'I Can't Turn My Head' - Top WWE Star Battling Injury

Newsweek

23-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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WWE star Drew McIntyre has confirmed he is currently competing while "working hurt" following a moment during the recent Backlash premium live event. The injury occurred during a heated Fatal 4-Way match for the United States Championship, ultimately won by Jacob Fatu.
In that contest, McIntyre was in a fierce brawl with Damian Priest that extended into the crowd. The two reached a dangerous climax when Priest executed a 'South of Heaven Chokeslam' on McIntyre from an elevated platform, with McIntyre unfortunately missing the table intended to break his fall and reportedly striking his head on the floor.
In a new interview with Jay Reddick of the Orlando Sentinel, McIntyre provided an update on his physical condition.
"I can't turn my head all the way left yet. Working hurt is just what happens if you're an athlete, especially as the years go by," the 39-year-old McIntyre stated. He further discussed the distinction between being hurt and truly injured.
"If you're injured, it is something to take care of. Maybe back in the day, we would have taped it up and gone with it. In the past I have worked with muscle tears and breaks, which isn't the most sensible thing, but the way we operate now, you want to last for the long run."
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Beyond the rigorous weekly demands of in-ring competition, McIntyre maintains a schedule busier than many of his peers. He has undertaken more media interviews than most, a practice he notably increased during the pandemic era.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE...
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More
This commitment to external engagement also saw him host 10 episodes of the talk show "Drew & A" on Peacock, where he conversed with a diverse array of guests, from actor Matthew McConaughey to medium John Edward.
Adding to his ventures outside the squared circle, earlier this month, McIntyre was unveiled as the new spokesman for Project Rock's "You Against You" campaign, which centers on the theme of overcoming self-doubt. McIntyre brought up his comfort and proficiency in these roles to his dedicated efforts during a unique period in wrestling history.
"I was doing a lot during the pandemic because I wanted to get as good as possible at this part of the job," he explained. "And now I've gotten so comfortable doing it that it's 100% fun. This isn't a job. This is my passion. I always wanted to be Peter Pan, and now I've officially grown up to be Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up who wears tights to work."
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