Backstage Update On J.D. Drake's AEW Status

Here's what's going on with former EVOLVE man J.D. Drake in AEW.

JD Drake
AEW

J.D. Drake says he is currently working "day-to-day" with All Elite Wrestling.

The former EVOLVE standout revealed as much during a new interview with Sports Illustrated, saying he'll keep working for the promotion until they stop asking him to come to Jacksonville:-

"Right now, my future with AEW is day-to-day. But they continue to bring me down. I’m part of a fantastic faction with Ryan Nemeth, Cezar Bononi and Peter Avalon, and it’s been a blessing every time that they’ve said to come down. Until they tell me not to, I’m going to Jacksonville."

AEW officials have referenced such deals in the past, effectively giving them short-term first refusal on booking technically unsigned wrestlers. The likes of Red Velvet, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Shawn Dean have progressed to full-time contracts after standing out in these roles, opening the door for Drake to potentially do the same.

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Debuting for AEW in February, J.D. largely competes on Dark and Dark: Elevation at the moment, but stepped up to challenge for Darby Allin's TNT Championship on Dynamite last month. His stable with Peter Avalon, Cezar Bononi, and Ryan Nemeth is a regular fixture on the YouTube shows.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.