A moment in which former WWE Superstar JTG recreated his Cryme Tyme entrance with Aryeh Gaspard was not part of the original plan for the show.
Aryeh and his mother Siliana appeared to accept the Warrior Award on behalf of the late Shad Gaspard.
Shad gave his life in May 2020 to save his son when they were caught in a riptide.
Speaking about the emotional moment on the “Black Announce Table” podcast, JTG said that his involvement wasn’t planned ahead of time:
“It was a great moment that almost never happened. I knew we’ll get a good reaction, but I didn’t know it would be that powerful. I didn’t plan to do anything. Shout out to Johnny Ace. He was happy to see me and he said, ‘So what are you doing? Anything tonight?’ I was like, ‘No, I’m just on stage with the talent and he was like, ‘Let me go talk, I’ll get right back with you.’
“We were just chilling and then the show started and I didn’t hear anything back from anybody. Usually, they [WWE] like to rehearse stuff and we have heard it. So I’m like, ‘You’re not gonna do it because this is live TV, they don’t want any mistakes or accidents.’ But right before Shad’s vignette came on, I got to tap on the shoulder and they gave me the [green light]. So it was a last-minute decision and I’m thankful that they gave the opportunity.”
JTG added that he taught Aryeh the dance mere moments before they walked on stage.
