This Saturday at WWE Clash at the Castle in Glasgow, Scotland, Drew McIntyre will step into the ring once again with a chance to claim the World Heavyweight Championship in a match against Damien Priest. For McIntyre, this moment is not just about the championship; it marks a significant milestone in his journey—a decade since his release from WWE.
Today, McIntyre took to social media to commemorate this anniversary with a poignant video shared on X. Filmed in the heart of his homeland inside an ICW ring, McIntyre reflected on June 12, 2014, the day he was among several WWE Superstars released, including Brodus Clay, Evan Bourne, Teddy Long, and Curt Hawkins.
June 12, 2014:
Brodus Clay, Evan Bourne, Teddy Long, Curt Hawkins and other WWE Superstars released.
I didn’t even make the headline.
10 years later I am the headline. #WWECastle pic.twitter.com/y4a0Md2323
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) June 12, 2024
In his video, McIntyre candidly shared that he wasn’t even prominently mentioned in the headlines back then, merely categorized among the “others” let go that day. However, he emphasized that his release turned out to be a blessing in disguise, allowing him to reconnect with his roots as a wrestler and rediscover himself both personally and professionally.
“[I] found myself as a performer, found myself as a man, grew business outside of WWE,” McIntyre reflected. “And 10 years later, [I’m] main eventing Clash at the Castle. Not bad for [an] ‘other.'”
After leaving WWE in 2014, McIntyre embarked on a journey that took him back to the independent wrestling circuit in both the United States and Europe, with notable stints in TNA Wrestling. His efforts to redefine himself culminated in a triumphant return to WWE in 2017, where he quickly ascended to capture the WWE NXT Championship. Since then, McIntyre has cemented his place as a top WWE Superstar, including a celebrated world championship reign during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stephen’s Insight
Drew McIntyre’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and unwavering determination. His path from being released by WWE to reclaiming his position at the forefront of professional wrestling highlights the unpredictable nature of the industry and the tenacity required to succeed in it. McIntyre’s introspection on his past challenges and ultimate triumph serves as a beacon of inspiration, resonating not only with wrestling enthusiasts but with anyone navigating setbacks in their own pursuits.
McIntyre’s story is a reminder that setbacks are not endpoints but opportunities for growth and resurgence. His willingness to confront adversity head-on, learn from it, and emerge stronger underscores the universal theme of perseverance. By sharing his personal journey, McIntyre offers a compelling narrative of resilience and grit, encouraging others to persevere through their own obstacles and pursue their aspirations with relentless determination.
In reclaiming his spot at the pinnacle of professional wrestling, McIntyre not only reaffirms his own capabilities but also reinforces the belief that hard work and perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements. His story resonates as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome challenges, inspiring individuals from all walks of life to embrace resilience and forge ahead in the face of adversity.
