It may seem difficult for some newer wrestling fans to believe, but there was a time when Justin Gabriel was considered one of the most exciting talents on the WWE roster. The South-African high-flyer burst onto the scene as part of the original Nexus group, led by Wade Barrett. Today in the company, many of the members remain under contract, including Barrett, Ryback and Heath Slater. Meanwhile, Gabriel hasn't been quite so fortunate. On January 25, 2015 he was cut loose from his WWE contract. One day before being scheduled to compete in the over-the-top-rope Royal Rumble match, the man decided he didn't want to continue with the promotion any longer. It seemed like Justin had become disenfranchised with his place on the roster, his last televised match being a routine loss to Rusev. The fact that Justin Gabriel left WWE isn't the shock here, the surprise came more with the timing. Departing the biggest promotion in the land 24 hours before one of their biggest matches isn't something which happens too often. Even though he was likely going to be a bit-part player in the Rumble, it's easy to assume that several company officials were irritated by Gabriel's decision.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
