Skip to main content

Drake, Standout Pro Wrestling Needs Right Now


It's very rare in today's world of wrestling to see or experience something that is different, that is must-see, that is unbelievably different from everything in it, and entertainment around it. That's not a knock on the wrestling business, which is as strong and diverse as it's been a very long time - some may say, ever, but it's true. Wrestling today lacks unique personalities. 

But for this fan, what once felt special in watching an episode of Monday Night Raw, or witnessing a world championship title change, or that excitement when your favorite wrestler's theme song hits and blares across the building and through your television, is few and far between. 

We can get into criticizing booking, or decision making regarding wrestlers, or brand awareness, but the truth (again for this fan) is that with so many options of wrestling, it all just feels, well, the same. 

I very much dislike being that fan who tries to play both sides of the coin. You know the type. The person wants everything that comes with being a fan, yet wants to arm-chair book and spoiler everything planned for his enjoyment with over criticism and analytics, while also wondering why they can't enjoy the product. Over the past few months, I've found myself putting distance between such fandom or over analyzation and just attempting to enjoy all of the products. It's been a much better experience to say the least. 

But even with that, pro wrestling just feels flat. Too many of the wrestlers today just don't standout. There is a lack of ownership of individuality too often seen in today's world. Part of it is indeed wrestling fandom who also still live and die off of chants and customs from the 1990's, while wanting some sort of renaissance of counter-culture wrestling the way it was in that decade.

I'm sorry, those days aren't coming back, fans. It was special. Rare. A beauty to behold in it's time and place in history. And we need to stop making it seem that way. There were some special personalities and characters during those times that made special segments, that filled seats, that attracted eyeballs, and most of all, were must see because of a specific uniqueness. 

With that said, enter Eli Drake. 


Since grabbing a microphone, Drake has had that something that used to be a big part of the wrestling toolkit - the gift of gab. And if we were preparing a scouting report for Drake, this would be his best attribute. The way he slings his catchphrases, the cadence of his speech delivering his name in syllables and pointing along, creating a clear signature gesture so essential to a successful wrestling personality, and of course, his ability to develop phrases (Dummy, yeah!) that are easily recognizable and synonymous with him. That's money. And if you look over the course of time, that's not easy to do. But he's done it along his rise to the top of GFW. 

But seriously, Drake offers a fresh and new belief in pro wrestling with a clear cut blue chipper that fans are into (and of course, the internet critics love) that has been placed into the top spot of a company looking to grow. Imagine that? Especially for GFW, the former TNA, who has had a history of truly never giving the ball to their homegrown/discovered talent. 

At 34, Drake is experienced enough to trust as the hood ornament of the company, while yes, still believing in the future. And truly, it's exciting. It's a rare combination of demand for Drake, yet, knowing that his very best to come is still in the future. The excitement of what's to come is the cherry on-top of what is becoming must-see promos and appearances from the current champion. 

It's still early to start making comparisons to the greats of the future, but in a world where few guys really - like, truly standout from the others for the long run - Drake is carving himself a nice little niche in the wrestling world. 

Personality. Expression. A touch of underdog internet love (always a plus). And yes, potential. 

Right now, I'll take that over any "five star match" or flip in pro wrestling. In a world of over saturation when it comes to pro wrestling hours per week, there are VERY few wrestlers offering must-see segments. 

Eli Drake...excuse me, Eeeeeeee-Liiiii Drake is one of them. I just hope GFW continues to offer that platform and handles his rise with the utmost needed intent for development. I also hope Drake continues to develop as a performer with more responsibility and the additional TV time. It's a tough challenge to meet, but pro wrestling needs it - needs him! Like, in the worst way. 

Recently Read Posts

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/21/23

3 Up 1. Jim Brown's Legacy - It almost felt like it went without notice (maybe, just for me?), but the great Jim Brown left us this week. A fantastic athlete, with a more prominent voice and presence, Brown reshaped and redefined the standard for using your platform, and of course, expanding your influence.  2. Indoor Farms - As our natural resources became scarce, in some ways, alarmingly damaged (that's another discussion for another day), we've seen some amazing alternatives come about. The presence of indoor farms has been such, especially this precise farm in Compton that has produced 4.5 million pounds of leaves. Most importantly, is a resource within the community that was not available before.  3. $11B Rural Clean Energy Project - I'm sure they'll be some political retort to this, because well, there always is. But bringing clean energy to many rural areas of the United States is very much part of the issue in advancing our clean energy. On the surface, it

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 5/28/23

3 Up 1. Memorial Day Weekend - There are a lot of people who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. It's more than a three-day weekend, or the unofficial start to summer - take some time and appreciate the many lives given to be where we are.  2. Tina Turner - An absolute favorite of mine, Turner leaves us with nothing but awesome songs, memories, and a vibe and energy that was unmatched.  3. Debt Limit Deal - Well, one week later and I think I understand the entire debt limit stuff. Nonetheless, we're giving it an "Up" as it's settled. Crisis averted? Go America.  3 Down 1. Target Rescinds Pride - Our society has become ridiculous. After conservatives railed liberals for "cancel culture", the right has doubled down with threats at Target regarding their Pride Month displays. All of this follows a Bud Light ban. We've officially become a country where we all cancel what we don't like. So much for discourse.  2. Catholic Church in Illinois -

End of the 22-23 Knicks Season

Josh Hart was wide open at the top of the key.  Julius Randle just didn't feel like the target of that pass.  Jalen Brunson turning the ball over felt like an apropos.  Regardless, the end of the 2022-2023 New York Knicks Season is here and it hurts. It definitely hurts. Yet, for the first time in SOOOOOOOOO LONGGGGGG, I have what's called, hope. Hope!  As the youngest team in the NBA Finals, and one that fell just two games short of the Eastern Conference Finals, this team - heck, this organization! - is very much on the right path.  This year was fun, and at the same time rewarding. Next year will surely come with some expectations, many of which have already started, including the latest need for a superstar. We all know how that goes. There is already a lot of dumb mock trades and ridiculous narratives that are driving me nuts.  Regardless, it was a good year. We very much need to say that more.  Here are five really salient thoughts as we head toward the off-season.  Jalen

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 11/15/20

  3 Up 1. Coronavirus Vaccine? - It's here...sort of. Regardless of the semantics, the announcement of a vaccine produced by Phizer that is 90% effective - Flu Shots are 40-60% effective!! - has some serious promise. As the virus hits a second wave here in the Fall, the news coming from big Pharma is starting to make this pandemic feel like it's in the 4th quarter. Regardless, don't be stupid - wear your mask.  2. Michelle Ng - THE first female General Manager in baseball! I just love it. Let's forget that Ng has tons of experience and success throughout her career and has only been given this opportunity at 52 when farrrrrrrrrr more white males with less have been given GM opportunities as early as in their late twenties. No, no, I won't remind you of the inequalities that are at play here. I'm just happy Ng is given her opportunity, and that baseball is progressing forward - something it always struggles with.  3. Chris Nikic - You want an inspiring story? Ho