Drew McIntyre was a special guest on WWE’s The Bump and The Scottish Psychopath had a great deal to say about his time away and what the future holds for him as a first-round draft pick. McIntyre talked about being injured, and while he didn’t specify what he was sidelined with, he was quick to note that it wasn’t a bone break or muscle tear. McIntyre says he was competing at less than full strength in his last match, a King Of The Ring First Round loss to Ricochet, but fans will see a new “first-round” worthy Drew in the near future.
“I’ve been gone for seven weeks now. I can tell everybody it wasn’t a bone break, it wasn’t a muscle tear, I was out for a specific reason. The last match I had was with Ricochet. You know he got the win and it turns out I was at 30% at the time. So Ricochet beat a 30% Drew McIntyre which is better than most people 100%, congratulations Ricochet, but I’ve been re-strategizing, refocusing and you’re going to see a whole new Drew McIntyre very, very soon. ‘First Round Pick’ Drew McIntyre.
“There’s a lot of things on the horizon for Drew McIntyre. Obviously The Universal Championship is number one. I’ve never had a shot at the Heavyweight Championship during my first run or second run and looking back, to be honest, I’m glad I didn’t. You know, his time has given me an opportunity to look at myself and what I did for the past year and a half. Most people would consider that, you know, moderately successful. I don’t. I’ve got a new gameplan, I’m gonna end up winning that title and I’m very excited the way things have worked out. With USA and Fox thing, for the first time in a long time since I remember, we actually have an opportunity for real competition. But like you said earlier, this is a declaration of war as far as I’m concerned.
“It used to be SmackDown vs. RAW on these tours and I remember we used to figure out like how much money the draw make. The Undertaker would tell us, “SmackDown made more on this tour” we’d all celebrate with cheers, we’d have a drink together. It was that team comradery that we beat RAW. Now it’s about to be that feeling again, RAW vs. SmackDown and that’s what I’m most excited about and we have a heck of a roster.”
Drew was also asked about the pitfalls of being a wrestler on social media and if airing your grievances on the platform has any benefit. McIntyre said it totally is unprofessional and couldn’t imagine legacy talent ever doing that kind of thing in their heyday.
“No. Do you think it’s a good thing to do? I don’t know if you’re drinking or what, like it just really upsets me. What kind of professional takes the time sit on social media to respond to someone who’s clearly just trying to get a negative reaction out of you but even if they have a point or like a constructive criticism, take it and apply it if you know it’s going to help you, don’t respond and just look like a, for a lack a better term, a mark which just hurting the industry. We’re losing our professionalism. Imagine back in the day social media existing, you think I’d be tweeting out Stone Cold and Undertaker they’d be replying to me? ‘Hey, screw you man. If I had a better punch, things would be great.’ No, it wouldn’t happen. Look at Becky Lynch. Number one draft pick. That is how you use social media.”
(Transcription credit should go to @DominicDeAngelo of WrestleZone)
You can see his interview and the full episode of The Bump below:
