Drew McIntyre explains how breaking his neck in 2016 changed his career for the better. He also explains a newfound interest outside of wrestling he may pursue.
Drew McIntyre has quickly become one of the top guys in WWE. He has found himself in the main event and world championship picture consistently since his return to WWE in 2017.
Enter The First Drew McIntyre Era
However, during Drew McIntyre’s first run in WWE from 2007-2014, he was a much different wrestler. He was a mid-card guy and didn’t make an impact in WWE or with the fans. During a recent interview on INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, McIntyre explained what changed when he returned and the turning point in his career.
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“I always worked out hard. More like diet wise was such a difference maker for me … The key was breaking my neck initially. That kind of helped me in a lot of ways. People would ask me for advice. I was like, ‘you know what really was a turning point in my life? Breaking my neck. Getting fired and breaking my neck. There’s two things I recommend for you to truly find your potential.’”
Via Wrestling Inc.
McIntyre revealed that he broke his neck in 2016 in Newcastle, England. The injury didn’t require surgery and only required some time off. He took off eight weeks and during those eight weeks, he reevaluated his life and career.
McIntyre focused on returning to WWE by looking at who their top heel was at the time. He saw that as being Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman at the time. The change in his approach to wrestling came down to a simple question he asked himself.
“If I stand in front of Brock [Lesnar], am I believable? More than a lot of people. But no, I can do better than that. I’m going to build my body up to look the part. If I step in front of Brock, people are going to go, ‘I believe he can beat him up.”’
Drew McIntyre’s Comeback
McIntyre focused on getting better. He built up his body so he could physically look like a threat to Lesnar. He also asked for more time on the mic so his promos could get better. When he returned to WWE he was a far cry from McIntyre from 3MB. However, the most important change was certainly growing a beard. It made a load of difference.
Currently, McIntyre and CM Punk are embroiled in a heated feud over a bracelet. They beat each other to a pulp in a Strap match and it was just a warm-up for the brutality they have planned for each other in the future. At Bad Blood on Oct. 5, they will face off in a Hell in a Cell match.
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However, McIntyre’s biggest test yet will be shown to the world in just a few days. He has an acting role in the Dave Bautista movie, The Killer’s Game. During an interview with Wrestling Inc. he admitted his character of Rory is one he could identify with as he knew a few people like Rory growing up in Scotland. The acting experience was extra fun because he got to work with someone he has a history with Dave Bautista.
McIntyre admitted that this isn’t a one-and-done walk into acting. He admitted to liking it and would be willing to take on more acting roles. This is a departure from his previous views on acting as something he couldn’t really see himself doing.
“I didn’t see it in the past. It was brought to my attention in countless interviews like we’re doing right now as ‘It’s something we could see you in. I could picture you in this picture, you in this, all these Marvel movies, you look like you’re falling out a Game of Thrones or something.’ And I was just like, ‘No, it’s just not where I’m looking right now.
I’m so focused on wrestling and thanks to this opportunity and how much fun I had and the fact that my wife’s always telling me, you need this avenue where you can put your creative mind to, especially when you start slowing down your career, you’re closer to the finish line, than you are at the beginning.”
Via Wrestling Inc.
The Killer’s Game comes out this Friday in theaters. Go out to see your two favorite wrestlers of all time in a movie together. Maybe if it is successful enough we will see McIntyre in a Marvel or DC movie eventually.
When seeing old clips of Drew McIntyre can you picture what he’ll turn into? Could you see McIntyre’s potential back then? Do you think he would have returned to WWE if he hadn’t broken his neck and refocused himself? Would he have been as successful? What comic book character would you like to see McIntyre play? Let us know on social media if you like seeing active wrestlers take time off from wrestling to film a movie or show.
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Sources: Wrestling Inc., INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet, Wrestling Inc.
