Grizzled Young Veterans Talk Mosh Pits, Must-See Matches, & Entrance Music
During the whirlwind weekend of AEW All In Texas, The Stunner had the opportunity to sit down with one of the world's most acclaimed tag teams, the Grizzled Young Veterans. Zack Gibson and James Drake opened up about their eclectic musical tastes, their history in concert mosh pits, and the iconic matches and themes that have defined professional wrestling.
When asked what fuels their intense workouts, the duo revealed drastically different playlists. Drake explained that he goes through musical phases and is currently immersed in the hardcore scene. "I'll go through like a big hardcore scene... like Terror," he said, also giving a nod to the more recent band Stray from the Path. For a change of pace, he turns to British drum and bass.
Gibson, on the other hand, prefers a more classic and calm vibe. "I'm having a lovely old time listening to some... Led Zeppelin," he admitted, imagining walking his dog through the fields in the UK.
Their real-world music experiences are just as intense. Drake recounted a time at the Download Festival when he and Gibson found themselves in a Slipknot pit. Gibson added his own heavy metal credential, mentioning he has been part of a "Lamb of God wall of death gimmick." True to his varied taste, he also shared a much calmer experience. "I've also been to see Ben Howard in a lovely theater in San Sebastian in Spain," he said, showcasing his diverse range.
The conversation shifted to essential viewing for any new wrestling fan. Drake provided two classic recommendations. First, the iconic submission match between Bret Hart and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin from WrestleMania 13. "Just the visual of Austin passing out with his face covered in his own blood," Drake recalled, highlighting the perfect double-turn. His second pick was the first-ever TLC match, calling it a "pivotal part of wrestling's evolution."
Gibson chose to spotlight a modern classic: Bryan Danielson vs. Swerve Strickland from AEW All In 2023. "We were there in the audience," he said, praising the incredible atmosphere and the story told in the ring. "For my money, I think [Danielson] might be the best wrestler to ever do it."
On the topic of all-time great entrance themes, both men were in immediate agreement on The Hardy Boyz. Drake shared a powerful memory of their surprise return to WWE, where the arena began to shake after just the first few notes of their iconic theme. "As soon as you heard the first two beats... you literally could feel the whole stadium... rumble," he stated. They also gave high praise to the theme of Edge (now Adam Copeland in AEW).
Gibson specifically commended AEW on its musical direction. "I think AEW actually do really, really well," he said, citing the themes for Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy, as well as the impactful use of licensed music for stars like Nigel McGuinness at All In, as examples of the company's strong musical identity.