Drew McIntyre’s successful second run in WWE almost didn’t happen, as the Scottish star was preparing to head to Japan before re-signing with the company in 2017. McIntyre was released from his first WWE stint on July 12, 2014. He then spent several years revitalizing his career on the independent circuit and in promotions like TNA Wrestling.
Appearing on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, McIntyre revealed that NJPW was his intended destination before WWE came calling again. “In 2017, when I returned to WWE, I was ready to go to New Japan at that point. That’s where my head was at,” McIntyre disclosed. “I spoke to the right people to start having the serious conversations.”
William Regal’s Intervention
It was WWE executive and scout William Regal who steered McIntyre back towards WWE. “And Regal told me, ‘You got to talk to Hunter first, got to talk to Paul first.’ And it was one minute into the conversation, I knew it was time to come back”.
During his time away from WWE, wrestling under his real name Drew Galloway, McIntyre captured multiple world championships, including titles in TNA Wrestling, WCPW, Evolve, and ICW. Since returning to WWE via the NXT brand in 2017, McIntyre has added significantly to his list of accomplishments. He is a former NXT Champion, a two-time WWE Champion, and a former World Heavyweight Champion.
McIntyre is currently scheduled for a major title match, as he will challenge Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The event takes place this Saturday, November 1, at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
