Drew Gulak captures WWE title, a first by a Jewish wrestler

Drew Gulak captured the WWE Cruiserweight title, the first time it’s been won by a Jewish wrestler.

By Joseph Wolkin, World Israel News

From Benny Leonard to Barney Ross, Jews were known for beating Goliath in the ring in the early 20th century. Fast forward to 2019 and Jewish wrestler Drew Gulak is making his mark in another fighting realm: Wrestling, specifically, World Wrestling Entertainment.

On Sunday, Gulak showcased his inner Leonard, capturing the WWE Cruiserweight title, the first time it’s been won by a Jewish wrestler.

The cruiserweight championship is for wrestlers who weigh in at 205 pounds or less. For this title battle, Gulak fought it out in a triple-threat match, facing Akira Tozawa and reigning champion Tony Nesse.

Gulak took over the Stomping Grounds in Washington state’s pay-per-view event, which is part of the WWE brand 205 Live. In this duel, he pinned down Tozawa, capturing his first championship.

The Jewish wrestler visited Israel in 2010, taking part in a Taglit-Birthright trip, as well as training in Netanya with the Israeli Pro Wrestling Association, a group that’s been growing considerably in Israel.

Gulak is nicknamed “the Philadelphia Stretcher,” the perfect nickname considering he’s from Pennsylvania and is massive enough to act like a stretcher in the ring, standing at six-feet high.

The triumph will surely raise Gulak’s profile, who had already been making waves since joining the WWE in 2016.

His brother, Rory Gulak, is also an independent professional wrestler.

Next up, the Jewish wrestler will defend his title on July 14. Gulak will take part in the Extreme Rules event, taking place in Philadelphia in front of his home crowd.