"Shad Javier Gaspard, known simply as Shad or Shad Gaspard, was an American professional wrestler and actor. His most notable work was with WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)."
In the 2013 stage adaptation of "Pugilist," Shad Gaspard depicted Jack Johnson's historic win of the world heavyweight championship in 1908.
The 2013 stage play "Pugilist," starring Shad Gaspard as Jack Johnson, depicted Johnson's loss of the world heavyweight championship in 1915, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
Shad Javier Gaspard was born on January 13, 1981.
In 2002, Shad Gaspard showcased his wrestling aspirations by participating in the reality television program "Tough Enough 2", where he reached the finals but was disqualified due to failing a physical.
Shad Gaspard officially entered the world of professional wrestling with his debut in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in 2003, initially performing under the ring name 'Da Beast'.
In February 2004, while in OVW, Shad Gaspard formed a tag team with Carlos Colón Jr., marking a significant step in his early wrestling career.
Following Carlos Colón Jr.'s departure from OVW in October 2004, Shad Gaspard left Bolin Services and explored various tag team partnerships.
Building anticipation for their arrival, vignettes hyping the debut of Cryme Tyme, Shad Gaspard and JTG's tag team, began airing on September 4, 2006.
After a successful run in OVW, Shad Gaspard, alongside his tag team partner JTG as Cryme Tyme, debuted on WWE's main roster in 2006.
The Gang Stars, comprised of Shad Gaspard and The Neighborhoodie, secured their first OVW Southern Tag Team Championship victory on May 27, 2006. Although their reign was short-lived, it marked a significant achievement in their journey.
Cryme Tyme made a memorable appearance at WrestleMania 23 on April 1, 2007, participating in a dance party segment with Eugene and WWE legends.
Despite their rising popularity, Shad Gaspard and JTG were released from their WWE contracts on September 2, 2007.
Following their release from WWE, Shad Gaspard and JTG made their presence known in Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW), debuting at the 10th Anniversary Show on October 27, 2007, and remaining undefeated during their time with the promotion.
Shad Gaspard and JTG concluded their undefeated streak in JAPW with a victory in January 2008, marking their final appearance with the promotion.
In a triumphant return, Cryme Tyme, consisting of Shad Gaspard and JTG, reappeared on WWE's Raw brand on March 31, 2008, marking the beginning of their second run with the company.
After a brief release, Shad Gaspard and JTG returned to WWE as Cryme Tyme in 2008.
Shad Gaspard made his debut as a playable character in the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw video game series in the 2008 edition.
On April 15, 2009, Cryme Tyme was drafted from Raw to the SmackDown brand as part of the WWE Draft.
Shad Gaspard married Siliana, a fitness model and athlete, in 2009.
Shad Gaspard returned as a playable character in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009.
Shad Gaspard participated in a battle royal at WrestleMania XXVI on March 28, 2010. This event showcased his athleticism and wrestling prowess on a grand stage.
In April 2010, Shad Gaspard and his wife Siliana welcomed their son, Aryeh, into the world.
On November 19, 2010, Shad Gaspard was released from his WWE contract after a stint as a singles competitor following the disbanding of Cryme Tyme.
Shad Gaspard's second run with WWE concluded with his release in 2010.
Shad Gaspard was featured as a playable character in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010.
Following his second release from WWE, Shad Gaspard returned to the independent wrestling scene on January 22, 2011, defeating Charlie Haas at FWE Retribution in New York City.
On February 5, 2011, Shad Gaspard made his debut for Antonio Inoki's Inoki Genome Federation (IGF) in Japan, teaming with Bobby Lashley in a losing effort against Atsushi Sawada and Erik Hammer.
On March 5, 2011, Shad Gaspard was arrested in Columbus, Ohio, for allegedly disobeying a police officer's orders and resisting arrest for jaywalking.
Shad Gaspard was cleared of all charges related to his March 2011 arrest for jaywalking and resisting arrest in July 2011.
Shad Gaspard made his final appearance as a playable character in the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw series in the 2011 installment.
Showcasing his creativity, Shad Gaspard co-created the graphic novel "Assassin & Son" in 2011.
In January 2012, Shad Gaspard was announced as being part of the BET television series "The Game."
On March 31, 2012, Shad Gaspard faced Big Daddy V at WrestleRama in Georgetown, Ghana, where he was defeated.
Shad Gaspard appeared on TV Land's original sitcom "The Exes" in October 2012.
In 2013, Shad Gaspard took to the stage in the theatrical production "Pugilist," portraying Jack Johnson, the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion. The play chronicled Johnson's journey to becoming world champion and his tragic downfall.
On June 19, 2014, Shad Gaspard and JTG announced their intentions to reunite as Crime Time, seeking bookings together after JTG's release from WWE.
Shad Gaspard and JTG kicked off their Cryme Time World Tour on August 23, 2014, wrestling for the Warriors of Wrestling promotion in Staten Island.
At the JAPW 18th Anniversary Show on November 15, 2014, Crime Time, consisting of Shad Gaspard and JTG, emerged victorious against Damien Darling and Danny Demento in a tag team match.
In 2018, Shad Gaspard contributed to the video game "God of War" by providing motion capture for the main character, Kratos.
Shad Gaspard lent his talents to the video game industry in 2018, providing the motion capture for Kratos, the main character in the acclaimed game "God of War."
Shad Gaspard tragically drowned on May 17, 2020, while saving his son's life.
After his death saving his son, Shad Gaspard was posthumously honored in 2020.
Shad Gaspard continued his wrestling career alongside JTG until his tragic passing in 2020.
In 2021, Dave Meltzer established the Shad Gaspard/Jon Huber Memorial Award, named in honor of Shad Gaspard and fellow wrestler Jonathan Huber, who both passed away in 2020.
In 2022, WWE honored Shad Gaspard with the Warrior Award, recognizing his heroic actions in saving his son.
Shad Gaspard was posthumously honored with the Warrior Award at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony in 2022, recognizing his heroic sacrifice.