Drew McIntyre Reflects on WWE’s Disastrous First Character Pitch Experience

October 29, 2024

Wrestling Star drew McIntyre Recalls Nearly Debuting With A Shocking Gimmick

Drew McIntyre, a prominent figure in professional wrestling, has recently shared details about a nearly-realized character he was slated to portray upon his initial arrival in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The Scottish grappler recounted being pitched a strikingly different persona than the “Chosen One” that fans eventually came to recognise.

The Unconventional Pitch: ‘The Runway Man‘

According to McIntyre, prior to being presented as “The Chosen One” in August 2009 on WWE SmackDown, officials envisioned him as “The Runway Man.” He recalled John Laurinaitis, then head of talent relations, presenting the concept, describing a character centered around a model-like presence and a dramatic runway entrance. McIntyre expressed that he promptly felt apprehension about the idea.

“I was picturing in my head, basically all my dreams were going to hell,” he stated in an interview on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast. “The lifeS work of a Scotsman, it was all going down the toilet.”

Vince McMahon’s intuition and A Change Of Course

The proposed gimmick was then presented to Vince McMahon, the former Chairman and CEO of WWE. McIntyre remained largely silent during the presentation, allowing Laurinaitis to convey the idea.He described McMahon as perceiving his reservations,prompting a direct question about his feelings. McIntyre responded with a willingness to perform whatever was asked,but his hesitation was evident.

Thankfully, the creative team ultimately decided against “The Runway Man,” allowing McIntyre to portray a character more aligned with his authentic self. However, he admitted that it wasn’t until his eventual return to WWE after a previous release that he truly discovered his wrestling identity.

Early Training Struggles

McIntyre also reflected on his initial days of wrestling training, acknowledging a humbling learning curve. Despite his athletic background, the technical aspects and physicality of professional wrestling proved more challenging than anticipated. He described his early experiences as feeling like “Bambi on ice,” requiring substantially more effort than he initially expected.

“I was so convinced I’d walk in the first day and the guy was going to go, ‘Hey everybody, we’ve got the next Stone Cold Steve Austin here.’ And it was, ‘Oh crap, I’ve got so much to learn,'” he explained. He underscored the necessity of relentless dedication to overcome these initial hurdles.

Key Moment	Details
initial Gimmick Pitch	“The Runway Man” – a model-inspired character.
Presenting authority	John Laurinaitis initially pitched the idea, followed by Vince McMahon.
McIntyre’s Reaction	Strongly opposed to the character.
Ultimate Outcome	Gimmick rejected; McIntyre portrayed “the Chosen One”.

Did You Know? The Florida Championship Wrestling developmental program, predating NXT, played a crucial role in shaping the careers of many current WWE stars.

Pro Tip: Character work in wrestling is often a collaborative process. Wrestlers frequently provide input and feedback to refine their personas.

This story highlights the often-unseen creative process behind professional wrestling and the importance of a wrestler’s ability to connect with a character authentically. It reinforces that the most compelling performers are often those who can draw upon their own experiences and personalities.

What other unconventional wrestling gimmicks have surprised you? Do you think wrestlers should always have creative control over their characters?

the Evolution of Wrestling Gimmicks

Professional wrestling has a long history of evolving gimmicks, from outlandish characters to more grounded personas. The success of a gimmick often depends on its timing, the performer’s ability to connect with the audience, and the overall creative direction of the promotion. In recent years, WWE has placed a greater emphasis on allowing wrestlers to develop characters that feel more genuine and relatable, drawing from their own lives and experiences. This shift reflects a broader trend in entertainment towards authenticity and storytelling that resonates with modern audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drew McIntyre

• What was Drew McIntyre’s original wrestling gimmick? Drew McIntyre was initially pitched the “Runway Man” gimmick, envisioned as a model-inspired character.
• Who pitched the “Runway Man” gimmick to Drew McIntyre? John Laurinaitis, then head of talent relations at WWE, initially presented the idea.
• how did Vince McMahon react to the “Runway Man” gimmick? Vince McMahon appeared to recognize McIntyre’s reluctance toward the gimmick.
• What gimmick did Drew McIntyre ultimately debut with in WWE? He debuted as “The Chosen One”.
• Did drew McIntyre struggle with his initial wrestling training? Yes, he acknowledged a steep learning curve and feeling unprepared for the technical aspects of wrestling.
• Why is a wrestler’s authentic connection to a gimmick critically important? A genuine connection allows the wrestler to portray the character more convincingly, leading to a stronger audience response.
• What is Florida championship Wrestling? It was WWE’s original developmental territory, preceding the current NXT brand.

Share your thoughts on this story and Drew McIntyre’s career in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with your fellow wrestling fans!

How did the lack of creative control during McIntyre’s initial WWE run impact his ability to connect with the audience as the “Chosen One”?

The Initial “Chosen One” Concept & Its Flaws

Drew McIntyre,now a prominent figure in WWE,hasn’t shied away from discussing his initial run with the company and the meaningful missteps in his character development. His first attempt at a main event push, centered around the “Chosen One” gimmick in 2009, is widely regarded as a failure. McIntyre recently detailed the experience, highlighting the lack of creative direction and the pressure to live up to a pre-defined, yet poorly constructed, persona.

the core issue wasn’t McIntyre’s talent, but the execution. WWE presented him as the hand-picked successor to vince McMahon,a chosen one destined for greatness. However, the narrative lacked depth and failed to connect with the audience. He was essentially told who he was,rather than allowed to become someone. This resulted in a character that felt forced and inauthentic.

* Lack of Character Nuance: The “Chosen One” was presented as simply good, lacking any compelling flaws or relatable struggles.

* Over-reliance on McMahon’s Endorsement: The gimmick hinged entirely on Vince McMahon’s approval, making McIntyre feel like a puppet rather than a star in his own right.

* Insufficient Storytelling: The build-up to his supposed rise was rushed and lacked meaningful rivalries or challenges.

The Impact of Limited Creative control

McIntyre’s frustration stemmed from a lack of creative input. He was a young performer, eager to contribute to his character’s development, but his ideas were largely ignored. This is a common issue for rising stars in WWE, where established writers and management often dictate creative direction.

He’s spoken about feeling stifled,unable to inject his personality into the role. The pressure to conform to the pre-determined image ultimately hindered his ability to connect with fans. This experience became a valuable lesson for McIntyre, shaping his approach to character work upon his eventual return to WWE in 2018.He understood the importance of collaboration and having a voice in his own narrative.

The role of Vince McMahon in Early Character Decisions

Vince mcmahon’s direct involvement in the “Chosen one” storyline was both a blessing and a curse. While the endorsement initially provided a platform, it also created an habitat where McIntyre felt he had to constantly seek approval. McMahon’s vision,while powerful,didn’t fully align with what the audience wanted or what McIntyre was capable of delivering. This disconnect ultimately contributed to the gimmick’s downfall.

the 3MB Era: A Creative Low Point

Following the failure of the “chosen One” push, McIntyre was relegated to the 3MB stable alongside Heath Slater and jinder Mahal. while the group provided some comedic relief, it was a significant step down for McIntyre and further stalled his momentum. He has described this period as creatively damaging, feeling like his potential was being wasted.

* Devaluation of Talent: 3MB was often used as comedic fodder, undermining the seriousness of McIntyre’s wrestling ability.

* Lack of Competitive Matches: The group rarely engaged in high-profile feuds or championship pursuits.

* Lost momentum: The prolonged stint in 3MB eroded the initial hype surrounding McIntyre’s arrival.

Lessons Learned & The Road to Redemption

McIntyre’s departure from WWE in 2014 proved to be a turning point. He spent years honing his craft on the independent circuit, developing his character and gaining valuable experience. This period of self-finding allowed him to refine his in-ring skills and cultivate a more authentic persona.

upon his return to WWE in 2018, McIntyre was a different performer. He was more confident, more polished, and more determined to succeed.He actively collaborated with the creative team, ensuring that his character resonated with the audience. This collaborative approach, coupled with his undeniable talent, led to his eventual rise to the top of WWE, culminating in two WWE Championship reigns.

McIntyre’s Advice for Aspiring wrestlers

Based on his experiences, McIntyre offers valuable advice to aspiring wrestlers:

1. Develop Your Own Identity: don’t rely solely on what others tell you to be. Find what makes you unique and embrace it.
2. Be Proactive: Take initiative and contribute to your character’s development.
3. Never Stop Learning: Continuously refine your skills and seek feedback from trusted sources.
4. Understand the Business: Learn the intricacies of the wrestling industry and how to navigate its challenges.

The Importance of Authentic Character Work in Pro Wrestling

McIntyre’s story underscores the importance of authentic character work in professional wrestling. Fans connect with performers who feel genuine and relatable. A forced or contrived gimmick, no matter how well-intentioned, is unlikely to resonate with the audience. The modern WWE, and wrestling as a whole, increasingly prioritizes allowing performers to showcase their personalities and connect with fans on a deeper level. McIntyre’s success is a testament to the power of authenticity and the importance of creative freedom.