The Dyad Confirms WWE Denied Their Release Request, When Their Contracts End

Despite being part of one of the marquee factions in "WWE NXT," British wrestlers James Drake and Zach Gibson (current ring names Jagger Reid and Rip Fowler), requested to be released from their contracts earlier this month. However, they now say WWE denied their request and the duo formerly known as the Grizzled Young Veterans will be tied up in the company's system until the fall.

"As of today, WWE has denied my request for my release," Drake wrote on Twitter on Monday. "I want to thank you all for your support throughout my career, I'll never take that for granted. My contract with WWE expires on 14th October 2023. I'm excited to share our next chapter, once we are free agents."

Gibson tweeted similar language on the same day. "Today WWE have denied our release, which was requested on April 3rd," he wrote. "On 15th Oct '23 we will be free agents again. I personally want to thank all of our fans for your continued support, it means a lot to both of us especially during times like these! We'll see you on the 16th!"

The inaugural "NXT UK" Tag Team Champions' request for a release was originally reported, as Gibson noted, on April 3, after their loss to Chase U during the "NXT" Stand & Deliver kickoff show. After the news broke about their requests, the WWE Universe was surprised to see The Dyad still appearing alongside their Schism stablemates Joe Gacy and Ava Raine on "WWE NXT" programming. Then, on the April 18 episode of "NXT," they appeared in a triple threat tag team match for the "NXT" Tag Team Championship against Gallus and the Creed Brothers, but came out on the losing end.