After returning to WWE in 2017, Drew McIntyre embarked on the most successful run of his career, and it all began with one phone call from Triple H.
McIntyre had initially signed with WWE in 2007. After a short stay in the company’s developmental system and brief foray onto the main roster, he debuted properly on SmackDown in August 2009. The Scot was later presented on the blue brand by Vince McMahon as a “future World Champion.”
Despite the initial promise, and a run with the Intercontinental Championship, McIntyre slid down the card and was eventually released in 2014.
After stints in TNA and on the independent scene, McIntyre returned to WWE in 2017 and hasn’t looked back since.
Speaking to Inside The Ropes’ very own Kenny McIntosh, the Scottish Warrior explained that it was a phone call with Triple H that led him back to the company. Despite initially favouring a move to Japan.
“I wouldn’t be back in WWE if it wasn’t for Triple H, it’s as simple as that. William Regal put me on the phone with him, we talked for 40 minutes, within that conversation at the beginning I wasn’t sure if I was going to come back, I was honestly leaning more towards Japan and by the end of it, I was 100% coming back. The thing that meant the most to me was not just how far I’d come professionally but how far I’d come as a man and how proud he was of me, and that kind of meant a lot because I have so much respect for him and that’s grown into a friendship today, and he really is somebody who is not just a friend to a lot of people but a father figure to a lot of people, and again the news caught everybody off guard but he’s got a lot of positive energy coming his way right now and he’s going to be fine, which I’m very happy to hear.”
After re-signing with WWE McIntyre joined NXT winning black and gold brand’s top prize at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III. The Scot then moved to RAW the following year, going on to win the 2020 Royal Rumble, before capturing the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36.
In recent weeks McIntyre has attempted to get himself back in championship contention, setting his sights on the United States Title.
Away from WWE, the former World Champion was recently ranked fourth in the 2021 PWI 500. WWE Superstars captured three of the top five spots, with Roman Reigns second and Bobby Lashley third. The list was topped by AEW World Champion Kenny Omega.
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