Eli Drake arrives in WWE NXT, announces new in-ring name
The former Eli Drake arrived in WWE on tonight’s NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day pre-show.
During the pre-show, Drake interrupted panelists Wade Barrett, Sam Roberts, and Barstool Sports’ Brandon Walker. Drake cut a promo about joining NXT and announced that his new in-ring name is LA Knight.
Drake insulted the panelists and said that he was injecting a little bit of star power into the pre-show. Drake announced his new name and said NXT might have a stacked deck, but while they’re playing cards — he just walked in rolling dice. Drake said he just changed the game. He mentioned the NXT North American Championship and the NXT Championship and said anyone walking around with those titles should make sure they have their eyes open because he’s coming for them.
Drake ended his promo by declaring that this is now LA Knight’s game.
Prior to signing with WWE, the 38-year-old Drake was most recently with the NWA. He held the NWA Tag Team titles with James Storm from January of last year to November.
Drake is also a former Impact Wrestling World Champion.
Drake, whose real name is Shaun Ricker, was part of WWE developmental from 2013-2014. He used the name Slate Randall during his first stint with the company.
PWInsider first reported earlier today that Drake has signed with WWE.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
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