Drake Wuertz Addresses Crowd At GCW Homecoming, Apologizes For QAnon Association

Drake Wuertz addressed the crowd following his appearance at GCW Homecoming and issued an apology for his past associations with QAnon. As noted, Wuertz made a surprise appearance in the main event, helping Joseph Sawyer capture the GCW World Title from Atticus Cogar.

Wuertz’s appearance has not gone over well with a number of people. As you may recall, Wuertz was previously the head referee in WWE NXT until he was released in May of 2021. Wuertz had attracted significant controversy for publicly arguing against mask mandates during the COVID pandemic.

Wuertz had garnered heavy heat and had even reportedly suspended earlier in 2021, reportedly over his support of QAnon conspiracy theories and an alleged negative reaction to a speech by Triple H where he essentially said that all people, races, genders, and religions were welcomed.

Fightful reports that Wuertz told the audience he understands that people may not be happy about his being in GCW and said, “You are incredibly valid for feeling that way.” He went on to say that he was contacted by Joey Janela and Brett Lauderdale five or six years ago because they felt he had lost his way, going on to say:

“People like Joey and Brett were saying, ‘That’s not the guy I know.’ I brushed it off and didn’t listen. I had tunnel vision and was associating with topics and groups, loosely or directly that I had no business or interest affiliated with. Through that, I may have said some things, and I definitely some things that offended a large portion of our audience in independent wrestling. For that, genuinely, I’m sorry, and I hope you’ll forgive me.”

Wuertz added that he wasn’t looking for special treatment and that he just wants a chance to prove he’s not the person he used to be, adding, “All I’m asking is for an opportunity.” He then thanked Lauderdale and Janela to close out his comments.

Drake Wuertz had said back in 2023 that he was retiring from the ring, noting at the time:

“It is well past time to start putting my family first. Wrestling has come above everything for half my life. I’m blessed with a beautiful wife, 3 kids, and twin boys on the way.
Breaking my back was a blessing in disguise and the slow down I personally needed.

I’ve caused a lot of damage at home and there are some steps I need to take to better myself for my family.”