Dylan jackson
Drew McIntyre is a two-time WWE Champion, but WrestleMania 40 could very well be his first shot at the world title. McIntyre challenges World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins on Night 2 of WrestleMania on April 7. It’s a fight that means more than any other in McIntyre’s career.
McIntyre and many others will tell you he is “100%” doing the best work of his career right now. He was given creative reign over his character under the new WWE regime. The result is a nuanced, layered Scotsman with legitimate grievances. He is insightful, passionate and insightful.
“I’m fueled in a way I haven’t felt in a long time,” McIntyre told CBS Sports. “I really have to go back to my independent career, where I really found myself. I was really relaxed and I wasn’t worried about anything except telling my truth. In recent years, as a smiling swordsman, I’m very proud of the work I’ve done , but there was also a line that I couldn’t cross. There were certain ways in which things were always done. At the moment, it seems like there are no limitations.
“If you have an idea, go for it. If it succeeds, it’s on you. If it fails, it’s on you. That’s all I’ve ever asked for my entire career: to let it wash over me,” he said .
Check out the full interview with Drew McIntyre below.
McIntyre is standing out among WWE’s best speakers in a phenomenal list featuring names like CM Punk, The Rock, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns and LA Knight. Punk was a victim of some particularly hilarious McIntyre barbs. But don’t let McIntyre’s sharp tongue fool you. He marches into WrestleMania 40 with heavy steps, determined to do what’s right for his family.
“That’s it for me,” McIntyre said. “…Seeing things like my dad getting older and how many things I’ve lost over the years.
“I was back (in Scotland) for a wedding. My friend Blair was getting married. I always see my family and close friends when I can, but I had seen people who were friends that I hadn’t seen in 20 years. I’d legitimately spent 17 years from Scotland to growing up in America. I was part of the WWE. ‘Wow, I really missed that.’
McIntyre’s journey home was sobering. Professional wrestling can be a selfish pursuit filled with long weeks away from children, spouses, parents, siblings and friends. McIntyre knows this, but his recent return home has shown him how his professional aspirations have blinded him.
“My mindset used to be about my sacrifices,” McIntyre said. “I’m the one who’s on the road all the time. I’m the one who takes all the bumps and falls to the ground. I’m so grateful for that and that’s always been the dream. That’s what I was willing to do and I’m very lucky.” to live the life I live because of my work.
“I got to the point where I realized this was their sacrifice,” he said. “They gave up on their son, nephew, brother and uncle who missed so many important events because he is chasing his dream and they encourage me to chase my dream. “
McIntyre’s family will fly from Scotland to Philadelphia for WrestleMania 40. If McIntyre pulls it off, he will put the World Heavyweight Championship in his father’s hands in front of 60,000 WWE fans.
“I want to give this title to my family. I want to give that title to my dad,” McIntyre said. “I want to put this title in his hands and say, ‘Here it is. This is what it’s been about since I was five years old and you constantly told my brother and I to stop fighting in the bedroom… I finally did it. and I can finally give it to you and I can finally say, ‘Hey, I did it.’
Winning the World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 40 could very well be his breakthrough. McIntyre defeated Brock Lesnar to become WWE Champion in the main event of WrestleMania 36 in 2020. Winning the company’s most prestigious title in the main event of its biggest annual event is the height of success. Unfortunately, his big moment went to the crickets in the empty WWE Performance Center. The country was locked down during the COVID-19 pandemic and there were not a fan in sight.
“That was a moment I missed, but I embraced it because of the times we were living in,” McIntyre said. “How important it was to be champion for everyone else. It wasn’t really for me. Not even second.”
McIntyre is grateful the company trusted him to lead during uncertain times. But he’d be lying if he said it was the moment he imagined as a child. The pandemic stole something from everyone. WrestleMania 40 is McIntyre’s chance to get his dream back.
“But this moment will be for me,” McIntyre said. “There will be some family there, so I hope I don’t miss it. It will be for them and their sacrifice. It will be for the fans who have stuck with me this whole time. And it will be for CM Punk.” , the man made of glass.”
