In an electrifying debut at AEW Collision, the Grizzled Young Veterans, James Drake and Zack Gibson, formerly “WWE NXT UK” Tag Team Champions, made a bold statement despite a narrow defeat against The Acclaimed.
The match, highly anticipated for its explosive potential, lived up to the hype but ended in controversy. As the GYV were poised to seal their victory with their signature finishing move, Billy Gunn’s ringside antics caught their attention, turning the tide in favor of Anthony Bowens and Max Caster. This distraction allowed The Acclaimed to snatch a victory that many felt was undeserved.
Backstage, the frustration was palpable as AEW cameras caught up with Drake and Gibson. “Do we look like we want an interview right now? Are you ill?” Gibson snapped, his ire evident. His words cut deep into the atmosphere of the night: “We are Grizzled Young Veterans, any man and his dog that was watching that match knows that the better team lost, and the only reason why we lost tonight is because of Billy Gunn, a man who wasn’t even supposed to be out there.”
Drake then took the mic, issuing a stern warning that reverberated beyond the walls of the locker room: “The Acclaimed, Billy Gunn, in fact the whole AEW roster, this isn’t the last time you’re going to see the GYV. So remember this, when you see us coming, grit your teeth.” His final words were a defiant challenge to Billy Gunn to dare cross their path again.
Though not yet signed to full-time contracts, the Grizzled Young Veterans left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their next steps are unconfirmed, but one thing is clear: revenge against The Acclaimed and perhaps a broader conquest of the AEW roster looms large in their future.
AEW Collision may have just introduced its newest disruptors, and the wrestling world should be on notice. The Grizzled Young Veterans aren’t here just to compete; they’re here to dominate.