There is an alternate universe out there Juice Robinson of the Bang Bang Gang never became an AEW or New Japan star and instead spent his days in WWE, where he wrestled as CJ Parker in the early days of WWE NXT. Robinson would leave WWE in 2015 for NJPW and perform “What happened when” he explained that he wanted to leave back in late 2014 and was motivated by being surrounded by other NXT talent such as Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, PAC, Seth Rollins and Jon Moxley. Since they all found success under the WWE umbrella, Robinson felt it necessary for him to get the same experience they had.
“At the time, I felt like I really needed to go out there and be a wrestler,” Robinson said. “And I really haven’t been. I went from making no money to being paid to train. And I felt like I had enough experience, that I had been in the WWE Developmental system long enough, that I should go out and try to do it on my own. And then I would just hear stories (about) how it was in England, Japan, Mexico. And I really wanted to wrestle.
Robinson said he was helped by WWE Performance Center trainer Matt Bloom, with whom he had a good relationship. Having previously worked with NJPW, Bloom connected Robinson with the office, setting him on the path that led him to where he is today.
“He introduced me, they (NJPW) watched me and they asked if I wanted to go there and I was like, ‘Yeah,'” Robinson said. “So I kind of made one when I was leaving. And then I knew I was going to England and I lined up some indies and stuff. But yeah, I just wanted to log out. I just felt like it was time to let go, you know.”
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “What Happened When” and credit ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
