Eric Draven Reflects On 35 Years In Wrestling

Eric Draven has spent approximately 35 years building a professional wrestling career that he says has taken him through 48 states, produced matches with some of the industry’s most recognizable names and eventually placed him in a position to teach the next generation.

The Supreme Wrestling promoter, trainer and veteran recently spoke with WrestlingHeadlines.com about his introduction to wrestling, the origin of the Eric Draven name, his return to EMERGE Wrestling and the goals that continue to motivate him decades into his career.

INSPIRED BY MEMPHIS WRESTLING

Draven’s interest in professional wrestling began with Memphis wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance. Jerry Lawler and Bill Dundee were the performers who first made him believe wrestling could become his own career.

“I’ve always known this is what I wanted to do. I grew up watching Memphis wrestling and the old NWA, and Jerry Lawler and Bill Dundee were the reasons I chose to become a wrestler.”

He began training at the USWA Wrestling Academy under the guidance of Jeff Jarrett and Wolfie D before continuing his development with Rip Rogers and Danny Davis at Ohio Valley Wrestling.

The relationships did not end when his training was complete. Draven said he remains close with his trainers and continues to apply the lessons they taught him.

“To this day, I remain close friends with all of my trainers. Rip, in particular, instilled in me the knowledge, discipline and ring skills that I now proudly pass on to the next generation of wrestlers.”

HOW ERIC DRAVEN GOT HIS NAME

Despite an assumption that has followed him throughout his career, Draven said his wrestling name did not originate with the 1994 film The Crow.

The name instead developed from advice Jarrett gave him during his training in the early 1990s.

“During my training in 1991 or 1992, Jeff Jarrett gave me some advice that stuck with me: if I wanted a name that would last my entire career, I should combine my middle name with something I cared deeply about.”

Draven had become friends with Scott Levy, better known to wrestling fans as Raven, and held him in considerable regard. He then adapted his own middle name, Edric, to complete the combination.

“My middle name, which I’ve always hated, is Edric. I dropped the ‘D’ to turn it into Eric, then placed it in front of Raven, and Draven was born.”

Although the presentation has changed over time, the character is now grounded in Draven’s own personality.

“Over the years the character has continued to evolve, but at its core I’ve settled on a heightened, turned-up version of myself.”

AN OLD-SCHOOL BRAWLER WITH A HIGH-FLYING FOUNDATION

Draven describes himself as an old-school Memphis-style brawler. That was not always the entirety of his presentation, however.

“Early in my career I was a high-flyer, and while my style has evolved into something more hard-hitting and grounded, I still mix in some of that aerial offense when the moment calls for it.”

His primary influences include Lawler, Terry Funk, Randy Savage and Eddie Gilbert. Each represented some combination of physicality, personality, intensity and audience connection that would become part of Draven’s own work.

Among his most valued accomplishments is winning the AIWF World Championship. Draven also cited opportunities to wrestle The Road Warriors, Lawler, AJ Styles and The Rock ’n’ Roll Express among the matches he continues to hold closely.

“Winning the AIWF World Championship has been one of my top moments, but I also hold dear matches I’ve had with The Road Warriors, Jerry Lawler, AJ Styles, The Rock ’n’ Roll Express and many more.”

After working throughout the country, Draven does not believe modern wrestling changes dramatically simply because a wrestler crosses a state line.

“I’ve wrestled in 48 states and continue to travel, as this is my only employment. To be honest, there isn’t much difference these days between locations. Same games, just different players.”

RETURNING TO HIS SECOND HOME AT EMERGE

Draven returned to EMERGE Wrestling at EMERGE 98: Back In The Saddle, where he faced Justin Kyle.

Draven attacked Kyle’s leg immediately and continued returning to it whenever the former EMERGE World Champion attempted to build momentum. Kyle ultimately survived the strategy and won with a Jackhammer.

Although Supreme Wrestling remains Draven’s home promotion, his history with EMERGE gives the Columbus promotion a different significance than an ordinary booking.

“I always consider Supreme Wrestling my home, but EMERGE is my second home. I was a main player on EMERGE’s roster for over three years. I’m just now working my way back in, and the fans seem to have welcomed me back with open arms.”

HEADLOCKS FOR HENRY

Draven’s work in August extended beyond his return to EMERGE.

Supreme Wrestling participated in Headlocks for Henry on August 14 at the Jackson Live & Event Center in Seymour, Indiana. The event benefited 18-month-old Henry Emily and his family during Henry’s fight against Grade 3 Type A metastatic ependymoma.

Supreme Wrestling’s involvement helped organizers limit expenses so that more of the money raised could reach the Emily family. The combined total from the event, sponsors, local businesses, wrestlers, fans, JCBank employees and other contributors exceeded $10,000 and approached $11,000.

Draven also competed during the event, challenging Luther Stone for the Supreme Heavyweight Championship. Stone retained the title, but the match placed Supreme Wrestling’s promoter and trainer directly into one of the most important contests on a night built around helping Henry and his family.

SUPPORTING STOCK THE SHELVES

Draven is not currently advertised as a competitor at EMERGE 99: Stock The Shelves. He instead described himself as someone supporting the event and its community purpose.

“I am only a support role on this event. I’m not actually on that show; however, I will support it to the best of my ability anyway.”

Stock The Shelves takes place September 5 at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds Community Building in Columbus, Indiana. The event serves as EMERGE’s annual food drive benefiting the Love Chapel Food Pantry.

Draven singled out the EMERGE World Championship match between Brayden Lee and Justin Kyle as one fans should watch.

“Justin Kyle versus Brayden Lee will be an outstanding match.”

He also pointed to the combination of the wrestling card and the food drive when discussing why fans should consider attending.

“EMERGE always brings top-notch entertainment. There’s no doubt when you purchase your ticket for an EMERGE event that you’re getting the most value for your dollar. Combine that with the knowledge you’re helping a great cause.”

PASSING HIS EXPERIENCE FORWARD

Draven said his immediate objective is not tied to one championship or one promotion. He wants to continue traveling and performing wherever the next opportunity takes him.

“My immediate goal is just to continue traveling to as many shows as I can. I’ve been blessed over the past 35 years to have wrestled throughout the United States in 48 states.”

That schedule has continued in 2026.

“This year I’ve been making it to most of them again, having wrestled in 29 states and two islands since January of this year.”

Draven said Facebook remains the easiest place for readers to follow his career. His long-term priority is to continue wrestling at the highest level he can while transferring what he has learned to wrestlers who will carry the industry forward.

“My long-term goal, since I’ve achieved most of my goals, is just to continue doing this at the best level I can for as long as I can, then pass my knowledge and experience down to the next generation.”

If you use any portion of the quotes from this article, please credit WrestlingHeadlines.com and Tim Rose for the interview.