JTG
He brought a Brooklyn swagger to WWE, becoming a fan-favorite underdog with a unique streetwise charisma.
Born 1984 (age 42)·Professional wrestler·Birthday: December 10·Millennials
Biography
Born Jayson Anthony Paul in Brooklyn, New York, JTG's wrestling journey began on the independent circuit before catching WWE's eye. He found his greatest fame as one half of Cryme Tyme alongside Shad Gaspard, a tag team that resonated with audiences through their exaggerated, humorous 'thug' personas and undeniable chemistry. Their entrance, interrupting other matches to 'rob' the audience, became a cult favorite. While tag team gold eluded them, JTG cultivated a loyal following for his underdog spirit and crisp in-ring style. After the team's dissolution, he carved out a solo career as a resilient competitor on WWE's lower-card, known for his surprising victories and a memoir that offered a candid look at the wrestling business. His legacy is that of a performer who maximized every opportunity, turning a specific character into a lasting memory for a generation of fans.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
JTG was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When JTG Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
JTG's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Formed one of WWE's most popular tag teams of the late 2000s, Cryme Tyme, with partner Shad Gaspard.
- Authored the book 'Damn! Why Did I Write This Book?' detailing his experiences in professional wrestling.
- Maintained a consistent presence on WWE programming for over seven years across its Raw, SmackDown, and ECW brands.
Did You Know?
His ring name JTG stands for 'Just Too Good.'
He is a trained graphic designer and created some of Cryme Tyme's own t-shirt designs.
He performed a rap song called 'It's Just Me' on WWE's *Raw* in 2010.
“In this business, you either get remembered for a character or you get forgotten.”
