The professional wrestling career of Phillip Paul Lloyd began in 1997 at age 16, following his initial training in South Africa under his father. Competing under the ring name P. J. Black, he eventually transitioned to the international stage, becoming the first South African to sign a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment in 2008.
Early Development and International Training
Lloyd was a second-generation wrestler, as his father performed under the name The Pink Panther, while his grandfather was an amateur wrestler and professional boxer. Training in his home backyard, Lloyd honed his skills before spending five years in the United Kingdom starting in 2000. During this tenure, he trained with the Frontier Wrestling Alliance under instructors Alex Shane and Mark Sloan, gaining experience in various independent promotions.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →South African Championship Success
Returning to his home country, Lloyd competed for World Wrestling Professionals. On 1 November 2007, he defeated The Playa to become the inaugural World Cruiserweight Champion. Despite a subsequent move toward the heavyweight division, he faced challenges including an injury from a fireball incident during a match in January 2009. His final South African appearance occurred at Carnival City Casino in November 2008.
WWE Tenure and NXT Debut
Signed to a developmental deal in 2008, Lloyd reported to Florida Championship Wrestling. Under the name Justin Angel, he secured the Florida Tag Team Championship with Kris Logan and the Florida Heavyweight Championship. In 2010, he transitioned to the NXT television program as Justin Gabriel, mentored by Matt Hardy. He finished the competition in third place, which served as his introduction to the WWE main roster.
Major Roster Affiliations
Upon joining the main WWE roster in June 2010, Gabriel aligned with the group known as The Nexus. Following his time in this collective, he joined The Corre in 2011. During this period, he frequently partnered with Heath Slater. Their tag team success included winning the WWE Tag Team Championship three times across 2010 and 2011, marking a significant period of his professional career.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 March 1981, Cape Town
- Debut: 1997
- First WWE developmental signing from South Africa: 2008
- FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship reign: 2009-2010
- NXT Season 1 finish: Third place
- WWE Tag Team Championship wins: 3
- TNA King of the Mountain Championship win: 2015
Questions readers ask
What names has he used in his wrestling career?
He has performed as Phillip Paul Lloyd, P. J. Black, Paul Lloyd, Justin Angel, and Justin Gabriel.
Did he win championships outside of WWE?
Yes, he was the inaugural World Cruiserweight Champion in World Wrestling Professionals and won the TNA King of the Mountain Championship in 2015.
