Every Original WWE NXT Black & Gold Roster Member - Where Are They Now?

2. CJ Parker

What was he doing at the time?

Jobbing, but gradually finding his feet doing so. CJ Parker was initially just a guy to tag with other guys to lose to pushed guys, but sooner or later his patience and persistence paid off. He was given one-note eco-warrior gimmick, that was so preachy that it never once strayed from annoying into endearing.

As good as he was in the role, it turned out to be what actually forced him out of the WWE system in the end. Parker's persona lacked the depth to connect with an audience that was changing in line with the product itself. It was all too on-the-nose, much like the accidental shot he landed on Kevin Owens as the designated loser for 'KO's debut when the Canadian rocked up in late 2014. They were passing ships, and the differences were all too clear. 

What is he doing now?

CJ Parker’s failure to get over in NXT stood in remarkable contrast to his rapid ascent in NJPW in the second half of the 2010s. Reinvented and reinvigorated as Juice Robinson - an extension of himself that was more personality than persona - cartoonish sanctimony was replaced by a zest that instantly connected with the New Japan faithful. He brought that with him back to America via AEW in 2022. As of 2026, he's still there.