10 Hottest Free Agents LEFT In Wrestling Today

7. Eli Drake

Jon Moxley Joey Ryan
ImpactWrestling.com

Eli Drake was a surprise Impact Wrestling release in April, when the promotion decided to let their former World Champion go via email after turning down a bout with Tessa Blanchard, the company's in-ring standout for much of her tenure.

Some saw the social media drama Drake had stirred with his criticism of intergender wrestling as a sign it was a work. This wasn't the case. He's gone from the company, with the Blanchard disagreement, his Wrestling Perspective Podcast claim that Impact had "booked him into oblivion," and a tweet stating that Killer Kross would dominate Jordynne Grace in a real-life fight the key factors (per Fightful).

Impact are trying to lock Drake into a year-long non-compete clause for breach of contract, so it might be a while before we see the 26-year-old again. Regardless, 'The Greatest Orator In Professional Wrestling' is a talented guy who could be an asset for any personality-driven product. Drake's character work and promos are so strong that they almost negate a very ordinary in-ring game, and while EC3's main roster fate doesn't bode well, it wouldn't be a surprise to see WWE snap him up once the non-compete drama is resolved.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.