[
Drake Wertz, a former WWE NXT referee, was let go in 2021 due to contentious actions outside the ring. Since then, he has been wrestling on the indie circuit, and he recently made a surprising return with a bizarre new gimmick at various independent shows.
At the JCW Lunacy event, Wertz debuted a character named Mr. Fifties, shocking fans as he fully painted his body gray and entered with a 1950s-themed entrance music.
Wertz donned a vintage 50s coat, suspenders, and top hat, channeling an Elvis Presley vibe while showcasing classic rock and roll moves to entertain the crowd. He then stepped into the ring for a match against Shane Mercer.
During his tenure at NXT, Wertz faced a suspension at the Performance Center after stirring controversy with right-wing comments that resonated with conspiracy theories. Although he later distanced himself from those views, it came too late, leading to his eventual firing by WWE.
Now, Wertz is focused on making a name for himself, even if it means embracing an eccentric new persona. It’s still uncertain whether “Mr. Fifties” will be a permanent feature of his performances or just a one-off act, but he clearly aims to stay in the spotlight despite his past controversies.
Fan Take: This development is intriguing for wrestling fans as it illustrates how performers can reinvent themselves amidst scandals. If Wertz successfully embraces this quirky character, it may inspire other wrestlers to explore new creative avenues, keeping the sport fresh and dynamic.
