In professional wrestling, there are high-flyers, and then there are daredevils. Few embody the latter label as wholly as Phillip Paul Lloyd, better known to fans worldwide as PJ Black — or by his WWE moniker, Justin Gabriel. From the rooftops of South Africa to the bright lights of WWE and the underground grittiness of Lucha Underground, Black’s career has been a journey of reinvention, resilience, and sheer fearlessness.
Early Life in South Africa
Born on March 3, 1981, in Cape Town, South Africa, Phillip Paul Lloyd grew up immersed in the culture of wrestling. His father was a promoter and wrestler in his own right, which gave the young Lloyd a unique exposure to the business. Unlike many who dreamed of wrestling after catching a glimpse of WWF programming on TV, Lloyd’s earliest memories were of watching and learning behind the scenes of local South African promotions.
But wrestling was not his only calling. Lloyd developed a fascination with extreme sports, particularly base jumping, skydiving, and stunt work. That blend of athleticism and adrenaline would later define his in-ring style. For a time, it looked like he might pursue a career as a professional stuntman. Instead, he melded his passions into one dangerous cocktail: professional wrestling’s own daredevil.
Training and Early Career
Lloyd began his training in South Africa in the late 1990s, quickly gaining attention for his agility and charisma. By his early 20s, he had become one of the standout performers in the country, winning multiple titles in local promotions and catching the eye of international scouts. His ability to combine high-risk maneuvers with crisp technical execution made him a unique prospect.
Recognizing that to achieve true global success he needed to expand beyond South Africa, Lloyd set his sights on the United States. In 2008, he signed a developmental contract with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) — a move that would alter the trajectory of his life.
Florida Championship Wrestling and the WWE Breakthrough
WWE assigned Lloyd to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), its developmental territory at the time. There, he took on the name Justin Angel, carving out his identity as a standout star. His tenure in FCW was successful: in November 2009, he became the first-ever FCW Grand Slam Champion, capturing the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship, the FCW Florida Tag Team Championship, and the FCW Florida Television Championship during his run.
The success in FCW paved the way for a call-up to the main roster. In 2010, WWE launched the inaugural season of NXT, a hybrid reality show and wrestling program designed to showcase young talent. Lloyd debuted as Justin Gabriel, mentored by Matt Hardy. Though he did not win the competition, he impressed with his stunning 450° splash — a move that would become his trademark.
The Nexus and WWE Stardom
Gabriel’s career accelerated when he became part of the notorious faction The Nexus, led by Wade Barrett. On June 7, 2010, the group made its shocking debut, invading Monday Night Raw and laying waste to John Cena and other WWE stars. It was one of the most impactful debuts in WWE history, and Gabriel’s inclusion immediately elevated his profile.
As a member of The Nexus, Gabriel gained notoriety for being the faction’s high-flying weapon. His 450° splash, delivered with precision and danger, often punctuated the group’s beatdowns. The Nexus storyline propelled him into major feuds with Cena, Randy Orton, and other top WWE names.
When The Nexus splintered, Gabriel transitioned into tag team success. Teaming with Heath Slater, he won the WWE Tag Team Championship three times, cementing his place in WWE’s tag division. The duo, later part of The Correalongside Wade Barrett and Ezekiel Jackson, became one of the most prominent stables on SmackDown.
Mid-Card Stagnation and WWE Departure
Despite early success, Gabriel struggled to break through as a top singles star in WWE. While he consistently delivered strong performances, particularly in mid-card matches and as part of multi-man spectacles like the Money in the Bank ladder matches, creative direction for his character stalled.
By 2014, Gabriel had largely been relegated to WWE Superstars and house shows. Frustrated with his position and seeking more creative freedom, he requested his release from the company. WWE granted it in January 2015, ending a near-seven-year run.
Gabriel later reflected that while WWE provided him global exposure, he felt creatively stifled. His departure marked the beginning of his transformation into PJ Black — a name that would come to represent his independence and adventurous spirit.
Reinvention as PJ Black
Embracing his real initials, Lloyd adopted the ring name PJ Black and returned to the independent scene with a new sense of purpose. His high-risk, high-reward style made him a sought-after talent for promotions around the world.
One of his most significant post-WWE runs came in Lucha Underground, the cult favorite television series that combined wrestling with cinematic storytelling. As PJ Black, he became part of The Worldwide Underground, a faction led by Johnny Mundo (John Morrison). In Lucha Underground, Black thrived, mixing lucha libre with his daredevil persona, and earning a reputation as a versatile, reliable performer.
He also wrestled in Ring of Honor (ROH), where his skill set meshed with the company’s focus on athletic, fast-paced action. His work in ROH further re-established his credibility outside of WWE.
The Daredevil Lifestyle
What truly set PJ Black apart was not just his in-ring work but his life outside of wrestling. Black pursued a lifestyle of adrenaline: skydiving, base jumping, wingsuit flying, and extreme stunts. These passions often intersected with his wrestling persona, giving him a genuine aura of danger.
However, that lifestyle also came at a cost. In 2017, Black suffered a devastating accident while base jumping in South Africa. He broke both of his legs and his hand, and doctors initially told him he might never wrestle again. Instead of retiring, Black fought through rehabilitation and returned to the ring, his resilience further endearing him to fans.
Global Citizen of Wrestling
In the years since, PJ Black has become a true global citizen of wrestling. He has competed across continents: from the U.S. indies to Mexico, the United Kingdom, and his native South Africa. His adaptability has allowed him to thrive in a variety of wrestling styles, from lucha libre to Japanese strong style.
While he never became a main-event star in WWE, his career outside of it has been a testament to the power of reinvention. As PJ Black, he has lived the dream of many wrestlers — traveling the world, working for diverse promotions, and cultivating a loyal fanbase who admire his authenticity and refusal to conform.
Legacy
What is PJ Black’s legacy? It is not defined by championships or headlining WrestleManias, but by his identity as wrestling’s daredevil nomad. He represents the freedom of carving one’s own path, embracing risk both inside and outside the ring.
Fans remember Justin Gabriel’s dazzling 450° splash in WWE, but they celebrate PJ Black’s resilience, adaptability, and passion for living life on the edge. He proved that leaving WWE is not the end of a career, but can be the beginning of a more authentic one.
At his core, Phillip Paul Lloyd has always been about defying expectations: whether it was leaping off a rooftop as a teenager, redefining himself after WWE, or stepping back into the ring after injuries that could have ended his career. His story is still unfolding, and wherever it goes next, you can bet it will be as unpredictable and daring as the man himself.
Conclusion
From Cape Town to Lucha Underground, from WWE stardom to life-threatening accidents and improbable comebacks, PJ Black’s career has been one long leap into the unknown. He has lived — and wrestled — with no safety net, inspiring fans with his daredevil spirit and unwavering resilience.
In a business built on spectacle, few have risked more for the thrill of performance. PJ Black is proof that sometimes the greatest legacy isn’t built in the main event, but in the courage to fly, fall, and rise again.