Drew McIntyre’s journey to WWE’s upper echelon is a testament to his resilience, but it was a path riddled with personal struggles that nearly cost him his marriage. In a revealing interview on the “UNTAPPED” podcast, McIntyre opened up about the tumultuous period following his 2014 WWE release, a time that forced him to confront his destructive lifestyle.
The Independent Grind: A Recipe for Burnout
McIntyre’s post-WWE release saw him embark on a relentless independent wrestling schedule, a period characterized by constant travel and demanding performances. “As a wrestler, though, I was making it happen. And then I broke my neck—right at the peak of it all,” McIntyre recounted. “I was out for eight weeks. That was the first time in my life, between school, WWE, and my independent run after getting fired, that I actually stopped.”
This forced hiatus provided a stark contrast to his usual frenetic pace, highlighting the unsustainable nature of his lifestyle.
His Wife’s Ultimatum: A Harsh Reality Check
It was his wife, Kaitlyn Frohnapfel, who delivered the blunt and necessary reality check. “My wife told me, ‘You need to get yourself together. You’re going to crash and burn.’ I told her, ‘What are you talking about? I’m the biggest wrestler in the world outside of WWE. Things are great,’” McIntyre recalled.
However, Frohnapfel’s response was unwavering and decisive. “She said, ‘No, you’re burning the candle at both ends. You’re jumping from country to country, drinking all the time. It’s all going to come crashing down. And not only that—I’m going to leave your a$$.’”
This ultimatum served as a pivotal moment for McIntyre, forcing him to confront the chasm between his self-perception and the harsh reality of his situation.
The Mirror’s Reflection: A Moment of Truth
“That hit me hard. I looked in the mirror and finally had to be honest with myself,” McIntyre admitted. “That’s something I tell everyone these days—you can lie to everyone else, but you can’t lie to yourself. If you’re going to be accountable to just one person, let it be the one staring back at you in the mirror.”
This moment of self-reflection marked a turning point in McIntyre’s life, prompting him to reassess his priorities and make significant changes.
A Rebuilt Life: Career and Relationship Success
McIntyre’s relationship with Kaitlyn Frohnapfel began in 2013, and they married in December 2016. Since then, McIntyre has not only revitalized his career, becoming a multi-time World Champion, but he has also rebuilt his personal life.
His ability to acknowledge his flaws and make necessary changes ultimately saved his career and his marriage. The story is a testament to the power of self-awareness and the importance of having someone who will tell you the hard truths you need to hear.
Also Read: Drew McIntyre Reveals What He Wanted To Say When CM Punk Referenced Vince McMahon
