Former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre has opened up about advice he received from The Undertaker early in his career that he now has a new appreciation for.
In October 2009, Vince McMahon’s introduced Drew McIntyre to the WWE Universe as his ‘Chosen One’, seemingly destined to become a main event star in the years to come. However, success did not come as easily for the young star as many expected and there were many bumps along the way for the Scottish Warrior.
After a promising start saw McIntyre winning the Intercontinental Championship within months of McMahon’s proclamation, things quickly fell apart for the star and by 2012 he was part of the comedy, air guitar playing, 3MB group and losing on a regular basis. He was then released from his contract in 2014.
Fast forward to now and Drew McIntyre has overcome all obstacles to fulfill his destiny, having captured the WWE Championship on two occasions, the first seeing him get an incredible victory over Brock Lesnar in the main event of WrestleMania 36.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, McIntyre explained that he is now at a point where he is self-assured and knows exactly what he wants to get done in the ring.
“I’m at a point now where, when I walk out, there is no panic. I know exactly what I want to accomplish. I don’t play Drew McIntyre, I am Drew McIntyre.”
Drew Mcintyre went on to reveal that this was something The Undertaker tried to instill in him much earlier in his career, but at the time he didn’t understand what the wrestling legend was getting at.
“As Undertaker once told me, ‘Don’t play the wrestler. Be the wrestler. At the time, ’Taker was my mentor, a role assigned by Vince [McMahon], and I had no idea what he was talking about. I was a wrestler, obviously, right?
“Now, almost 15 years later, I have a much different appreciation for his lessons. I know who I am every time I step out there, and I know what I’m aiming for, and that’s Roman.”
On the June 3rd episode of SmackDown, Drew McIntyre laid down a challenge for Roman Reigns, warning the Tribal Chief that he’s coming for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship when WWE returns to the UK for the massive Clash at the Castle stadium show in Cardiff, Wales.
McIntyre has had his eye on Reigns for a number of months, revealing that he was targeting the Tribal Chief shortly after Clash at the Castle was announced.