The wrestling arena is no stranger to grand entrances, nail-biting drama, and iconic moments. Yet, even by these lofty standards, the re-emergence of The Grizzled Young Veterans, aka James Drake and Zack Gibson, stands out as a masterclass in making a statement. Cast away are the veils of their NXT pseudonyms, Jagger Reid and Rip Fowler. Today, they’re in the spotlight, not as mere characters in a pre-scripted play, but as architects of their destiny.
A potent mix of talent, passion, and charisma, the duo has taken the wrestling community by storm. After announcing their free agency through a gripping video, they’ve made it clear they’re in for the big stakes, and they’re not pulling any punches.
James Drake’s passionate declaration in the video encapsulates their mood: “If this is the big life, then we’re not looking to live it! We are sick of taking the safe option. We are sick of reading the same old boring scripts that go absolutely nowhere! And we are sick of dealing with knobheads that have wormed — WORMED — their way into this business!”
Zack Gibson’s words only amplified the sentiment, reminiscing about their journey in the States. “A very famous British wrestler told us when we arrived in the States that it was time to put our head down and start listening to orders if we wanted to succeed,” he reflected. “Well, I am sorry for anyone who had different expectations for us. I am sorry that we can’t be who you wanted us to be! Simply put, we are not politicians! It’s a pirate’s life for us!”
Gibson’s assertion of being “Liverpool’s number one” with James Drake by his side as the Grizzled Young Veterans further reinstates their brand. Their motto now? “Grit! Your! Teeth!” when you see GYV coming.
This proclamation follows a tumultuous journey with WWE. After an impressive run as the NXT UK Tag Team Champions, the duo’s chapter in WWE was marked by uncertainty. Their desire to break free from the WWE earlier this year was initially declined. Yet, as fate would have it, their WWE contracts expired recently, making them free agents, replete with renewed vigor and ready to conquer the wrestling circuit anew.
Their comeback was not subtle. They marked their return with an appearance at Sunday’s DEADLOCK Pro Wrestling event in New Jersey. Making a dramatic entry to the electrifying strains of ‘Anarchy in the UK’ by The Sex Pistols, they accepted the open challenge by the DPW LIVE 3 show’s champions, JD Drake and Anthony Henry, and emerged triumphant.
DEADLOCK Pro Wrestling, the independent wrestling sensation from North Carolina, has been making waves for some time now. The GYV’s victory over Anthony Henry and JD Drake has positioned them for a future challenge against The WorkHorsemen for the DPW Worlds Tag Team Titles.
Fans won’t have to wait long for their next appearance. Come October 28, the duo is slated to clash with The Draw in OTT Wrestling.
In related news, wrestling aficionados have another reason to rejoice. Moose, the star from Impact Wrestling, recently spilled the beans about a potential dream match. He shared that plans were underway for him to wrestle the legendary Monty Brown in a TNA Wrestling tribute show in 2020. Although the pandemic derailed the plans, the very thought of such a face-off between Moose and Monty Brown, who hasn’t been seen in action since 2007, is tantalizing.
“That’s a match I always wanted but…So there was talks. It was before COVID happened. We were supposed to be doing a WrestleMania show, like how every company does a show during WrestleMania weekend. It was in Tampa, and the talks was it supposed to be me versus Monty Brown. But COVID happened and shut down the whole thing,” Moose said.
As the wrestling world evolves and changes, one thing remains constant: the passion and dedication of its stars. Whether it’s the Grizzled Young Veterans forging their new path or legends like Moose reminiscing about what might have been, the wrestling scene promises action, drama, and unforgettable moments for its fans. So, as the Grizzled Young Veterans would say, “Grit your teeth!” because the wrestling world is in for a wild ride.
