Former WWE Superstars James Drake and Zack Gibson, collectively known as the Grizzled Young Veterans, have spoken out about their disappointing experience with the company’s transition to NXT 2.0. In a recent interview with Cultaholic Wrestling, Gibson expressed his frustration with WWE management’s decision to revamp their gimmicks, transforming them into tweeners in suits, neither fully heel nor face.
This change, which occurred in July 2022, saw the duo rebranded as The Dyad, consisting of Jagger Reid and Rip Fowler, as part of the Schism faction.
Gibson, 33, lamented that WWE’s tendency to abruptly fire teams only to introduce new ones left his team’s momentum in limbo, as they waited for a clear direction forward. The sudden shift in direction didn’t align with their established GYV style, which had built a strong fanbase. The uncertainty surrounding their characters led to a sense of uncertainty about how to navigate the new NXT 2.0 terrain.
The Grizzled Young Veterans, now free agents, made their highly anticipated All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut on the April 27, 2024, episode of AEW Collision. Although they faced defeat at the hands of Anthony Bowens and Max Caster of The Acclaimed tag team, their impressive debut has generated significant buzz in the wrestling world.
As the wrestling community eagerly awaits the duo’s future endeavors, the question on everyone’s mind is: will the former WWE UK Tag Team Champions be able to secure major gold titles outside of WWE? The debate is ongoing, and only time will tell if the Grizzled Young Veterans will rise to the top in their new home.
The post-WWE journey of James Drake and Zack Gibson serves as a prime example of the ever-changing terrain of professional wrestling. As the wrestling world continues to evolve, fans can’t help but wonder what the future holds for these talented performers. One thing is for certain – the Grizzled Young Veterans are ready to make their mark in AEW, and the wrestling community is eagerly waiting to see what they have in store.