Notable WWE Name Confirms Exit Plans for Former Champions

WWE NXT commentator Booker T recently discussed the status of Rip Fowler, also known as Zack Gibson, and Jagger Reid, also known as James Drake, who make up the tag team known as the Dyad.

Both Reid and Fowler have contracts set to expire in October 2023, and there were earlier reports indicating their intention to leave WWE. They had initially requested their releases from the company in April 2023, but WWE management denied their requests.

After the Dyad’s loss to the Creed Brothers on the August 29th episode of NXT, there was speculation about their future when the Schism faction appeared without them on the September 12th episode of NXT.

Speaking on his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T confirmed that the Dyad will be leaving WWE.

“A couple of guys who just exited from the WWE as well, The Dyad. Those guys just let their contract run out, they’re going to be leaving the company. They may be showing up in AEW, you never know. They may be going back to the UK. Reid, Fowler, those guys were actually two of my favorites and I thought they had something good going for them. Just recall the Young, Grizzled Veterans … I liked those guys and I hate to see them go.”

It’s important to note that as of the current information available, Reid and Fowler’s contracts were set to expire on October 15, so they are technically still with WWE. However, Booker T’s comments suggest that they have likely been written off TV in anticipation of their official departures.

Reid and Fowler, previously known as the Grizzled Young Veterans, made their WWE debuts as part of the NXT UK brand. Reid participated in the inaugural UK Championship Tournament in 2017, while Fowler first wrestled for WWE in the 2018 edition of the tournament, which he ultimately won. They were later rebranded as The Dyad in July 2022, becoming part of Joe Gacy’s Schism faction.

How do you think the departure of The Dyad (Zack Gibson and James Drake) from WWE NXT will impact their careers? Leave us a comment.