Gorilla Press Scouting Report: Justin Gabriel
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The WWE’s immense growth has given way to developmental relationships with Florida Championship Wrestling (as well as a handful of next generation superstars to star in WWE NXT), and with the Youtube Age we are able to efficiently scout up-and-coming talent before they make their debut on the big stage. Before you see them get buried or pushed at the next level, you will have the rare opportunity to get an in-depth breakdown of the superstars of tomorrow today. Talent will be evaluated on a five-star scale in 4 categories: Overall Rating, Physique, Charisma, and In-Ring Work.
Overall Rating: ****
Physique: ***
Charisma: ****
In-Ring Work: ****
Strengths: Great catch-as-catch-can wrestler with potential to have the elusive label of someone who can have a great match with anyone.
Weaknesses: Smaller frame could limit his ultimate potential.
Similar Styles: A.J. Styles, Shawn Michaels, Evan Bourne
Signature Moves: 450 Splash, Spin kick
Headline Potential: Higher Midcard
Accolades: FCW Heavyweight Champion (1x), FCW Tag Team Champion (1x)
Scouting Report: Justin Gabriel has been described as WWE’s answer to A.J. Styles. We feel he is A.J. Styles with more charisma, which is something TNA should be significantly concerned with (along with the other litany of WWE-related subjects they seem to be obsessed concerned with) in the long-term during their head-to-head battles with The Fed.
In pro wrestling lure, foreigners have usually come off as dry and stiff (Drew McIntyre) or they have that mysterious, built-in foreigner charisma (Desmond Wolfe) which, luckily for Gabriel, we feel he has. Gabriel’s mic work is satisfactory, and with some refinement, could be very good. Gabriel is above average in the ring, however he needs to add more elements to his in-ring work to keep the typical mainstream fan from falling asleep after seeing too many submission holds. His recent Adam Lambert comparisons must be a good thing, and we don’t think the WWE needs to make too many wholesale changes to his character in order to get him over with the fans as his personality, combined with his strong in-ring work, will be advantageous to both him and the WWE.
With all the talk on WWE NXT being about Daniel Bryan, be on the lookout for the talented Justin Gabriel as a darkhorse favorite to get over the most with the fans (before the producers freak out and pull him off television).
Justin Gabriel is a coveted talent in a WWE developmental talent pool that needs a shot of future headliners outside of the 2nd and 3rd generation superstars currently training to follow in their daddies’ shadows.
Given the time and just the right amount of polish, Justin Gabriel could be a breakout star with a handful of five star matches with The WWE’s best when it’s all said and done.
Key Match: Justin Gabriel (Angel) vs. Yoshi Tatsu
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Tags: FCW, Florida Championship Wrestling, Gorilla Press Pro Wrestling Blog, Gorilla Press Scouting Report, Justin Gabriel, Picture an A.J. Styles who doesn't need a mouthpiece, WWE NXT
