Inside Drew McIntyre’s decision to sign new WWE contract: The promise The Rock made to him at WrestleMania, talks with Triple H and now headlining Scotland’s first WWE premium live event

Ten years ago, Drew McIntyre’s wildest dreams wouldn’t have even allowed him to think about what he’s been able to accomplish in wrestling over the years, and he’s pushing himself further into the fantasy realm with a milestone moment this weekend in his homeland. of Scotland.

For the first time ever, WWE will host a premium live event (the company’s name for a pay-per-view) in Scotland and McIntyre will host the main event in pursuit of Damien Priest’s world heavyweight title.

The 39-year-old was also inducted into the Scottish Hall of Fame at Ibrox, home of his beloved Rangers, on Thursday.

Now, a decade after being a footnote in a slew of WWE releases, the three-time World Champion is signing new money-making contracts with the help of The Rock and fronting major WWE shows for a rabid British fanbase.

From a non-existent wrestling scene in Scotland that forced Drew to travel to Portsmouth to learn wrestling as a teenager, he now leads a bunch of patriots including Piper Niven, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn Clash at the Castle II.

“It’s pretty surreal,” McIntyre began. ‘There are only about ten people in there [the Scottish Hall of Fame] and I’m the only active wrestler in it.

“It’s absolutely surreal that it’s happening at Ibrox, I haven’t been to a match in 17 years while I’ve been in America and I certainly haven’t been here as a fan. I wasn’t cool enough…thanks WWE! [laughs]. I can’t ignore it today.’

McIntyre took his decision to re-sign with WWE to the extreme, just a few weeks before his deal expired, and smartly. In a landscape where AEW offered big money to prize away top talent, the Scottish Warrior forced WWE to act to retain him.

Is he happy with his choice?

‘Extremely satisfied with the decision made. We came to a deal that was not only good for myself, but also for my family,” McIntyre emphasized. “It’s been a whirlwind, just like my whole career. It’s a different chapter.

Drew McIntyre (center) flanked by Piper Niven (left) and strongman Tom Stoltman

“To now make the Main Event the first ever premium live event in Scotland after the last Clash at the Castle, the dagger that went through our hearts, Britain needs a big win, Scotland needs a big win,” said the Scot, referring to the country’s ties with Germany during the 2024 European Championship.

What sealed the deal for McIntyre as he negotiated his new contract?

‘Key conversations with everyone. Triple H, The Rock but especially my wife. At this point in my life it’s about happiness.

‘I realized that life is short, the older you get, you realize that. At the same time she realizes that this is my dream and what I always wanted to do. I just had to find the balance and keep riding this rocket ship that we’re on right now.

Especially with the character stuff we’re doing now with Hunter (Triple H), the creative, you can see the difference across the board. How many superstars pass by and how much easier it is to watch three hours of RAW now [laughs].’

The Rock played an influential role in securing Drew McIntyre to a new WWE deal

“It was a great conversation with Rock. He’s been there, he’s been a great mentor and you can’t get that high level of advice from many people. And about the contract matters, of course Nick [Khan] and Paul [Levenque] were the most important people there and everyone walked away happy. I’m not going anywhere in the next few years. Or even longer, let’s just see how my body feels!’

The Rock presented McIntyre with a sword when his new deal was announced in a video showing the Scot saying The People’s Champion was a man of his word – so what did The Rock say?

“It wasn’t expected,” McIntyre said of the gift. “If you see the video, I say, ‘You’re a man of your word, he remembered’ – it was based on a conversation we had at WrestleMania, we had a really nice conversation.

“In the locker room, I remember everyone’s heads were turning like ‘why is The Rock in our locker room?!” [laughs]. We had a good conversation. He is always ready for advice. I was talking about redecorating my office, I don’t bring the sword to the ring anymore.

‘If it’s a special occasion, yes, but I did say I would like one of these for my office wall. He said, “I’ll make sure that happens.” Just an offhand comment: “I’ll make sure that happens.”

‘I never thought about it, I obviously thought he wouldn’t remember, he’s too busy. Sure enough, I had a business meeting with Nick and the sword came up with a very nice note – I’ll never reveal what it said – but hey, he’s a man of his word,” McIntyre explained.

So, after being inducted into a Hall of Fame at Ibrox and Clash of the Castle at the OVO Hydro, is Ibrox the next logical place for a Scottish show?

‘One of the big four would be nice. But it’s up to our Scottish fans to deliver it. That’s what happened in France. Everyone is still talking about it, it’s buzzing. Puerto Rico too. I’m sure they’ll get another show, and France certainly will too.

“People talk about it in the squad and the senior players make those decisions, so it’s up to the Scottish fans to turn up and show off on Friday and Saturday. I know they can, I know they will. And please do that, then it will be easier for me to put on bigger shows in bigger stadiums!’

Friday Night SmackDown airs live from the Hydro Glasgow, Friday 14th June, tune in to TNT Sports.

Clash at the Castle: Scotland will be broadcast live from the Hydro Glasgow, Saturday 15 June. Tune in to the WWE Network and TNT Sports Box Office.