power dynamics that propel wrestlers forward—while recounting additional anecdotes from his career, including more on industry rivalries and survival tactics. It maintains the light-hearted yet revealing tone, focusing on lessons from his experiences without shying away from critiques of WWE's hierarchical structure. Fans and critics appreciated the continuation, with Audible reviews highlighting its engaging narration by JTG himself and value as a companion to the first volume.[76][77][78] In August 2025, JTG published his third book, DAMN! Why Do You Want to Be a Wrestler? The Real Playbook for Aspiring Wrestlers, Indie Hustlers, and the Dreamers, shifting toward a motivational guide for newcomers. Drawing from his two decades in the industry, it provides unfiltered advice on the physical and mental grind, promo skills, gimmick development, and navigating independent circuits, using Cryme Tyme as a case study for tag team dynamics. The book underscores perseverance amid politics and stereotypes, positioning itself as a practical blueprint rather than mere memoir. Early reception from wrestling outlets lauded its honesty and utility for dreamers, reinforcing JTG's role as a mentor-like figure.[79][80][81] Through these publications, JTG has cultivated a public persona as a candid insider, using his writing as a post-WWE outlet to demystify wrestling's realities and share hard-earned wisdom, appealing to fans seeking authenticity beyond the ring. His books have sold modestly but steadily on platforms like Amazon and Gumroad, contributing to his diversified career while inspiring discussions on the profession's untold stories.[82][5]Film and television roles
JTG transitioned from professional wrestling to acting in the mid-2010s, leveraging his physical presence and charismatic persona from the ring to secure supporting roles in independent films and television. His debut came in the 2015 action-comedy Bad Night, directed by the Riedell Brothers, where he portrayed Knuckles, a tough enforcer character in a story about two friends mistaken for art thieves.[18] In an interview, JTG described the role as an opportunity to blend action and humor, drawing on his wrestling background for authenticity in fight scenes.[18] Following his film debut, JTG appeared in several indie projects and documentaries that highlighted wrestling culture. In 2015, he had a cameo as a theater audience member in the satirical documentary Wrestling Isn't Wrestling, which deconstructs professional wrestling's evolution through archival footage and commentary. He also featured as himself in the 2014 educational short film series We the Economy: 10 Lessons the Business World Can't Teach Us, contributing to discussions on economic topics alongside celebrities like Amy Poehler. These early appearances often positioned him as an extension of his wrestling identity, providing insider perspectives on the industry. In television, JTG took on guest roles that occasionally nodded to his athletic roots. His notable TV credit includes a 2017 episode of the short-lived series Campus Law ("Quill Plus," Season 1, Episode 3), where he played Dynamite Joe, a dynamic character in a legal drama setting. Later that year, he contributed to the comedy short Coach's Wrestling Class (2018), appearing as himself alongside fellow wrestlers like Christopher Daniels and MVP in a humorous take on training sessions.[83] One of his more prominent roles was in the Syfy television film The Last Sharknado: It's About Time (2018), playing Joe Lewis in the franchise's time-traveling finale, which mixed over-the-top action with cameos from celebrities.| Year | Title | Role | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | We the Economy | Himself | Short film series | Educational segments on economics. |
| 2015 | Bad Night | Knuckles | Film | Supporting role in action-comedy.[84] |
| 2015 | Wrestling Isn't Wrestling | Theater Audience Member | Documentary | Satirical wrestling overview. |
| 2017 | Campus Law | Dynamite Joe | TV episode | Guest appearance in legal drama. |
| 2018 | Coach's Wrestling Class | Himself | Short film | Comedy sketch with wrestlers. |
| 2018 | The Last Sharknado: It's About Time | Joe Lewis | TV film | Action-horror comedy. |