WWE Releases Justin Gabriel Who Joins Independent Wrestling Circuit

The World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE) on Sunday announced that Justin Gabriel has been released from his contract. Correspondingly, his profile on WWE.com has been moved to the Alumni section of the website.

In its statement, the company said: "WWE has come to terms on the release of WWE Superstar Justin Gabriel as of Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015. WWE wishes Justin Gabriel the best in all of his future endeavors."

Gabriel who already requested to be released from his contract a few days ago was previously scheduled to be one of the thirty men competing at the Royal Rumble Match scheduled for January 25. His name was later removed from the advertisements.

Gabriel signed his contract with the company in 2008, becoming the first South African to be a part of the WWE stable of talents. The Professional Wrestling Torch Newsletter released last year a ranking of WWE's roster wherein Gabriel was ranked as a 'lower-tier babyface.' Teamed with Heath Slater, they won the WWE Tag Team Championship three times in 2010 and 2011, which was the apex of Gabriel's success with WWE. His last televised match was a loss to Rusev on the January 14 episode of Main Event. Shortly after, Gabriel had reportedly quit the company.

Following the formal announcement of his release from his contract by WWE, Gabriel tweeted: "About to get high.... 13500 feet to be exact. #newtoy #vector #micron #skydive #iFly #cloudSurfing." Also that Sunday, his first post-WWE fight has been announced. According to a breaking news from Wrestle Zone, "taking the injured AR Fox's spot in the Suicidal Six Way Championship Match at PWS Frozen Fallout this Saturday Jan 31st in Rahway NJ will be the "Darewolf' PJ Black (fka wwe superstar Justin Gabriel)."

Gabriel, whose real name is Paul Lloyd Jr., is a second generation wrestler. He has a degree in sports science and he also competes in male modeling competitions.