How A Prank Gone Wrong Led To Cryme Tyme's Release From WWE, Explained
William Smith
Published Mar 28, 2026
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Highlights
- Cryme Tyme brought fresh energy to WWE with their unique blend of athleticism, charisma, and street-smart personas, making them fan favorites.
- A prank gone wrong during a match led to Cryme Tyme being fired from WWE in 2007, showcasing the unpredictable and volatile nature of the wrestling industry.
- John Cena and influential figure John Laurinaitis played pivotal roles in the termination of Cryme Tyme's contracts, highlighting the consequences of unprofessional conduct in the business.
The world of professional wrestling is known for its larger-than-life characters, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Behind the scenes, wrestlers often engage in playful pranks and antics to lighten the mood during the demanding and grueling road schedule. However, sometimes these pranks can have unexpected consequences, as was the case for the charismatic tag team Cryme Tyme, comprising Shad Gaspard and JTG. In September 2007, a mischievous rib gone awry resulted in their initial firing from WWE, putting their promising careers at risk. This incident just goes to show how tumultuous the land of WWE can be for new wrestlers where one mistake can cost them everything.
Cryme Tyme's Stint In WWE
Cryme Tyme burst onto the WWE scene in 2006, injecting fresh and vibrant energy into the tag team division. Shad Gaspard and JTG brought a unique blend of athleticism, charisma, and street-smart persona that resonated with fans. With their urban-inspired gimmick and larger-than-life personalities, Cryme Tyme quickly became fan favorites. The team's in-ring abilities were undeniable, showcasing an impressive repertoire of high-flying moves, power maneuvers, and impeccable teamwork. Their chemistry inside the squared circle was evident, as they seamlessly complemented each other's strengths and brought an exciting dynamic to their matches.
Beyond their in-ring performances, Cryme Tyme's charisma and natural comedic timing made them standout entertainers. Their backstage skits and segments, often involving humorous interactions with WWE superstars and backstage personnel, further endeared them to the WWE Universe. Cryme Tyme's entertaining promos and infectious catchphrases became synonymous with their brand and added a memorable element to their persona.
RELATED: JTG Reveals Cryme Tyme Was Supposed To Win World Tag Team Championship
The Prank That Got Cryme Tyme Fired From WWE In 2007
In September 2007, Cryme Tyme found themselves locked in a heated feud with the team of Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch. The rivalry between the two teams reached its boiling point during a live event match where Cryme Tyme was slated to emerge victorious. However, Cade and Murdoch, known to be mischievous, decided to take advantage of the situation and play a prank on their rivals. As the match progressed, Cade and Murdoch deviated from the planned script and deliberately walked off, leaving Cryme Tyme without a designated finish. This unexpected turn of events left Shad Gaspard and JTG, on the spot, having to think quickly to salvage the match and keep the crowd engaged.
In an interview on Why It Ended on Major League Wrestling Radio, JTG revealed what happened next, "When I rolled back in the ring, Shad had the ref on his shoulders, so I'm thinking it's cool. I hit the ropes, hit our finish, got the crowd back up. Shad wanted to sell the referee's belt to the crowd, he wanted to auction it off -- okay that's a little bit extra but that's our gimmick though, so I guess that's cool." The unexpected and unorthodox nature of their actions momentarily created an atmosphere of chaos and amusement in the arena.
RELATED: JTG Says He And Shad Gaspard 'Were Screwed' By WWE
John Cena Played A Part In Cryme Tyme Being Fired By WWE
The backstage repercussions of Cryme Tyme's ill-conceived prank were swift and severe. Upon returning to the locker room, they were met with a stern scolding from WWE veteran Barry Windham, JTG revealed. "Then we get backstage and Barry Windham, who was our agent at the time, you know, 'I need to talk to you Shad," and I'm going along because we're a team. He's like, 'I don't need to talk to you, I need to talk to your partner.' So I'm like, 'oh that can't be good.' Shad gets his gear pulled off." But that wasn't all, the consequences did not end with Windham's reprimand. The incident caught the attention of John Cena. Cena, known for his respect for the business, took it upon himself to publicly ridicule Cryme Tyme in front of their peers.
However, the most significant repercussion came from John Laurinaitis, the influential figure overseeing talent relations in WWE at the time. Laurinaitis, unimpressed by Cryme Tyme's unprofessional conduct, made the decision to terminate their contracts. It was a stern reminder that even in an industry known for its spectacle and theatrics, there are boundaries that should not be crossed.
JTG further expressed that while he and Shad Gaspard anticipated some consequences for their actions, they were taken aback by the severity of the outcome – their termination from WWE. In previous instances, they had faced fines as a disciplinary measure. Therefore, JTG assumed that this incident would result in a monetary penalty, leaving him to ponder what the monetary amount of the fine would be. However, the decision to fire Cryme Tyme came as a shock to both Shad Gaspard and JTG. The magnitude of their actions had exceeded their expectations, and they were faced with the harsh reality that their careers in WWE had been abruptly halted. However, both of them did have a successful run in WWE and are still remembered today fondly by fans.
