Eli Drake wants to move on from his experiences in NXT.
He recently spoke to Wrestling With Ideas about his run in NXT. Then known as Slate Randall, he talked about Dusty Rhodes, as well as his thoughts on being there when he felt that he was already developed:
It’s funny he was actually… [Dusty] was very good as far as…let’s say he was complimentary. I mean I was kind of developed [by the time] I had already gotten there because I had been working years on the independents and that was what I was known for,”It’s pretty much what I got hired for was my promos. I mean the wrestling was there too, but at the end of the day it’s also about the entertainment [value] right? Dusty was very good at giving the little notes here and there when you needed it. He was a big advocate of mine. Unfortunately, I had a big detractor there somewhere. I think his name was Bill something, I don’t remember his last name, it doesn’t matter but at the end of the day Dusty was a great mentor. He was a great influence and he was a great advocate to have on the inside.
When talking about Demott, he cites his “hot and cold” behavior. But regardless, he’s moved from that point in career and is happy where he is now regardless of the NXT experience.
We were hot and cold from day to day. It would be very strange when you would walk in and go ‘Hey Bill, Good morning, how are you doing?’ and you go to shake the guy’s hand. He looks at it and then walks away. This guy’s the head coach. I’m not trying to air out [grievances]. It’s onward and upward at this point. At this point, I’m Global Champion. I’m living the dream. I’m getting taken care of well. I’m doing well for myself so I can’t even contemplate or dwell on that. Was it kind of a bad rep at the time? Yeah, yeah. Forget it. Move on. Who cares?
Drake lasted in the WWE developmental system for over a year, going under then name of Slate Randall before being released in August of 2014. He joined Impact Wrestling in February 2015 and has been there ever since, winning their world title on August 24.
