Eli Drake’s release by IMPACT Wrestling reportedly came over his decision to publicly speak out against how he felt about his position in the company.
After IMPACT announced Drake’s termination, PWInsider.com reported several sources claimed the release stemmed from Drake’s comments, including after he refused to face Tessa Blanchard in the match that was scheduled United We Stand this past Thursday. Joey Ryan ultimately took his place in the match, but Drake’s stance against the match had many believing that this was a storyline taking place, but it in fact was not.
Drake’s contract had been set to expire on May 31, something he had confirmed himself on the Wrestling Perspective Podcast. It was on that same show (and others), that Drake talked about being displeased with how the beginning of his year started. Despite praising his recent work with Eddie Edwards and Abyss, Drake said he felt like he was “written into oblivion the past year” after re-signing with IMPACT last year.
It was speculated as to what effects IMPACT terminating Drake’s contract could have on the situation legally, including if the company could seek damages or impose a non-compete on him. Drake had been with the company since 2015 and is a former IMPACT World Champion, King Of The Mountain Champion, and one-time World Tag Team Champion.
IMPACT released the following statement Sunday morning:
Impact Wrestling announced today that it has terminated its relationship with Shaun Ricker, known as ‘Eli Drake’.
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