Correy Gibbons

Written by Correy Gibbons

Modified & Updated: 04 Dec 2024

50-facts-about-drew-mcintyre
Source: Usanetwork.com

Who is Drew McIntyre? Drew McIntyre, born Andrew William Patrick Galloway on June 7, 1985, in Ayr, Scotland, is a professional wrestler known for his impressive size, charisma, and tenacious spirit. His journey in the wrestling world has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with both triumphs and setbacks. From his early days in a small Scottish town to becoming the first British and only Scottish world champion in WWE history, McIntyre's story is one of resilience and determination. Beyond the ring, he has ventured into acting, published a memoir, and actively supports the Special Olympics. Let's dive into 50 intriguing facts about this wrestling icon.

Key Takeaways:

  • Drew McIntyre's journey from a small town in Scotland to WWE stardom showcases his passion and resilience, making him the first Scottish world champion in WWE history.
  • Beyond wrestling, Drew McIntyre is deeply involved in philanthropy, working with Special Olympics and inspiring others through his memoir, "A Chosen Destiny: My Story."
Table of Contents

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Drew McIntyre's journey to WWE stardom began in a small town in Scotland. His early life and initial steps into wrestling are filled with passion and determination.

  1. 01Drew McIntyre fell in love with wrestling at the age of five or six, growing up in Ayr, Scotland.
  2. 02Despite his impressive size, McIntyre emphasizes that his passion for wrestling was driven by the mental aspect and behind-the-scenes action.
  3. 03Drew signed with WWE in late 2007, making his official debut on October 12, 2007, on the SmackDown brand as Drew McIntyre.
  4. 04Initially known as Drew Galloway, he changed his ring name to Drew McIntyre to fit WWE's branding and distance himself from his early UK days.
  5. 05McIntyre's early feuds included matches against Brett Major and Brian Major, often with the help of his on-screen mentor Dave Taylor.
  6. 06In early 2008, McIntyre moved to the Raw brand, debuting on January 6, 2008, on the Heat show, defeating Charlie Haas.
  7. 07He also wrestled in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) and Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), forming a tag team with Wade Barrett known as the "Brit Pack".

Rise to Prominence

Drew McIntyre's career saw significant highs and lows, but his resilience and talent always shone through.

  1. 08In 2009, McIntyre returned to SmackDown and was promoted by Vince McMahon as "The Chosen One," a future World Champion.
  2. 09McIntyre won the WWE Intercontinental Championship in 2009, participating in notable matches like Hell in a Cell and Survivor Series.
  3. 10He also won the WWE Tag Team Championship alongside Cody Rhodes, showcasing his versatility in the ring.
  4. 11Despite early success, McIntyre faced creative frustrations, leading to his release from WWE in 2014.
  5. 12McIntyre returned to WWE in 2017, signing with NXT and re-establishing himself as a formidable wrestler.
  6. 13He won the NXT Championship and eventually moved back to the main roster.
  7. 14Upon returning to the main roster, McIntyre won the Raw Tag Team Championship alongside Dolph Ziggler in 2018.

Championship Victories

Drew McIntyre's championship wins are a testament to his skill and determination.

  1. 15In 2020, McIntyre won the Men's Royal Rumble match, a significant achievement that catapulted him to new heights in WWE.
  2. 16He also won the Men's Money in the Bank ladder match in 2024, showcasing his ability to adapt and overcome challenges.
  3. 17McIntyre has held two WWE Championships, the first coming at WrestleMania 36 Night 2, where he defeated Brock Lesnar.
  4. 18He also won the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL Night 2.
  5. 19With his numerous title wins, McIntyre became the 31st Triple Crown Champion in WWE history, making him the first British and only Scottish world champion in WWE history.

Acting and Media Appearances

Beyond wrestling, Drew McIntyre has ventured into acting and made several media appearances.

  1. 20McIntyre made his film debut in "The Killer's Game," playing the role of Scottish brute Rory Mackenzie.
  2. 21He credits Dave Bautista for helping him get acclimated to the WWE environment early in his run.
  3. 22Despite Bautista leaving WWE, their paths crossed again in "The Killer's Game".
  4. 23McIntyre has appeared on various media platforms, including NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Discovery’s Shark Rumble, YouTube’s Fine Brothers Entertainment, Good Day New York, Men’s Health, Sports Illustrated, and Men's Fitness UK.

Character Development and Storylines

Drew McIntyre's character evolution and storylines have kept fans engaged and entertained.

  1. 24McIntyre has undergone a significant character shift, moving from being a company guy to embracing his role as a bad guy.
  2. 25His storyline with The Bloodline has been particularly notable, showcasing his ability to develop deep-layered stories and characters.
  3. 26McIntyre's ability to connect with fans is unparalleled, with a deep understanding of what makes wrestling compelling.
  4. 27His storytelling ability in the ring is exceptional, conveying complex emotions and narratives.
  5. 28McIntyre's character development is meticulous, adding depth to his performances.
  6. 29He believes in being true to himself and his character, finding authenticity in playing the role of a bad guy.
  7. 30McIntyre has a strong working relationship with the creative team, understanding the importance of collaboration.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

Drew McIntyre is not just a wrestler; he is also deeply involved in philanthropic activities.

  1. 31McIntyre is an ambassador for the Special Olympics movement, working side-by-side with Special Olympics athletes on various campaigns.
  2. 32In 2021, McIntyre challenged fellow celebrities and their social media followers to include people with intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics’ social media marketing campaign called Challenge Expectations.
  3. 33McIntyre is part of a prestigious group of global ambassadors for Special Olympics, which includes notable figures like Michael Phelps, Nadia Comaneci, and Nicole Scherzinger.
  4. 34His School of Strength campaign is an online workout program designed to promote fitness and strength among Special Olympics athletes.
  5. 35The Challenge Expectations campaign, which McIntyre spearheaded, was a global success, encouraging celebrities and influencers to include people with intellectual disabilities in their social media posts.

Personal Life and Legacy

Drew McIntyre's personal life and legacy are as inspiring as his professional career.

  1. 36In 2021, Drew McIntyre published a memoir titled "A Chosen Destiny: My Story," detailing his life from a small village to WWE.
  2. 37There is a fascinating legend that Drew McIntyre was the first person to record seeing the Loch Ness monster in 565 A.D., though this is more myth than fact.
  3. 38After his release in 2014, McIntyre returned to WWE in 2017, marking a significant comeback.
  4. 39With his return came a new look and a new addition to his Scottish Warrior gimmick: a sword named Angela, which holds personal significance as it is named after his mother.
  5. 40The sword is 1,500 years old and was named by Vince McMahon. McIntyre feels that every time he makes his way to the ring, his mother accompanies him.
  6. 41Many WWE fans have asked if the sword is real or a prop. The answer is that it is real, adding to the authenticity of McIntyre's character.
  7. 42McIntyre's victory over Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36 Night 2 was a significant moment in his career, marking him as a true champion.
  8. 43He also won the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL Night 2, solidifying his status as one of the top wrestlers in the world.
  9. 44McIntyre's rare combination of size, athletic ability, and charisma makes him a formidable opponent in the ring.
  10. 45The Claymore Kick is not just a move; it's a symbol of McIntyre's strength and determination.
  11. 46McIntyre engages with fans through various social media platforms, sharing his experiences and promoting upcoming events.
  12. 47In addition to his wrestling career, McIntyre is involved in various philanthropic activities, aiming to improve the health and fitness of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
  13. 48McIntyre's School of Strength campaign has been a significant success, engaging thousands of participants worldwide.
  14. 49His memoir, "A Chosen Destiny: My Story," received positive reviews for its candid and inspiring portrayal of his life journey.
  15. 50Drew McIntyre's legacy in WWE is one of resilience and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the wrestling world.

Drew McIntyre: A True Wrestling Warrior

Drew McIntyre's journey from a small town in Scotland to WWE stardom is nothing short of inspiring. His early passion for wrestling, combined with his physical prowess and mental toughness, has made him a standout figure in the wrestling world. From winning the Men's Royal Rumble to becoming the first British and only Scottish world champion, McIntyre's achievements are impressive. Beyond the ring, his work with the Special Olympics and his acting debut in "The Killer's Game" showcase his versatility and commitment to making a difference. McIntyre's story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of following one's dreams. Whether he's delivering a Claymore Kick or inspiring fans with his memoir, Drew McIntyre continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's Drew McIntyre's real name?
Drew McIntyre steps into the ring under a name that echoes with strength, but his birth certificate tells a different story. Born Andrew McLean Galloway IV, this Scottish powerhouse has made a name for himself far beyond what anyone could have imagined.
How did Drew McIntyre get his start in wrestling?
Like many legends in the wrestling world, Drew's journey began early. At just 15, he was already on the path to greatness, training under the watchful eye of British wrestling stalwarts. His passion and dedication quickly propelled him from local Scottish promotions to the global stage of WWE.
Has Drew McIntyre ever won the WWE Championship?
Absolutely, and not just once but multiple times. Drew's hard work and resilience paid off when he clinched the WWE Championship, marking a pinnacle in his career. His victories are a testament to his skill, determination, and the heart he puts into every match.
What's a defining moment in Drew McIntyre's career?
Many would point to WrestleMania 36 as a defining moment for Drew. In an unprecedented event held without a live audience, he triumphed over Brock Lesnar to win the WWE Championship. This victory wasn't just a win in the ring; it was a symbol of hope during challenging times, showcasing Drew's role as a true champion.
Did Drew McIntyre face any setbacks in his career?
Sure, Drew's journey wasn't always smooth. There were times when he faced setbacks, including being released from WWE in 2014. However, these challenges only fueled his determination. He honed his craft around the world, returning to WWE stronger and more focused, ultimately achieving greater success.
What makes Drew McIntyre stand out in wrestling?
Drew's blend of raw power, technical skill, and charismatic presence sets him apart. Standing at an imposing 6'5", he combines his physical attributes with a strategic mind, making him a formidable opponent and a fan favorite. His ability to connect with the audience, whether through his compelling story or in-ring prowess, makes him a standout star.
Is Drew McIntyre involved in activities outside the ring?
Beyond the ropes, Drew is just as impactful. He's an advocate for mental health, sharing his own experiences to help others. His commitment to giving back, whether through charity work or inspiring the next generation of wrestlers, shows there's much more to him than just his in-ring achievements.

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