If there is a name currently in WWE Sure to draw fan reactions now, is Drew McIntyre. The Scottish star has always been successful in every promotion he's played for, but his recent evolution has made him seem increasingly more a true 'franchise player' in World Wrestling Entertainment. He has found himself involved in significant feuds with most of the company's top stars, and all of these feuds will lead to fights in the coming year.
Although he is still - technically - a villain on television, McIntyre still has his legion of followers. He has earned the respect of many in the WWE Universe who have seen the arc of his career since he began competing in America. They saw the sacrifices he made as well as his salvation. He's battle-tested and business-minded now, which is why he's poised to have his best year in 2025.
McIntyre's career stalled during his first stint in WWE
From Chosen One to Boy Band Member
After a decorated stint in the UK, McIntyre signed with WWE in 2007, just as he was reaching what should have been the pinnacle of his career. He was just 22 years old and had already been fighting for seven years. He was a big star in both British Championship Wrestling and Insane Championship Wrestling in the United Kingdom. With a great build and a 6'5" frame, he was the perfect role model 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 typically achieve. He was assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling - one of the developmental territories utilized by the company prior to the launch of NXT. Eventually, he would graduate to WWE, but his initial jump to the main roster was widely considered a 'failure to launch'.
Mired in the mid-card division for most of his first stint with the company, McIntyre found some success. He won the Intercontinental Championship as well as the World Tag Team Title during this period. But when his creativity began to dry up, he was faced with the gimmick of being part of the 'musical group' 3MB (Three-Man Band) with Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal.
It was an incredibly strange decision by the powers that be and intended primarily for the good of comedy. It was also a sign that McIntyre, who considered himself a top artist, his days in WWE were probably numbered. He was right; the company released it in mid-2014. For the Claymore Kick master, it was time to go back to the drawing board.
Drew had to reinvent himself outside of WWE
Like many of his peers, he had to find success elsewhere
McIntyre began working in the Indies and at home for some of his local promotions. He returned to his given name - Drew Galloway - and began rebuilding his wrestling resume. Along the way, he signed a contract with TNA Wrestlingwhere 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 TNA World Champion, but also managed to develop his skills on the microphone. It was something that would help him a lot when he returned to the biggest wrestling company in the world. But even after his sabbatical ended and he rejoined his WWE colleagues, the great man still had a lot to prove.
McIntyre was not invited back to the main roster immediately. He would have to go through some tests in NXT before being given the green light to participate in one of the company's two 'big shows'. He responded to the challenge and became the main holder of the third mark. Upon returning to WWE, he would win the World Championship twice, albeit within the confines of the COVID era.
McIntyre is primed to make some noise in 2025
After a fantastic 2024, Drew is one of the company's main stars
The Drew McIntyre of today is a far cry from any incarnation we've seen before. He's intertwined in some kind of storyline with several high-profile names. At the same time, his new personality has a salty air that we've never seen before. That's why his character's ability to rage against the corporate machine he feels is holding him back is a perfect match. He addresses the real-life obstacles he had to overcome as both a fighter and an artist.
Now armed with a new contract (handed to him personally by Rock) and enough confidence to take him to the top, McIntyre will be involved in several high-profile rivalries in 2025. After ending the contender of the year feud with CM Punk, Drew returned to his ongoing heat with Roman Kingdoms and The Lineageas well as possible clashes with the likes of Seth Rollins, Gunther and possibly even Cody Rhodes.
Never before have the spotlight shone Drew McIntyre just like that. And if his past is any indication of his motivation, then he's poised to have his best year ever. At this point, the sky is the limit for him, and he could very well end up being WWE's biggest star in 2025.