Drew McIntyre isn’t afraid to call out what he sees as favoritism in WWE for wrestlers with famous family names. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, McIntyre was asked whether it motivates him to compete against WWE wrestlers who come from legendary wrestling families, given that he had to forge his own path. “No, I couldn’t really care less what your last name is,” McIntyre said. “My journey is very different from basically anybody’s ever. I came from Scotland, was the first ever Scottish person signed directly from Scotland to WWE, a country of 5 million people.”
Despite insisting he’s focused on his own unique journey, McIntyre offered a sharp piece of advice to talent backstage who ask him how to get noticed. “It’s lucky I’m as good as I am or I might get lost in the shuffle, because I suggest to a lot of the talent backstage when they’re asking for advice, maybe change your last name to Fatu or something. You may get more opportunities,” he said.
The remark was a clear nod to the Anoa’i-Fatu wrestling dynasty, which includes stars like Roman Reigns, The Usos, Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and others connected to The Bloodline.
McIntyre also made it clear that his sights are firmly set on reclaiming the WWE Championship and he’s not interested in going through John Cena to do it. McIntyre declared that he’s returning with a new mindset and is determined to become champion again. “I’m back to get what’s mine. It’s time for Drew McIntyre to be WWE Champion again. Get what I deserve. Get what I’ve earned,” he said. Despite being asked about potentially ending John Cena’s career in a high-stakes title match, McIntyre dismissed the idea of facing the 17-time World Champion, saying Cena isn’t the same performer he used to be.
“I’ve never had a singles match with Cena. (He’s) been ducking me his entire career. Don’t know why,” McIntyre said. “He tore CM Punk apart that one week on the microphone with a pipebomb. I enjoyed it and I was like, ‘God, I’d love to come back at Cena on the microphone.’ But he’s not the same John Cena. He’s a little b*tch these days. So, I don’t want John Cena. I want Cody Rhodes.”
McIntyre described Rhodes as the ideal target, praising his work ethic but insisting he’s the one true top star. “Cody is everything, you know, basically that he says he is. He does work his absolute a$$ off. He is that talented and he’s earned everything he’s got,” McIntyre said. “But as I mentioned, Cena’s not the same Cena… I want Cody Rhodes. He’s the best we’ve got right now until I beat him because I know I’m the best we’ve got.”
With his return, McIntyre says fans should expect an evolved version of himself, more determined than ever to capture the top prize in WWE.
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