Drew McIntyre, once heralded as WWE’s next big star, has had an eventful and inspiring journey. Though his size and strength as a WWE Superstar caught attention, his true passion for the wrestling business stems from something deeper. This blog dives into McIntyre’s path, how his passion for wrestling shaped his career, and the struggles and triumphs that ultimately led to his redemption.
Childhood Dreams and Early Inspiration
Drew McIntyre’s love for wrestling began as early as five years old. Growing up in Ayr, Scotland, he and his younger brother would secretly watch wrestling, captivated by the larger-than-life characters like Hulk Hogan, Macho Man, and his personal favorite, Bret Hart. These wrestlers weren’t just fighters—they were performers who could control a crowd with charisma and skill. Bret Hart, in particular, stood out for his authenticity and coolness, making a significant impact on McIntyre’s young mind.
From a very young age, McIntyre knew what he wanted to do. At six years old, he boldly declared to his family that he would become a professional wrestler. Unlike many childhood dreams, his determination only grew stronger with age.
The Early Struggles: Passion Versus Reality
While most of his peers outgrew their childhood dreams, McIntyre’s passion for wrestling intensified. By the age of 11, he was determined to find a way into the business, even if his parents couldn’t allow him to start physical training. Instead of waiting, McIntyre decided to educate himself. He poured over wrestling magazines, but not just any mainstream publications—he sought insider knowledge about the industry, from character development to backstage dynamics.
He even bought books like The Inside Secrets on How You Can Enter the Exciting World of Pro Wrestling by Dennis Brent and Percy Pringle. These resources deepened his understanding of the wrestling world, but also introduced him to the concept of “kayfabe,” the art of maintaining the illusion of wrestling storylines. He took it so seriously that he even kept his books in a locked briefcase, making sure no one could uncover his secrets.
The Chosen One: Rise and Fall
In 2009, McIntyre’s dream seemed to come true when WWE CEO Vince McMahon personally introduced him as “The Chosen One” on Smackdown, declaring him a future World Champion. It was a moment of validation for McIntyre, who had long been working toward this goal. However, his rapid rise was followed by an equally fast fall.
McIntyre admitted that, despite his potential, he wasn’t ready for the pressure that came with being anointed by McMahon. He had always known success in his career, but this time, he struggled. His performances didn’t live up to the expectations, and WWE placed him in various roles, including the comedic faction “3 Man Band” (3MB), alongside Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal. While 3MB had its moments, it was a far cry from the top-tier status McIntyre had once been promised.
Personal Tragedy and Career Decline
In 2012, McIntyre’s personal life took a devastating turn when his mother passed away. Her death affected him deeply, sending him into a downward spiral. He disengaged from work, relationships, and turned to excessive drinking to cope with his grief. His career stagnated, and eventually, WWE released him in 2014.
McIntyre’s firing didn’t come as a shock—he was underperforming and had lost his passion for wrestling. But this moment marked a significant turning point in his life.
The Comeback: Drew McIntyre 2.0
After being released, McIntyre could have given up, but instead, he reinvented himself. With the support of his then-girlfriend (now wife), Kaitlyn, he set out to dominate the independent wrestling scene, particularly in the UK. He focused on getting back to his roots and re-establishing himself as a credible wrestler, far from the comedic character he had become in WWE.
His goals were simple but impactful:
Dominate the UK wrestling scene and make it meaningful.
Be true to himself and create an authentic wrestling persona.
Use his voice to connect with audiences by delivering genuine and passionate promos.
Build a buzz on social media to reintroduce himself to a global audience.
McIntyre’s hard work paid off. He became a major force in promotions like ICW, where he helped elevate the UK wrestling scene. This success ultimately led to WWE bringing him back in 2017, but this time, Drew McIntyre 2.0 was ready.
Triumph and Redemption in WWE
McIntyre’s second run in WWE was entirely different. He quickly established himself as a top competitor, capturing the NXT Championship before returning to the main roster. His intensity, physicality, and newfound confidence made him one of WWE’s most respected stars.
In 2020, McIntyre reached the pinnacle of his career when he won the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36, defeating Brock Lesnar in the main event. It was a crowning achievement for someone who had once been written off, both by the industry and himself. His journey from “The Chosen One” to failure, and then redemption, is a testament to his resilience and passion for wrestling.
Conclusion
Drew McIntyre’s story is one of perseverance. Despite early setbacks and personal tragedy, he never lost sight of his dream. His ability to reinvent himself and rise from the ashes of his failed first stint in WWE shows the power of passion, hard work, and resilience. Today, McIntyre stands tall as a WWE Champion, having earned every accolade through sheer determination and an unshakable belief in himself.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What inspired Drew McIntyre to become a wrestler?
McIntyre was inspired by watching wrestling as a child, particularly characters like Bret Hart, Hulk Hogan, and the Ultimate Warrior. His passion for the wrestling business began at the age of five.
2. Why was Drew McIntyre known as “The Chosen One”?
In 2009, WWE CEO Vince McMahon introduced McIntyre as “The Chosen One,” predicting that he would become a future World Champion. However, his initial WWE run didn’t live up to expectations.
3. What led to Drew McIntyre’s WWE release in 2014?
After his mother’s death, McIntyre struggled with grief and disengaged from his career. His performances declined, and WWE released him in 2014.
4. How did Drew McIntyre make his comeback?
McIntyre rebuilt his career on the independent wrestling scene, particularly in the UK. His success outside WWE caught the company’s attention, leading to his return in 2017.
5. When did Drew McIntyre win the WWE Championship?
McIntyre won the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36 in 2020 by defeating Brock Lesnar, marking the high point of his redemption story.