The Grizzled Young Veterans open up about leaving WWE.
In April 2023, James Drake and Zack Gibson requested their release from WWE, but it was not granted. The duo noted that their contracts were set to expire in October. The former NXT UK Tag Team Champions remained featured on NXT programming as members of Schism alongside Joe Gacy and Ava. On the September 12 episode of NXT, Joe Gacy told Ava that the Schism tree only had two roots, implying that Drake and Gibson were no longer part of the group. Drake and Gibson entered free agency on October 14.
Speaking with Alistair McGeorge of Metro, the duo discussed their departure from WWE. Gibson stated that they were not happy with the way things were going, and they felt bored.
"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. It all felt a bit boring. 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. ‘Now we’re back out in the wild west. It all feels exciting and fresh again, it feels a little bit like starting over, like you’ve got a new lease on life," Gibson said.
Gibson noted that their return to the independent scene has felt raw and authentic, and they missed that during their time in WWE. James explained that they were impacted by various obstacles, including the COVID-19 pandemic and regime changes. He highlighted the way they were used as "reliable sources", who were meant to build up younger stars. Gibson explained that they felt like they weren't doing the best business, and there was no ill will in the aftermath of their exit.
"When company objectives shifts, sometimes you find yourself not lining up with what it is that they want at that current time. 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," Gibson said.
Gibson also pointed out that one of his strong suits is talking, and they were put in a position where they did not get to talk on WWE programming. Drake then recalled how they were asked to help at the WWE Performance Center while the trainers focused on less experienced talent, and he explained that the duo was in purgatory, as they weren't getting more resources.
Additionally, the former champions emphasized that they wanted to wrestle more than the NXT schedule allowed them to. This factored into their decision to keep working, rather than staying at home, even after they requested their release.
"A lot of people have had that in the past, and they’ve just decided to stay at home. [But] it wouldn’t have been a good look for us, and it wouldn’t have been a good look for the company," Drake said.
Gibson and Drake spoke highly of Shawn Michaels and the other NXT trainers, and they also praised Ava and Joe Gacy. Moving forward, they're looking forward to the future and enjoying the beginning of this new chapter.
The Grizzled Young Veterans have hit the ground running in their return to the independent scene. They previously appeared at DPW Live 3 and defeated The WorkHorsemen (Anthony Henry and JD Drake). More information is available here.
