If there’s one name currently inWWEthat is sure to get reactions from the fans right now, it’s Drew McIntyre. The Scottish-born superstar has always been successful in every promotion that he’s performed in, but his recent evolution has him looking more and more likea true ‘franchise player’ in World Wrestling Entertainment. He’s found himself engulfed in meaningful feuds with most of the top stars in the company, and all those beefs will lead to brawls over the next calendar year.
While he’s still - technically - a heel on television, McIntyre still has his legion of followers. He’s earned the respect of many in the WWE Universe who have seen the arc of his career since he began competing in America. They have seen the sacrifices that he’s made, as well as his salvation. He’s battle-tested and business-minded now, and that’s why he’s poised to have his best year yet in 2025.
From Chosen One to Boy Band Member
After a decorated stint in the United Kingdom, McIntyre signed with WWE in 2007, just as he was hitting what should have been the apex of his career. He was just 22 and had already been wrestling for seven years at that point. He was a major star for both British Championship Wrestling and Insane Championship Wrestling in the UK. With a great build and a 6'5" frame,he was the perfect blueprint for a future star. Not just in Europe, but globally.
When WWE came calling, however, McIntyre didn’t have the instant success that many with his attributes normally attain. He was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling - one of the developmental territories utilized by the company before the launch of NXT. Eventually, he would graduate to the ranks of WWE, but his initial jump to the main roster was largely considered a ‘failure to launch’.
Mired in the mid-card division for most of his first run with the company, McIntyre did find some success. He captured the Intercontinental Championship as well as the World Tag Team Title in that span. But, when the creative well started to run dry, he was saddled with the gimmick of being part of the ‘musical group’ 3MB (Three-Man Band) with Heath Slater andJinder Mahal.
It was an incredibly odd decision by the powers that be and meant mostly for the sake of comedy. It was also a sign that McIntyre, who considered himself a top performer,his days in WWE were likely numbered. He was right; the company released him in mid-2014. For the master of the Claymore Kick, it was time to go back to the drawing board.
McIntyre began to work in the Indies and back home for some of his native promotions. He reverted to his given name - Drew Galloway - and began rebuilding his wrestling resume. Along the way,he signed on with TNA Wrestling, where he would be a big fish in a much smaller pond. That time allowed him to grow as a performer without the pressures he faced in WWE.
In this new environment, McIntyre not only became the TNA World Champion, but he was also able to develop his skills on the microphone. It was something that would help him a lot when he eventually returned to the biggest wrestling company in the world. But even after his sabbatical was over, and he rejoined his WWE peers,the big man still had a lot to prove.
McIntyre wasn’t invited back to the main roster immediately. He would have to pass some tests in NXT before he was given the green light to be on one of the company’s two ‘big shows’. He answered the challenge and went on to become the third brand’s top titleholder. Upon returning to WWE, he would win the World Championship twice, albeit in the confines of the COVID era.
McIntyre Is Poised To Make Some Noise In 2025
After a Fantastic 2024, Drew Is One of the Company’s Top Stars
The Drew McIntyre of today is a far cry from any incarnation that we have seen before. He’s intertwined in some kind of storyline with several top-level names. At the same time, his new persona has an air of saltiness we have never seen before. That’s why his character’s ability to rage against the corporate machine that he feels has been holding him back is a perfect fit. It taps into the very real-life hurdles he has had to cross as both a wrestler and a performer.
Now armed with a new contract (handed to him personally by the Rock) and enough confidence to carry him to the top,McIntyre will be involved in several high-level feuds in 2025. After closing up a feud-of-the-year candidate with CM Punk, Drew has gone back to his ongoing heat withRoman Reigns and The Bloodline, as well as potential match-ups with the likes of Seth Rollins, Gunther, and possibly even Cody Rhodes.
Never before has the spotlight shined onDrew McIntyrequite like this. And if his past is any indication of his drive, then, he stands ready to have his best year ever. At this point, the sky is the limit for him, and he could very well end up being the top superstar in WWE in 2025.
