Drew McIntyre Reveals Undertaker’s Pivotal Career Advice: “Be the Wrestler, Not Play the Wrestler”
Breaking News: wrestling icon Drew McIntyre shared a profound piece of advice from WWE legend The Undertaker that fundamentally shaped his approach to his career. The advice, delivered when McIntyre was 24 and The Undertaker served as his assigned mentor, continues to resonate deeply.
Published: August 16, 2025
Speaking on Huge Pop! Radio, McIntyre detailed how The Undertaker’s mentorship aimed to instill a deeper understanding of performance authenticity. “When I was 24, he was my mentor,” McIntyre recounted. “Vince [McMahon] put him in charge of me, and I’d ask for advice. The big one that always stuck in my mind was: ‘Stop playing the wrestler and be the wrestler.'”
Initially, the cryptic advice left a young McIntyre perplexed. “I thought, ‘I’m in a wrestling ring, I’m doing wrestling, how am I not being a wrestler? I’m so confused right now,'” he admitted. It took years for the meaning to fully dawn on him, a realization he shared with The Undertaker recently. “We could talk like peers now,but at the time I just had no idea what he was talking about.”
The Power of Authenticity in Performance
McIntyre elaborated on how this advice translates to enduring success in the entertainment industry. He explained that while performing extraordinary maneuvers can earn applause, true emotional connection with an audience stems from embodying a character authentically.
“A lot of people go out there and just play wrestler,” McIntyre observed. “People watching might see them do pretty moves and think, ‘I enjoy watching this guy’ or ‘I enjoy watching this girl.’ They enjoy the performance aspect, but they’ll never get truly emotionally invested unless the performer is present, knows who they are as a character, and is selling the story, emotion, and action they want to convey.”
Embodying Character for Main Event Success
McIntyre emphasized that a failure to fully embody a character can cap an athlete’s potential,or make their achievements precarious. “If you can’t fully embody that character and be the wrestler instead of playing the wrestler,you’re never truly going to make it to the main event scene,” he stated. “And if you do make it as you’re such a freak athlete, you’re one injury away from not being able to do the stuff that got you this reaction [polite claps] rather of this reaction [deep emotional connection].”
The ultimate measure of success, for McIntyre, lies in fostering a connection that transcends mere physical prowess. “Clapping is one thing,but making people feel with their heart and think with their head is another. That’s when you truly get over and make waves.” This philosophy underscores the importance of depth and genuine emotional resonance in captivating an audience.
| Concept | McIntyre’s Insight |
|---|---|
| Playing Wrestler | Focusing on moves and performance without deep character connection. |
| Being the Wrestler | Embodying the character, conveying emotion, and connecting with the story. |
| Audience Connection | moving from polite applause to deep emotional investment. |
| Sustained Success | Authenticity is crucial for reaching and maintaining the main event level. |
Did You Know? The concept of “being the character” is a cornerstone of professional wrestling, a discipline that blends athletic competition with theatrical storytelling. Many athletes find their most meaningful breakthroughs when they tap into a persona that allows for genuine emotional expression and narrative depth.
Pro Tip: Whether in sports,acting,or public speaking,understanding and authentically conveying your message,persona,or character is key to building trust and lasting impact with your audience.Consider how your core values align with your outward presentation.
Engage with the Discussion
McIntyre’s reflections offer valuable lessons for anyone in the public eye. How have you seen authenticity make a difference in your favourite performers or public figures?
What other pieces of advice from wrestling veterans do you find particularly insightful?
Evergreen Insights: The art of Authentic Performance
The advice given to Drew McIntyre by The Undertaker highlights a timeless principle applicable across various fields: the distinction between performing a role and truly embodying it. In an era saturated with content, authenticity has become a more significant currency than ever before.
For athletes, this means connecting with fans on an emotional level that goes beyond impressive physical feats. it involves understanding the narrative, the character’s motivations, and conveying genuine emotion. This deepens the audience’s investment,transforming passive viewers into dedicated fans.
Similarly, in buisness, leaders who are authentic and transparent tend to build stronger relationships and foster greater trust. In creative endeavors, artists who infuse their work with personal experience and genuine feeling often resonate more profoundly with audiences. The core message remains consistent: true impact comes from being, not just playing.
Consider the parallels in modern digital content creation. Influencers and creators who are perceived as genuine and relatable frequently enough build more loyal communities than those who project an inauthentic image. This underscores that emotional connection, fostered by authenticity, is a powerful driver of engagement and long-term success in any public-facing role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wrestling Performance
What is the core advice Drew McIntyre received from The Undertaker?
Drew McIntyre was advised by the Undertaker to “Stop playing the wrestler and be the wrestler,” emphasizing authentic character embodiment over simply performing wrestling moves.
Why is being the wrestler more impactful than playing the wrestler?
Being the wrestler involves true emotional connection and character authenticity, which deeply invests the audience, whereas playing the wrestler focuses more on performance aspects that may not foster lasting engagement.
How does authenticity contribute to success in professional wrestling?
Authenticity helps wrestlers connect with fans on an emotional level, leading to greater fan investment and supporting sustained success and main event status, as opposed to relying solely on athletic ability.
When did The Undertaker mentor Drew McIntyre?
The Undertaker served as Drew McIntyre’s mentor when McIntyre was 24 years old, during his early years with WWE.
What separates a prosperous wrestler from a mediocre one,according to McIntyre?
McIntyre believes that the ability to fully embody a character and connect emotionally with the audience distinguishes successful wrestlers,leading to a deeper impact than just performing well.
What is the ultimate goal of authentic performance in wrestling?
The ultimate goal is to make people feel with their heart and think with their head, creating a profound connection that leads to significant impact and recognition.
