Drew McIntyre Reveals Something Vince McMahon Refused To Let Him Do
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Drew McIntyre has offered a detailed and fascinating comparison between the creative processes of former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and current Chief Content Officer Paul "Triple H" Levesque.
Speaking on the Impaulsive podcast, the former WWE Champion explained how the change in leadership has allowed him to develop a more complex and authentic character.
McIntyre described Triple H's approach as more "modern thinking," which contrasts sharply with Vince's more singular and protective vision for his character.
Vince's "Warrior"
McIntyre explained that under McMahon's creative direction, his character was often presented in a more traditional, one-dimensional "warrior" archetype. He believes Vince's vision for him was meant to be protective, but it ultimately became limiting.
"For Vince, I think for me, personally, he had a certain image of me, and he was always looking to protect me as this warrior character," McIntyre said (H/T to WrestlingNews.co).
"And if I want to try something outside the box and stuff I'm doing now, like, for me personally, it probably wouldn't happen just because he was like, 'No, this is my Drew. This is my warrior. This is how I see it.'"
This singular vision dates back to McIntyre's first WWE run, when McMahon personally dubbed him "The Chosen One," a label that ultimately failed to connect with the audience and led to his eventual release from the company.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 24: Drew McIntyre speaks while wearing CM Punk's bracelet during Monday Night RAW at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 24: Drew McIntyre speaks while wearing CM Punk's bracelet during Monday Night RAW at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
WWE/Getty Images
More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match
Creative Freedom With Triple H
Under the creative direction of Triple H, McIntyre feels he has been given the freedom to be himself and explore more nuanced aspects of his personality. This has led directly to his current, critically acclaimed character who often blurs the line between heel and babyface.
"Hunter is very much of the modern thinking," he explained. "We're going to try something different. We're going to let you... be yourself, and let this personality that he knew I had shine."
He pointed to the success of The Bloodline saga as the prime example of the deep, layered storytelling that is now flourishing in WWE.
"WWE shouldn't be black and white," McIntyre said. "We can grow these deep, layered, complex characters... I've been able to develop this McIntyre character where people know me inside and out."
Learning From A Legend
During the conversation, McIntyre also shared a classic story about receiving some cryptic but valuable advice from The Undertaker when he was a young superstar. He recalled asking for feedback after a match and being told something he didn't understand for years.
"He was like, 'Stop playing the wrestler and be the wrestler,'" McIntyre recalled The Undertaker saying. "What the f--- does that mean?... It took so long to realize, 'Oh, he's saying, I'm trying too hard. I'm not present.'"
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