What Culture Pro Wrestling (WCPW) are celebrating their first anniversary this week. The YouTube based company has had an impressive start in the industry, having produced a number of high profile Pay Per View events including the likes of Kurt Angle, Alberto El Patron, Drew McIntyre, Rey Mysterio and Cody Rhodes.
Recent events concerning YouTube’s ‘Adpocalypse’ has seen WCPW in the news for the wrong reasons. Pro Wrestling is now viewed by the streaming service as ‘non-advertiser friendly’ and WCPW has been struggling to earn ad revenue since the change to YouTube’s policy.
Check out the video below for some interesting tidbits from WCPW’s first year in existence.
The main event of this week’s NXT was a women’s championship 3-way elimination match. Asuka would once again defend her title against Ruby Riot and Nikki Cross.
NXT June 14th 2017 Full Sail University
1. Drew McIntyre vs. Rob Ryzin
No highlights of this match were posted.
This was a showcase match for Drew.
McIntyre wins a quick bout, finishing him off with a Yakuza kick.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
2. Authors of Pain vs. Anthony Dominguez & William Freyday
Only Akam wrestled for AOP in this match. Rezar just stayed on the outside and talked with Paul Ellering.
Akam finished off the local talent, and his partner finally came into the ring after the match to deliver the Super Collider.
They cut a promo about how Heavy Machinery were foolish to challenge them.
This brought out Heavy Machinery and the 2 teams stared each other down for a moment.
Paul Ellering got in between the four of them and ordered his team to back away.
Winners: Authors of Pain
3. The Velveteen Dream vs. Raul Mendoza
The Velveteen Dream does not appear to be going by Patrick Clark anymore.
He wins clean here with a very Macho Man-esque flying elbow drop.
4. NXT Women’s Championship Match 3-Way Elimination Match Asuka (c) vs. Ruby Riot vs. Nikki Cross (Sanity)
Cross picked up the first pin by eliminating Riot with a corkscrew neck breaker while Riot was draped on the top rope.
Asuka and Cross then just started to have a wild brawl.
They brawled to the back and the ref waved the match off.
In the final move of the brawl Cross hit Asuka with a cross body that took both of them through a table.
Former WWE Intercontinental Champion and current NXT Superstar Drew McIntyre recently did an interview with Mirror to talk about his return to the company, what led to it, and how developmental has changed since he was first there. You can check out what he had to say here below:
What led to his return to WWE:
“It’s been a crazy couple of months. I was basically the busiest independent wrestler in the world, traveling the world back and forth. I was under contract at the time [with IMPACT Wrestling] and I elected not to sign my new contract. I had to make the best decision for my future and my family’s future. I was very, very lucky after so many people believing in me and working my arse off that I was able to take a pick of where I was going to go. But my mind was made up, if I got the opportunity… William Regal is one of my mentors and I had been talking with him the whole time I have been away from WWE. He has been giving me advice, watching my matches, so that’s pretty much where it came up. I had a good conversation with Triple H on the phone and as I say, my mind was made up where I wanted to go. NXT is the top roster in the world as far as I’m concerned, the work ethic and fans. Once I had that conversation my mind was beyond made up.
“That day when I showed up at the show was one of the wildest days of my life. I had a very busy day! I started at 8am, I had a signing, then a show in the afternoon, then a radio appearance, I had an additional signing, then showed up at the Evolve show at 8pm it started, I was out in the first segment, I believe I left the building at 8.20pm, drove straight to the Amway Center in Orlando, my wife was waiting with a suit at the back door. We ran in the back, I put the suit on, this was about 9pm, Orlando traffic so it took a while to get there, and I was sitting in my seat in front of 15,000 fans, and at not one point did I think to myself ‘I wonder how they’re going to react?’ until I sat in that seat, got my head down and thought ‘oh my God, I hope they remember me and have been following what I’ve been doing!’ When I showed up on camera and I saw and heard that reaction it was one of the best feelings in my life and I knew I had made the right decision.”
Jinder Mahal’s WWE Championship win:
“I made the loudest noise in the world backstage when he won that title! I think I almost punched the roof I jumped and punched the air so much. Just to watch his turnaround is the biggest thing for me. I remember about a year and a half ago having a conversation with him. The second I was gone from the WWE, as you know, I started to write my mission statement, I just kept going, there was nothing else I was going to do. I had a clear vision and thankfully it just came out. With Jinder he went out, he wasn’t too sure what he wanted to do, and he talked about this on Chris Jericho’s podcast so I’m not speaking out of turn. He got himself out of shape, not wrestling so much.
“He wasn’t really sure what to do and we had a conversation when he wasn’t too sure about his future and was talking about opening I think it was a Subway franchise he was leaning towards and he’s got a couple of houses and real estate. Wrestling was pretty much off the table. Then one day he made a decision, ‘no, I’m going to get back in shape’. He started taking it seriously again, got back in shape, got the call from WWE, continued his path, worked hard, gave up alcohol, made these positive changes in his life and just started working his arse off. To watch him go from that conversation when he was out of shape to where he is today, the most in-shape guy on the roster and one of the hardest working guys, I’m very proud of my brother for earning that. That was a big moment for him and I couldn’t be prouder of him.”
How developmental in the WWE has changed since he was there years ago:
“I guess the transitional process is a lot smoother now. In OVW it was like a different world pretty much. They had the talent ready to stay around for a while, with guys who weren’t over yet and guys who weren’t retiring yet. With FCW, WWE were a bit more hands on with the writers. I was in FCW for about six months, it was roundabout 2009, a lot of guys started to retire and they didn’t have guys coming in from other companies to replace them. They had to figure out a way to get that future talent, which began with the youth movement, myself and Sheamus, giving new guys opportunities, and inevitably Hunter developed his vision for the Performance Center.
“I’ve watched NXT go from developmental, when I left I was part of the original NXT Championship title tournament, back then it was developmental just like anywhere else, just a really big developmental division, and I’ve gone away and watched it become a TV show and come back now and it’s a fully functioning brand. It’s 100% the third brand [behind Raw and SmackDown] and my dream is that one day people will stop saying ‘which guy is going to move up?’. I expect because NXT is so good that when the Superstar Shake-up comes, there will be transfers between three brands and not just two brands and we will stop this perception of ‘moving up’ because I don’t see it that way, I wanted to be part of NXT because it is that damn good.”
Drew Galloway/McIntyre appeared for WCPW this past Sunday as part of the Mexican Qualifier of the Pro Wrestling World Cup.
This was to be Galloway’s final match on the Independent scene before joining the NXT roster full time. Cody Rhodes was Drew’s opponent and they certainly delivered in a match including interference, tables and hard hitting action.
The match is available to watch now on WCPW’s YouTube channel here.
With regards to Cody you can now check out the audio from the exclusive interview that we posted earlier in the week:
WWE COO Triple H recently spoke with Josh Barnett of For The Win about former ‘3MB’ partners Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre returning to the company.
Jinder Mahal returned to WWE back in July 2016 after a two year layoff. Mahal was primarily working as an enhancement talent until being paired with Rusev earlier this year and more recently becoming #1 contender to Randy Orton’s WWE Championship.
Drew McIntyre returned to WWE around WrestleMania and is already making a big splash in NXT. McIntyre came a long way since his last run with the company in 2014, having captured world championships in companies like Impact Wrestling, WCPW, ICW and EVOLVE.
Triple H says Mahal and McIntyre may have been too young and immature to make the most out of their WWE opportunities during their first runs with the company. After some time away gaining experience wrestling for other companies, they’re better equipped to reach the top of the mountain and realize their full potential.
“Jinder is a guy who has always worked extremely hard. He trains hard; he’s very intense about what he wants with his career; he’s very thoughtful. That’s the same with Drew. That opportunity came for them when you’re too young and not ready for it and a little immature to it.
(When they left), I had a conversation where I told them, ‘We’re not going to be able to do more with you here. Go other places, learn more in your career, mature and think about the business in a different way.’ Sometimes you get reliant on other people telling you what to do instead of going out there and figuring it for yourself, which is what you have to do.”
“To Jinder’s credit and to Drew’s credit, they left, they went and figured it for themselves, they improved. They’re both men now as opposed to kids trying to make it in the business. They see their careers differently and what they want and are still extremely hard workers and great people. Now hopefully they are in a better position to succeed.”
Check out USAToday.com to read the full interview.
AJ Mendez Brooks (known in WWE as AJ Lee) filmed a new video that listed off things that irrationally scare her. The video was released by “Crazy Is My Superpower” publisher Penguin Random House. In the video, AJ stated that cats sitting on staircases, escalators and the wrath of shaman are things that irrationally frighten her.
Andrade “Cien” Almas Confronts Drew McIntyre At WWE Performance Center
WWE has released a new video of a confrontation between Drew McIntyre and Andrade “Cien” Almas. Drew McIntyre was working out at WWE’s Performance Center but was interrupted by Andrade “Cien” Almas. Almas informed McIntyre that he will see him next week and walked away.
ICMYI – Drew Galloway/McIntyre has re-signed for WWE on the NXT brand.
Since his departure from the WWE in 2014 Galloway has become one of the biggest stars on the UK independent circuit. His return to the WWE will now leave a big void in the UK scene, particularly for WCPW where he is the World Heavyweight Champion.
Drew’s final two appearances for WCPW are at No Regrets on April 29th and the Pro Wrestling World Cup Mexican Qualifier on April 30th.
What Culture Pro Wrestling General Manager Adam Blampied has announced that Galloway will defend his WCPW Title in a 30-Man Championship Rumble at No Regrets, check out the video below for further information:
The Scottish Sun published an article on Drew McIntyre (Drew Galloway) and his return to WWE. The publication had previously covered McIntyre’s decision to turn down an offer from Impact Wrestling earlier this year.
In the article Drew talks about how leaving WWE allowed him to develop his wrestling persona.
“I’ve been very fortunate — not many people have left WWE and then had the chance to reinvent themselves.”
Drew Galloway Career Resurgence
Since his release from WWE in 2014, Galloway has been wrestling in the UK and for Impact, though he left the promotion earlier this year. His final WWE run was as a member of comedy act “3MB”, but Galloway developed a more serious persona outside the company.
Galloway had been a top prospect for WWE, signing with the promotion at only 21 years of age. He won the Intercontinental championship and was once called a future world champion by Vince McMahon. His signing with NXT, leaves room for that prediction to still come true.
“I remember The Rock saying if you’re the hardest worker in the room anything is possible and my motto is work harder than everyone else.”
Drew McIntyre made his NXT television debut at Wednesday night’s takings from Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. McIntyre faced Oney Lorcan in his first match back since re-signing with WWE. The match will air on next week’s show.
Drew McIntyre is a huge pickup for NXT, which lost The Revival, Shinsuke Nakamura & Tye Dillinger to RAW & SmackDown earlier this week. It shouldn’t be long before he’s part of the main event scene, which is in the midst of a rebuilding period.
Check back later tonight for full spoilers from tonight’s tapings. Here are some photos of McIntyre’s NXT debut:
TNA star Drew Galloway, formerly known as Drew McIntyre in WWE, recently spoke with the folks at Cult Of Whatever for an interview. Below are some highlights.
On Vince endorsing him as ‘The chosen one’: “I couldn’t process it, I didn’t know it was going to happen, I got told Vince was going to go out before me when I was in the gorilla position to do a promo and I watched from behind the curtain thinking what the heck is going on.”
Something like that had never happened before and is never going to happen again. When people look back in history and see him endorse me it was just unbelievable. When the guy who has created the modern day wrestling scene endorses you like that, it is amazing.
No matter what happened following that in WWE, but what has happened since leaving WWE and the reputation I’ve built on my own back and now being in TNA, hopefully I’m showing the world what Vince saw in me is still there and it was just lying dormant. I’m making sure it comes out now and I’m not going to be happy until I’m the best wrestler in the entire world.”
On 3MB: “Vince had an idea and it was his call to not pick the obvious guys to be in the stable, all three of us at the time were quite serious character on screen. Vince told us what his plan was and he had a clear vision of what he wanted to do, and at the beginning we put the effort in with all the music stuff but someone didn’t inform him that I required surgery on my wrist two weeks later.
Whatever idea he had for me backing up Heath’s big mouth and being the hero of the group just went down the toilet. Due to my wrist I couldn’t touch anyone or be touched for six months and The Shield were there the following month after I lost my grip and that backed us up into a corner and we ended up being in the role we were in.”
On the Rising’s feud with the Beat Down Clan: “Our rivalry with the BDC is real, it’s unscripted when we go at each other in the ring and on the microphone. We are all looking to top each other and if I can’t top them and they can’t top me that’s down to the other person. The more real it is the more the fans buy into it, it’s a sophisticated audience now.”
TNA star Drew Galloway (aka Drew McIntyre) recently took part in a Q&A with the folks at TNAMecca.com. Below are some highlights.
On working in EVOLVE and Dragon Gate and if he’d like to see them work with TNA: “I’ve been so lucky with people giving me an opportunity to showcase the real Drew. I currently hold 5 titles on three continents (ICW, Evolve, Dragon Gate, Danish and Australian). I’m currently the busiest wrestler in the world and couldn’t be happier.
Along with ICW and many others, Gabe and Sal helped me massively once I was gone from WWE. They gave me a shot and in my first match I won the Evolve title. A company with some of the best wrestlers with the most unique styles in the world, it really created a buzz for me and showed everyone what I’m capable of in the ring. I’m a 6’5, 250lbs long haired Scottish guy, an ideal candidate for a professional wrestler but I worked my ass off to excel between those ropes not just look the part and they believed in me. Winning the Evolve vs. Dragon Gate title match against Johnny Gargano in San Jose was one of the greatest moments and matches of my life and really felt like I really have cemented myself as one of ‘the guys’ currently on the scene. Once I made my deal, an agreement was made to bring in a couple of other guys from TNA to Evolve and a working agreement is very likely. If I had or can have any part in wrestling growing then I have truly succeeded. All I want is wrestling to grow while living my dream and if I can help then that’s beyond my dreams.”
On how happy he is now compared to when he was in WWE and how TNA is treating him: “I will never say anything negative about WWE. How can I? I was with them 8 years, since I was 21, grew up there living my dream. Was FCW developmental tag champion (with Wade Barrett) twice, heavyweight champion, WWE tag team champion, Intercontinental champion, Vince McMahon’s Chosen One, multiple Wrestlemania’s, made great friends and I’m still under 30. That is unreal. I thank my stars I was there and truly grew into a man. From a boy who left university as a student straight to WWE. Those experiences, those ups and downs in life and work shaped the wrestler and man I am today.
Right now, I am so happy with TNA. As I’ve mentioned, the guys and gals have such unique ideas and big goals. I’m the most obsessive passionate fan in the world and it can sometimes be taken as an attitude issue, but they channel my passion and creativity in the right direction and that’s whatever you see on screen.”
Former WWE Superstar and current TNA star Drew Galloway (aka Drew McIntyre) recently spoke with the folks at Ring Rust Radio to discuss his decision to come to TNA and more. Below are highlights from the interview, which you can listen to in full above.
On the decision to sign with TNA and his long-term goals: “The process involved obviously talking with the bosses over there. I was over in Scotland for a show, for a Scottish company ICW. I spoke with them and initially I was a little apprehensive. I wasn’t looking to get back on American TV so quickly to be honest. I spoke with the bosses there and they told me the plan and I got excited about. With Destination America deal and the opportunity to be a part of something on the ground floor and try to build it up, and the opportunity to just be myself. Anything you see on TNA is me, that’s Drew Galloway 100%. I’m talking ad Drew Galloway, I’m wrestling as Drew Galloway, and it’s no gimmicks. I get to just be a wrestler and be myself. I’m getting the opportunity to do that with TNA and I couldn’t be any happier right now.”
On the transition from being a heel in WWE to a babyface in TNA and which he prefers: “Honestly I don’t have a preference, I just kind of do my thing. If you notice the way I wrestle, I do wrestle more like a heel even when I’m a face. I just have a particular style like I’m a hybrid European/American with a little bit of strong style in there. Honestly I don’t have a preference. I legit wrestle how I wrestle. If the fans are on board their going to cheer, and if they aren’t digging it they are going to boo. Either way I am having fun. It’s weird to be cheered to be honest, I’m just used to being the bad guy. The fans are digging what I am saying because everything I say is me, it’s not scripted. It’s Drew Galloway speaking his mind and they feel the same way if they are getting behind it. I want to say thank you to them for loving wrestling as much as I do.”
On forming The Rising and feuding with the BDC: “Well the guys I joined up with are guys that feel the same way I do about wrestling. They are really young, eager, and hungry. Obviously Haku’s son is a great part of the group. He’s got that family tradition and he loves wrestling more than anything. Shaun Ricker is my third man there. He is a young kid that’s being trying hard to get a break and just hasn’t gotten the opportunity yet. He has a great look and great passion. These are a couple of guys I’m excited to be running with me. Over the next couple of weeks, especially this Friday, you’re going to learn a little more about the group. We are going to be tweeting out the live tweets during the show. So if you are a fan out there, tweet what you’re thinking, tweet what you want, say anything in the world, and I have a hands on approach and I’ll make sure it gets on the show. It’s going to be an exciting few weeks coming up and you’re going to find out a lot about the Rising.”
On returning to his indy wrestling roots and if it helped with his confidence: “Absolutely. It was fun to do those lengthy matches once again. When I got into wrestling, I wanted to, you know, wrestle. I’m 29 years old, everyone seems to think I’m in my mid to late thirties just because I have been around for so long. I started when I was 15, wrestled the indies for six years, I signed with the WWE when I was 21 and stayed there for eight years. All I ever wanted to do was wrestle whenever I had the opportunity. I did make a few bold statements initially when I was cut from the WWE on Chris Jericho’s podcast. I told the world they never got to see the real me. A lot of people believed in me and gave me opportunities and I was very lucky with the places I have been and the titles I’ve won. I am currently holding five titles over three continents. Luckily I am making a name for myself and people are believing in me and giving me that opportunity. Places like TNA just giving Drew Galloway the chance to be Drew Galloway.”
On if his goal is to become TNA World Champion and how long he thinks before that will happen: “Well, if you’re not hoping to win the World title than you’re out of your mind. That is the prize and that is the goal. Kurt Angle currently has it and I’m very excited for the chance and opportunity to wrestle Kurt. That’s somebody I grew up watching and every time he came on the TV I was very, very excited to watch. The idea and the possibility to wrestle Kurt Angle for the World title, I mean, holy crap. Would you guys think if you were in a position to potentially get that opportunity would it be the dream right now? I’m going to keep working my arse off until I get there. I would be the busiest wrestler in the World. I was in Australia ten days ago, then I was in Tampa, San Jose, Scotland, London yesterday, and Belfast tonight. I am the World’s busiest wrestler and I’m going to keep busting my arse till I get my hands on that TNA World title.”
On problems in the wrestling business that he would like to help change: “Like I said, I would like there to be wrestling on the wrestling shows. When fans react to somebody and they obviously like somebody, that person should get the opportunity. In the end, it’s the fans that paid to come and see, to turn on the TV show, and if you don’t give them what they want their going to turn the other direction. Right now, there are so many companies offering so many alternatives for fans to watch. TNA just has such an incredible roster and guys I cannot wait to wrestle. Just getting the wrestling on the wrestling shows is fundamental. It’s like watching wrestling for any other reason than to see wrestling. Fans get invested in the people through the wrestling and just give the fans what they want.”
On some of the top names in TNA that he’s looking forward to working with: “There are so many guys I don’t want to leave anyone out backstage. Austin Aries, I have wrestled him once before at the ECW arena and that was a lot of fun. I’d love to wrestle Jeff Hardy, another guy I watched growing up. Matt Hardy and I could tangle again. There’s so many guys, I don’t want to be rude. Lashley is up there. Bram and I are going to beat the crap out of each other and I hope he is listening right now. I know soon enough Bram and I are going to tangle. We are buddies and go way back, but watch out for that because it’s going to be an absolute war. If I am missing anyone out, you pretty much know who they are if you watch the show. The guys that are awesome are the ones I want to wrestle. As much as Bram and I are going to be a way, Low Ki and I are going to be the war of wars. I can’t stress that enough. A big part of the Risings success is the heat between Low Ki and I and the animosity between us. It’s real, it’s very real, and when that match comes you better put the kids to bed early. It’s going to be more than a war.”
Gary Mehaffy recently spoke to former WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre, who is now known as Drew Galloway, about his current run in TNA, his time in WWE and more. Below are highlights from the interview.
On signing with TNA and what they want him to do: “It was the very last second I spoke to them. I just happened to be in Scotland for ICW so I was there anyway. I was apprehensive at first…..I’m having fun and doing my thing (on the indy scene) and that’s what I said when I was speaking to (TNA) management. They 100% agreed with me. They said ‘We want you to be yourself. We want to give you an opportunity and give you a platform to be Drew.'”
On wrestling in the Impact Zone: “I’ve been getting a very positive response as a babyface, especially when I speak and I tell them how I feel. I talk about pro wrestling and how I feel about pro wrestling and they (the fans) feel the same, because at heart, I’m a wrestling fan. You won’t get a bigger mark than Drew Galloway! I’m a huge wrestling fan!”
On competing with WWE: “If you try and compete with WWE you’re going to lose. The smartest thing to do is to create something different…..then everybody wins, especially wrestling fans…..Everybody wins! Wrestling’s popularity grows and independent shows grow as well. The bigger WWE, TNA and Lucha Underground get – or the shows with national exposure – the bigger they all get the more fans go to independent shows as well….That’s what everyone wants: to see wrestling grow and to see wrestling succeed.”
On who he is looking forward to wrestling: “(Austin) Aries. I know when Low Ki and I get our hands on each other it’s going to be stiff but it’s going to be very entertaining! We had a really good match on SmackDown – and I think it was on the “Best of SmackDown” that year! I’m really looking forward to wrestling him again. Top of the list is the wrestling machine, Kurt Angle…. You’ve got Jeff Hardy and Bobby Roode – there are so many – but definitely Kurt Angle is number 1 on the list.”
On what we can expect from him in TNA: “I can’t say exactly how long I’ve signed for, but I can say I won’t be disappearing any time soon! I’m hoping to continue what we’ve been doing….I’m Drew Galloway 100% of the time….I want to give the fans a platform to let their voice be heard.”
– TNA President Dixie Carter announced on social media that Ross and Marshall Von Erich, sons of the legendary WWE Hall Of Famer Kevin Von Erich, will be making their return at next month’s Impact Wrestling television taping at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Their father, Kevin Von Erich, is also scheduled to appear.
Dixie wrote the following on Twitter about the return of the Von Erichs:
– Drew Galloway, the former Drew McIntyre in WWE, wrote the following on his official Twitter account regarding his official TNA debut at the Impact Wrestling television taping in Glasgow, Scotland earlier this week.
– The incident where Will Ferrell nailed TNA Knockout Taryn Terrell with a basketball on the set of his new movie is featured via a photograph in the newest issue of Sports Illustrated magazine.
– TNA spoiled their own surprise debut by making an announcement and posting video footage of Drew Galloway’s appearance at the Impact Wrestling television taping in Glasgow, Scotland on Thursday night. As noted, Galloway, formerly known as Drew McIntyre in WWE, made an appearance at the very end of the second television taping.
– Speaking of TNA television tapings, the company will be taping two more Impact Wrestling episodes today in Manchester, England. Make sure to check back here at the website later today for complete spoiler results of both shows.
As we reported earlier this evening, Drew Galloway (a.k.a. Drew McIntyre) made his TNA debut at the Impact Wrestling television taping in Glasgow, Scotland on Thursday.
Galloway made his debut after the main event of the second show that was taped this evening, which is scheduled to air on Friday, February 20th on Destination America. Galloway made the save for Grado, who was being attacked by the BDC after he defeated Al Snow in the final match of the evening. For video footage of Galloway’s TNA debut at the Impact Wrestling taping, click here.
According to a new PWInsider.com report, Galloway has been in talks with TNA for the past four-to-five weeks. He has officially signed a deal with the promotion and will be working the rest of the TNA U.K. tour dates.
You can read a complete spoiler report for both the Feb. 13th and Feb. 20th Impact Wrestling shows by clicking here.
Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Drew “McIntyre” Galloway of 3MB fame made his TNA debut at tonight’s Impact Wrestling tapings from Glasgow, Scotland.
Galloway, who is from Scotland, is currently holds the EVOLVE World Championship and the ICW Heavyweight Championship.
He was previously married to reigning TNA Knockout Champion Taryn Terrell. The couple divorced in 2011 after a fight which led to Terrell’s arrest.
The following are highlights of a new Busted Open Radio interview with Drew Galloway (aka Drew McIntyre):
Was there a fear of leaving WWE and going on the indy scene? I guess you have that on the back of your mind. After I got the call, I sat down and said I am 29, I been in the WWE for seven years and I been wrestling since I was 15. I am going to go out and make stuff happen. I didn’t want to be like everyone else when they get finish from WWE and be like ‘Oh I am young I’ll be hired again and they just fly under the radar’. I don’t want to do that. I want to go out and make as many bombs go off as I can. We are living in the social media age and it is a great time to be a professional wrestler because people can follow you and people are following what I am doing.
Does it feel like wrestling is becoming almost like a curse word to a company like WWE? I wouldn’t put it that way. WWE is like a different animal these days. It’s a multi-million almost billion dollar juggernaut. It has a particular style. It won’t have that typical long match. It has certain things to stick to and products to sell. That is why WWE is now sports entertainment. Like independent wrestling they don’t try to be like WWE because nobody can compete with it. It’s a big difference. WWE labels themselves as ‘Sports Entertainment’. When I was in WWE I was a Sports Entertainer but I am not anymore I am a Professional Wrestler.
So there really is that division with what you’re doing now in pro wrestling and what you did at WWE with sports entertainment? Yeah, absolutely, I didn’t think much of it. It is a completely different animal now. They have phone calls to answer to, sponsors to answer too. It became a completely different thing and that is why it became Sports Entertainment because it’s not pro wrestling as we know it. What I am doing now is pro wrestling and that is what I want to do as long I am young enough to do it. I’ve been in America since I am 21, I just want to wrestle for a few more years and maybe start doing the 3MB thing when I get older. (Laughs) I just want to get the wrestling out of my system.
I don’t understand how a guy goes from the Chosen One to 3MB to gone? I don’t know. That’s wrestling I guess. I wish we stuck with the story line a little longer because we were on the right track with it. I remember the pinnacle of it with myself, Kofi Kingston, and Teddy Long at ringside. I remember how into it the crowd was getting and it was a lot to take in. It was such a big show and we were strictly on Smackdown. It was a process getting the character across and then suddenly we started pulling back. Then we had something with Edge & Kelly Kelly then we pulled back. Suddenly I wasn’t doing anything and it was disappointing. I wasn’t the only guy that happened too. I wasn’t doing anything when they came up with the 3MB thing. The writers had to take me to the stands to tell me. I don’t know what they expected me to do like I was going to flip out and attack everybody. I wanted to take an opportunity and run with it, but the first week in I had a broken wrist and had to get surgery. Vince was so invested into 3MB. The first week the main wrestler of the group had a broken wrist so it kind of killed it.
Was there somebody on that roster that you wished you had a program with and could have made a lot of money with? Yeah, I said a million times, it is always Sheamus. He and I came up together from the independent scene. We had such a big feud in Europe we have boat loads of footage working together. We came up together, we went through development together. We won the developmental titles together. When I won the Intercontinental Title and he won the World Heavyweight Title on the same night. It is kind of like the big brother thing of one ups man ship. It is such an easy big brother, little brother storyline that can make money because it is real. People like real.
What was it like working for a guy like Vince McMahon? Lifelong dream and it was all I wanted to do. He created modern day wrestling into Sports Entertainment. That’s his baby, he created an image and he made himself so much money with so many hours of TV a week. That is why I didn’t go crazy about wins and losses and I see why they make they focus on the main story lines, because that is where the money comes. I see everyone else going crazy over wins and losses. Just take a step back and relax and wait your turn. That’s what I did with 3MB we went out there and did our best.
Once an occasional treat for the WWE Universe, the Hell in a Cell match has become a yearly event since the introduction of the eponymous pay-per-view in 2009. Since its inception, the company has yet to truly knock it out of the park with Hell in a Cell, although fans have witnessed some memorable moments.
This year, it will be either John Cena or Dean Ambrose headlining the event against Seth Rollins inside the most ominous structure in sports entertainment. As the company builds up its next pay-per-view, here is a look back at the first five Hell in a Cell events.
5. 2012
This event really didn’t have a pay-per-view feel to it. The undercard was primarily filled with forgettable matches that had little impact on future storylines. The main event was also lacking due to injury.
It was clear that the company had no idea what to do after John Cena went down to injury, leading to Ryback receiving a premature main event push. From top to bottom, this event was lacking and easily locks up the honor of being the worst Hell in a Cell pay-per-view to date.
Main Event: CM Punk vs. Ryback (Hell in a Cell Match for the WWE Championship)
Best Match: Big Show vs. Sheamus
Worst Match: Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara vs. The Prime Time Players
The following are highlights of a new STV Scotland interview with Drew McIntyre:
On being Vince McMahon’s “Chosen One” in WWE: “That has never happened before and will never happen again, Vince endorsing someone like that. I could never be unhappy in the WWE. No matter what they give you. As a kid, I’d have been happy to be Dumpster Droese. But I have big goals. After Vince said what he did, I was always planning on being the best in the world. I’m not happy if I’m not being creatively fulfilled and contributing what I know I could.”
On leaving WWE and his character now: “It was a good time to separate – I can try out new avenues like TV and film, someone said I should try out for Game of Thrones because I look like those guys. My character at the moment is me. It’s like the Chosen One, but that’s still a bit too much like the Scottish Terminator for me. If it works or not, it will be on my own merit.”
On pro wrestling’s naysayers: “There are always going to be people who give it a bad rap. I’d challenge anyone in entertainment to be given their lines at the last second, do their own stunts and only have one take to get it right.”
Former WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre resurfaced over the weekend at a live event for Glasgow, Scotland-based Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW). McIntyre is a former (and the inaugural) ICW Champion and competed for the promotion back in 2006 prior to signing with WWE.
“After our main event between Martin Stone and Jack Jester the N.A.K thought that it would be a perfect time for Renfrew to cash in his title shot. However, things didnt quite go according to plan”
The following are highlights of a Daily Record interview with former WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre:
On his WWE departure and inevitable return: “I guess I was annoyed, now I’m just fired up. I have an opportunity to be the biggest wrestler outside of the WWE and I won’t be happy unless I’m a big brand. It’s not a case of if I’ll be back with the WWE, it’s a case of when. It was a shock because I was already booked to continue performing on TV and touring all over the world.”
On if the problems with his ex-wife Taryn Terrell hurt his standing with WWE: “There are always behind-the-scenes politics in any job. I pride myself on being a nice guy and hope the things that have been blown way out of proportion didn’t hurt me and my career. A lot of what you hear and see on the internet is nonsense. A lot of people are really vocal about my talent – and that’s what’s most important.”
The following are highlights of a new interview with Drew McIntyre:
How he feels after being released: “Literally I went from a school schedule to a university schedule to a WWE schedule, so it’s kind of nice to relax. I’m going kind of stir crazy, because I‘m not used to relaxing!…..It’s nice to chill out for the first time in my life!”
His thoughts on Vince McMahon touting him as a future WWE Champion: “He endorsed me himself – I didn’t know he was going to do it! He literally walked out and they said “you’re going to go out after Vince and do your promo” ……It’s pretty crazy, but I thrive under that kind of pressure……..That was just unbelievable!”
His favorite places to wrestle: “Scotland, WrestleMania and Madison Square Garden!”
Wrestling at Madison Square Garden: “It’s the mecca over here…..it’s an incredible crowd; they’re so passionate and knowledgeable. When you go there, it’s a different vibe……It’s such an incredible arena. “
Being Intercontinental Champion in WWE: “It was amazing! If you Google my name and IC Title, that (picture) is my legit reaction. It was my life-long dream to be Intercontinental Champion….It was beyond a dream come true.”
His future plans: “I plan to be the biggest wrestler in the world, outside of WWE……I have a clear idea in my mind what I’m going to do….I will be back in WWE!”
– WWE tag team champion Jimmy Uso spoke to Washington D.C.’s 106.7 The Fan on Monday to hype RAW and Sunday’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view. One of the interesting notes discussed was he and Trinity getting busted “having relations” on the luxury bus during the filming of Total Divas. That wasn’t scripted as part of the show.
“I honestly, I couldn’t hold out any longer,” Uso said. “They caught us flat out.”
He also noted that filming for the show’s third season began two weeks ago. he talked to be about his desire to have success as a singles competitor. He said he would “definitely would love to try it,” but only if Jey was able to succeed as well.
There’s a lot more to the interview, including how The Usos found success over the past year and feeling Umaga’s presence with him every time they’re in the ring. He also touched on morale in the company following the recent releases.
– Former WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre spoke with Chris Duke of Scottish sports radio station Eklipse Sports Radio and revealed that he’s returning to the ring in his home country (Scotland) for British Championship Wrestling on August 29th.
– The latest edition of Steve Austin’s “Steve Austin Show Unleashed” podcast, which features an interview with former WWE writer Court Bauer, is now available. The official description for the show reads as follows:
SASu – EP126 – Former WWE Writer & current MLW Radio’s Court Bauer
“Court Bauer, founder of Major League Wrestling (MLW) also worked on the creative team for the WWE for a few years back in the 2000s. He’s got stories about Gary Hart, Terry Funk, Dusty Rhodes, Ted DiBiase, and Eric Bischoff and the demise of WCW. He and Steve also break down today’s current WWE roster!”
– The latest edition of Chris Jericho’s “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, which features an interview with former WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre, is now available. The official description for the show reads as follows:
TIJ – EP49 – Drew McIntyre
“Drew Galloway also known as former WWE wrestler Drew McIntyre is breaking his silence about his “release” from WWE last week. How’d he take the news & what are his future plans? He tells Chris Jericho! Plus, Drew’s reliving some of his favorite moments & fondest memories of his 8 years with WWE.”