Kemo
12-05-2023, 12:49 AM
After over five years with WWE, Grizzled Young Veterans (James Drake & Zack Gibson) decided not to re-sign with the company on September 14. They were among the many talented teams on the WWE NXT and NXTUK roster and were NXT UK Tag Team Champions. However, their last company run made them feel it was time for a change.
GYV was involved in the unique faction Schism(Joe Gacy, Ava Raine, Drake & Gibson) in WWE NXT for over a year. This led to a complete rebranding of the former champion, including changing their names and competing as The Dyad. It was an interesting departure from the classic persona, as they joined the cult-like faction led by Gacy. However, within a year, Drake and Gibson became uninterested in their role in the company.
They were featured on TV and had title opportunities, but it wasn't enough to keep them around. Their last match in the company was a loss to The Creed Brothers in a Steel Cage Match on the August 29 episode of WWE NXT.
In an interview with Alistair McGeorge for Metro, the duo shared why they left WWE.
"In a nutshell, this is one of the big driving forces as to why we wanted to leave and get out because without going into too much, we just weren't particularly happy with how things were going," said Gibson. "It all felt a bit boring. And ultimately, you know, this is our job, but it's also it's our hobby, and it's our life. So we want to be enjoying what we're doing."
Towards the end of their run with WWE, the company began to view them as a team that could help younger talent. While it could have been seen complimenting their in-ring ability, it wasn't how they envisioned their career in WWE NXT then.
Despite not enjoying their time with the company towards the end, GYV shared they have no hard feelings for WWE.
"Our decision to move on wasn’t necessarily like, 'We don’t like that company anymore!' It’s not a big middle finger to the company, the company is doing great business, it’s just we felt that as a product, we weren’t doing the best business," said Gibson.
He also noted that talking was their biggest talent as a team, and with the Dyad persona, they spoke less. The company's direction for them and their unhappiness made it easier for them to test free agency.
The team is competing as independent wrestlers and has recently appeared at DEADLOCK Pro-Wrestling's World's Strongest 2023 on November 12. GYV lost to DPW Worlds Tag Team Champions, The WorkHorsemen (Anthony Henry & JD Drake), at the event.
GYV is testing the wrestling market and seeing what could be a good fit for them while competing on the independent wrestling scene. They don't rule out making a return to WWE one day but are enjoying their freedom.
GYV was involved in the unique faction Schism(Joe Gacy, Ava Raine, Drake & Gibson) in WWE NXT for over a year. This led to a complete rebranding of the former champion, including changing their names and competing as The Dyad. It was an interesting departure from the classic persona, as they joined the cult-like faction led by Gacy. However, within a year, Drake and Gibson became uninterested in their role in the company.
They were featured on TV and had title opportunities, but it wasn't enough to keep them around. Their last match in the company was a loss to The Creed Brothers in a Steel Cage Match on the August 29 episode of WWE NXT.
In an interview with Alistair McGeorge for Metro, the duo shared why they left WWE.
"In a nutshell, this is one of the big driving forces as to why we wanted to leave and get out because without going into too much, we just weren't particularly happy with how things were going," said Gibson. "It all felt a bit boring. And ultimately, you know, this is our job, but it's also it's our hobby, and it's our life. So we want to be enjoying what we're doing."
Towards the end of their run with WWE, the company began to view them as a team that could help younger talent. While it could have been seen complimenting their in-ring ability, it wasn't how they envisioned their career in WWE NXT then.
Despite not enjoying their time with the company towards the end, GYV shared they have no hard feelings for WWE.
"Our decision to move on wasn’t necessarily like, 'We don’t like that company anymore!' It’s not a big middle finger to the company, the company is doing great business, it’s just we felt that as a product, we weren’t doing the best business," said Gibson.
He also noted that talking was their biggest talent as a team, and with the Dyad persona, they spoke less. The company's direction for them and their unhappiness made it easier for them to test free agency.
The team is competing as independent wrestlers and has recently appeared at DEADLOCK Pro-Wrestling's World's Strongest 2023 on November 12. GYV lost to DPW Worlds Tag Team Champions, The WorkHorsemen (Anthony Henry & JD Drake), at the event.
GYV is testing the wrestling market and seeing what could be a good fit for them while competing on the independent wrestling scene. They don't rule out making a return to WWE one day but are enjoying their freedom.