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#3 The man formerly known as Eli Drake returns to WWE at NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day
It might have happened on the NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day pre-show instead of the main card but a big addition to the roster was revealed nonetheless. The man known as Eli Drake in IMPACT and NWA is now going by a different name. During the broadcast, a brief clip was shown with Drake, now going by LA Knight, cutting a promo on the pre-show analysts and the NXT locker room.
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Knight was previously in the WWE developmental system back in the 2000s before it became NXT. He departed to pursue opportunities elsewhere, including a run with IMPACT Wrestling, where he won the IMPACT World title. He also had a recent run in the revamped NWA promotion.
One thing that Knight brings to NXT in spades is the gift of gab. There are few performers who can spin a promo on the mic like the former Eli Drake. He's entertaining as a heel or a face, and whichever he portrays in NXT will only help energize the brand. NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day may have debuted him differently than other Takeovers would have, but it was an exciting and effective debut nonetheless.
