Controversial Former WWE Name Announces Retirement

Controversial Former WWE Name Announces Retirement WWE

A former WWE name has announced their retirement from in-ring competition following a serious medical diagnosis.

On April 24, Drake Younger (formerly WWE’s Drake Wuertz) announced that he had been diagnosed with a broken back and three fractured vertebrae and was scheduled to undergo surgery on April 25 2023.

Although the surgery appears to have been successful, with Younger revealed that he has been able to get into the gym, he has called time on his wrestling career.

Once again posting on his Instagram account, Younger wrote:

“For those in the pro wrestling space you may have heard that my 21 year in ring wrestling career has come to an end.

“We in this profession all know that the ride we all want can end at any moment due to the physical punishment required for the job. It certainly does not make it sting any less when that day actually comes.

“I’ve been blessed with an INCREDIBLE on camera career in our business.

“-From my first $5 payday in 2002 at the Evansville Coliseum (plus a hamburger)…

“-to headlining Korakeun Hall in Japan while legitimizing American Deathmatch Fighting…

“-to standing in the ring in front of 80,000 people at WrestleMania about to ref the main event match for the boss that changed my life while being trusted by Mr. McMahon to make sure his daughter stays safe in the match…

“-to proving the doubters wrong by showing I’m one of the best while giving back to the next generation…

“The ride has been amazing!

“However it is well past time to start putting my family first. Wrestling has come above everything for half my life. I’m blessed with a beautiful wife, 3 kids, and twin boys on the way.

“Breaking my back was a blessing in disguise and the slow down I personally needed.

“I’ve caused a lot of damage at home and there are some steps I need to take to better myself for my family.

“Thank you to fans across the globe for the love.

“Please continue to support and pray for us.”

Wuertz signed a WWE contract in March 2014 and worked as a referee in NXT before becoming the brand’s senior official.

He would remain in the company until his release in May 2021 following backstage behavior and controversial comments that left others feeling “uncomfortable”.

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11 months ago by Dave Adamson

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