In an electrifying development that has stirred the professional wrestling community, former WWE Superstars James Drake and Zack Gibson, widely known as the Grizzled Young Veterans, have announced the inauguration of their own wrestling promotion. Named ‘Burning Heart Pro Wrestling,’ the promotion is set to debut its first show on June 21, 2024, at the historic Liverpool Olympia.
A New Era Begins in Liverpool
The choice of Liverpool for the launch of Burning Heart Pro Wrestling is not incidental. Gibson, a Liverpool native, expressed his excitement about bringing the new promotion to his hometown, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and sports enthusiasm.
“It is my pleasure to announce that the first show will take place in my hometown on the 21st of June at the Liverpool Olympia, a venue rich in history that has seen its fair share of blood, sweat, and tears,” Gibson stated. He emphasized the fitting nature of the venue and the city for a wrestling company that aims to embody passion and resilience, core to the brand’s identity.
The announcement has garnered significant interest, not only from fans but also from notable figures within the wrestling world. Triple H, an executive and former wrestler, previously expressed admiration for the duo, which adds an intriguing layer of endorsement for their new venture.
Grizzled Young Veterans launching new wrestling promotion https://t.co/T0HMshXYK1
— Wrestling Observer (@WONF4W) April 25, 2024
The Journey from WWE to Independence
The launch of Burning Heart Pro Wrestling marks a significant chapter in Drake and Gibson’s careers, following their departure from WWE in September of the previous year. Their decision to leave the global wrestling powerhouse was driven by a desire for greater creative freedom and satisfaction, elements they felt were constrained during their tenure at WWE.
“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,” Gibson revealed in an interview with Metro.
Since their exit, the Grizzled Young Veterans have not shied away from the spotlight, making appearances on the independent wrestling scene and recently debuting in TNA Wrestling. Their move to establish Burning Heart Pro Wrestling is seen as a bold step in taking control of their careers and bringing their vision of authentic, heartfelt wrestling to fans worldwide.
What to Expect from Burning Heart Pro Wrestling
With the inaugural event set for mid-2024, anticipation is building around what Burning Heart Pro Wrestling will offer. The promotion promises to showcase a blend of raw talent, intense matchups, and a storytelling approach that resonates with both hardcore wrestling aficionados and casual viewers alike. Gibson’s pledge to bring their best to Liverpool signals a commitment to quality and entertainment that could very well set a new standard in the wrestling industry.
As the countdown to the first bell continues, all eyes will be on the Grizzled Young Veterans to see if their passion project will ignite the hearts of wrestling fans around the globe. With a solid foundation of experience and fan support, Burning Heart Pro Wrestling is poised to become a significant player in the evolving landscape of professional wrestling.
