Episode 32: James Drake

James Drake speaks exclusively to The Morecambe Wrestling Podcast telling of his journey from training in Morecambe, his early days in the XWA with Team Rockstar and the Blackpool Blonds, to his worldwide success with one of the best and most decorated tag teams of modern times. It's a fascinating insight into the education James had in the Morecambe ring, preparing him for a career which has seen him gain multiple accolades and taken him to NXT UK, NXT, AEW, ROH, TNA and New Japan alongside Zack Gibson in the Grizzled Young Veterans. He also reveals the amazing story of how and where he was scouted by William Regal and speaks at length about why the GYV eventually decided to leave WWE. Experience the passion, progression, memories and wisdom of the biggest star ever to come out of the Morecambe Wrestling Training School.  Topics include: Loopy 15 years old "I didn't know if I would ever get to WWE." 21CW Meeting Zack Gibson Judo mats in a church Fond memories Driving with Rossion and his dad No stresses Learning about life on the road Johnny Phere and Dave Rayne We forgot Stallion! Tight-knit group Bandido in Detroit Coping when the top rope breaks "You don't know what danger really is." The sky is purple Little rat Chemistry with Axl Rage JD's forgotten tag team partner Fork in a plug socket Never have your hair cut! Remembering dates Biggest crime ever Supershow dream at The Dome Don't be a nuisance Terrifying Sam Slam Spud lives 20 minutes away Feeling pathetic Thrown in at the deep end Production of the RKO Working with Alex Shane Dancing with James Mason Origin of The Blackpool Blonds Robbie Brookside promo tips Motor City Machine Guns Jon Moxley's pants Blackpool Tower Keep building "Oh I do like to be beside the seaside." Liverpool kit The Noel Gallagher of wrestling "I'm gonna lamp ya!" Trying new moves The evolution of GYV Balaclava and spitting Red mist The Blonds split All-Star Wrestling Deadline at 26 Necessary evil Reasons for name change Puberty says 'remember me?' YES! YES! YES! in a supermarket Almost James Dane Draco Malfoy Straight Edge Society The slanting ring Really big beard Unsexy Kev and his train magazines "No-one appreciates a cold-call." Jim Smallman Painters and decorators Late for work talking WWE contracts Five minutes from home Missing Mr Regal HBK and HHH one-liners The Dyad and Schism John Laurinaitis and NXT firings "The humanity wasn't there." Green cards Blurry vision Zombiefied The Judgement Day shift The Rock's daughter Going to Shawn Denied release Leaving like Cody Rhodes Texting Triple H AEW High school gossip All the flavours Tanahashi and Dustin The modern day UKFF Fake News Don't get caught in the weeds Tony Khan Still a baby "I suggest you watch something else." 'Support British Wrestling' The Ducks Leon Slater Working for tomorrow Wembley Stadium Driving an emotional reaction Local pub without the drinking Sneaky Morecambe return Doing the double 200 T-shirts