Drew McIntyre – The Rise of Scotland’s Most Powerful WWE Superstar

Introduction

Drew McIntyre is a name synonymous with hard work, resilience, and determination in the world of professional wrestling. Over the years, he has evolved from a promising talent to one of WWE’s most dominant and beloved figures. Known for his towering height, immense strength, and intense charisma, McIntyre has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. This blog post will explore McIntyre’s journey from his early days in the wrestling industry to his rise as a global WWE superstar, with a special focus on his WWE Championship victories, rivalries, and contributions to the company.

1. Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings

Drew McIntyre was born on June 6, 1985, in Ayr, Scotland. His passion for wrestling began at an early age, and he was inspired by the legendary wrestlers of the 80s and 90s. McIntyre started training for his professional wrestling career at the age of 15. In 2001, he made his wrestling debut in his home country of Scotland, quickly making a name for himself in the British independent scene.

In the early years of his career, McIntyre’s raw talent and powerful physique stood out, leading him to compete in various promotions. His hard work and dedication to improving his craft earned him the opportunity to join WWE’s developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), in 2007.

2. McIntyre’s WWE Debut and Initial Struggles

Drew McIntyre officially signed with WWE in 2007 and made his debut on the main roster in 2009. The company quickly branded him as the “Chosen One,” a gimmick that hinted at his immense potential. He received a significant push early in his career, winning the Intercontinental Championship in 2010. However, despite the early momentum, McIntyre struggled to maintain his spot at the top due to inconsistent booking and a lack of character development.

During this period, McIntyre had several feuds with other superstars, but his growth as a performer was hindered by a lack of meaningful storylines. Despite being talented, he couldn’t fully realize his potential during his early years in WWE. His time as the “Chosen One” didn’t last, and McIntyre was eventually released from the company in 2014.

3. The Return of Drew McIntyre: Reinvention and NXT

After his WWE release in 2014, Drew McIntyre took some time off to reassess his career. He made appearances in various wrestling promotions, including Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA), where he adopted the persona of a more experienced and determined competitor. His time in Impact Wrestling allowed him to refine his character and grow as a wrestler. McIntyre also became a multiple-time champion during his tenure, further establishing his credibility.

In 2017, McIntyre made his highly anticipated return to WWE, but this time he entered through the developmental brand, NXT. His return was marked by a more mature, intense, and serious version of McIntyre. He quickly became the face of NXT, winning the NXT Championship in 2017 by defeating Bobby Roode at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III. His time in NXT solidified his status as one of WWE’s top stars and prepared him for his eventual return to the main roster.

4. The Rise to WWE Main Roster Stardom

Drew McIntyre’s return to WWE’s main roster in 2018 marked the beginning of his rise to superstardom. His first major feud upon returning was with Roman Reigns, which established McIntyre as a dominant force on the main roster. McIntyre’s performances in both singles and tag team competitions proved that he was ready to compete at the highest level.

In 2020, McIntyre was pushed to the top of the company and began a feud with Brock Lesnar. Their rivalry culminated in a monumental match at the 2020 Royal Rumble, where McIntyre eliminated Lesnar, signaling his rise to prominence. McIntyre’s victory at the 2020 Royal Rumble was a defining moment in his career, and he earned a shot at the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36.

At WrestleMania 36, McIntyre faced Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship in one of the biggest matches of his career. After a hard-fought battle, McIntyre emerged victorious, capturing his first WWE Championship. This victory solidified his place in WWE history and marked the beginning of his reign as a top champion.

5. Drew McIntyre’s Feuds and Championships

Following his WWE Championship victory, McIntyre went on to have several high-profile feuds with top WWE Superstars. His rivalries with the likes of Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley, and Seth Rollins helped elevate his status as the face of WWE. These intense and personal rivalries showcased McIntyre’s ability to adapt to different opponents, and he earned accolades for his in-ring ability and charisma.

McIntyre’s reign as WWE Champion, though impacted by the pandemic era, demonstrated his leadership and resilience as a champion. Despite limited crowd interactions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, McIntyre remained one of WWE’s most popular and dominant stars. His matches and performances during this period were consistently praised for their intensity and storytelling.

6. Drew McIntyre’s Legacy and Influence on WWE

Drew McIntyre’s career has not only been marked by his in-ring accomplishments but also by his influence on the WWE roster and his ability to inspire younger talent. His rise from an underutilized star to a WWE Champion is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. McIntyre’s work ethic and drive to improve, both in and out of the ring, have earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike.

Additionally, McIntyre’s legacy as a Scottish wrestler representing WWE on the global stage has helped broaden the company’s appeal in Europe and around the world. His success has paved the way for other international stars to find success in WWE.

7. McIntyre’s Personal Life (200-300 words

Outside of the wrestling ring, Drew McIntyre is known for his down-to-earth personality and commitment to fitness. He has openly discussed his struggles with self-doubt and the journey that led him to reinvent himself after his WWE release in 2014. McIntyre is a role model for many aspiring wrestlers due to his resilience, both personally and professionally.

In addition to his wrestling career, McIntyre is active in promoting healthy living and fitness, often sharing workout tips and motivational messages on his social media platforms. His openness about his struggles and his journey to success has made him a fan favorite and an inspiration for many.

8. Future of Drew McIntyre

As of 2025, Drew McIntyre remains one of the top stars in WWE, and his future looks incredibly bright. While he has already achieved great success, including multiple championship reigns, it’s clear that McIntyre is far from done. Fans eagerly anticipate his next moves, whether it’s defending his title against rising stars, entering new rivalries, or possibly achieving even greater milestones in his career.

Conclusion

Drew McIntyre’s career is a story of resilience, redemption, and success. From a promising young talent to the WWE Champion, McIntyre has shown that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. As one of the most well-rounded and beloved wrestlers in WWE, his journey continues to inspire millions of fans around the world. With the future ahead of him, Drew McIntyre’s place in WWE history is firmly cemented, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to grow for years to come.