Drake Wuertz Announces His 21-Year Career In Pro Wrestling Has Ended

WWE has seen their fair share of controversial figures, but Drake Wuertz’s time as an NXT referee created some wild headlines in the pro wrestling space. His extremest right-wing views captured the attention of fans, and then he was ultimately released from the company. Now, he is hanging up his boots.

Some fans thought that Drake Wuertz might return to death match wrestling. After all, that is what he did prior to his stint in WWE. It seems that his return to the ring, while it was brief, is now over.

Now going as, Drake Younger, he revealed on April 24th that he suffered a broken back and three vertebral fractures. His scheduled surgical operation took place the next day on April 25th, 2023.

Though the surgery seemingly went well, and Drake Younger has since been able to return to the gym, he has decided to retire from his wrestling career. The former NXT official let everyone know this with a post on social media.

For those in the pro wrestling space you may have heard that my 21 year in ring wrestling career has come to an end.

We in this profession all know that the ride we all want can end at any moment due to the physical punishment required for the job. It certainly does not make it sting any less when that day actually comes.

I’ve been blessed with an INCREDIBLE on camera career in our business.

-From my first $5 payday in 2002 at the Evansville Coliseum (plus a hamburger)…
-to headlining Korakeun Hall in Japan while legitimizing American Deathmatch Fighting…
-to standing in the ring in front of 80,000 people at WrestleMania about to ref the main event match for the boss that changed my life while being trusted by Mr. McMahon to make sure his Daughter stays safe in the match…
-to proving the doubters wrong by showing I’m one of the best while giving back to the next generation…

The ride has been amazing!

However it is well past time to start putting my family first. Wrestling has come above everything for half my life. I’m blessed with a beautiful wife, 3 kids, and twin boys on the way.
Breaking my back was a blessing in disguise and the slow down I personally needed.

I’ve caused a lot of damage at home and there are some steps I need to take to better myself for my family.

Thank you to fans across the globe for the love.
Please continue to support and pray for us 🙏🏻 (LINK IN MY BIO)

Psycho Shooter
Drake Younger
2007 TOD Champion
2007 Best of the Best Peoples Choice Champion
2008 Ted Petty Invitational Champion
2011 IWA King of the Deathmatches
2014 Best of the Best Champion
2023 XPW King of the Deathmatches
CZW World Heavyweight Champion
CZW World Jr. Heavyweight Champion
CZW World Tag Team Champion
CZW Ultraviolent Underground Champion (MY FAVORITE)

We will have to see what Drake Younger does next. Just because he is hanging up his boots doesn’t mean he will end all association with pro wrestling. The ring was his home for years, and that’s a hard habit to break.

Drake Younger will keep doing his thing, and continue pursuing his own interests. In the meantime, stay tuned with Ringside News in case he makes any more headlines.

What’s your take on Drake Younger retiring from the ring? Sound off in the comments!