For the better part of 2020, the WWE had a champion that fans universally enjoyed as Drew McIntyre took the WWE Championship from Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 36.
The biggest hurdle from the year was working without fans in attendance, but McIntyre really worked hard and it showed as week in and week out he was the center of attention on WWE Raw.
McIntyre got to work with some awesome individuals that helped lift him up and take center stage, and it’s one of the things he’s proudest about, as he said when he appeared on Out of Character podcast with Ryan Satin (Special thanks to Out of Character for the transcript):
“We needed somebody to step up and be the champion and carry the load and represent the company,” McIntyre said. “Not just on the show but doing media outside of the ring, too. And everyone I worked with during that period, I was so fortunate to get the chance to be in the ring with. I was fortunate to have the trust of trying new things in uncharted waters and throwing things against the wall to see what stuck.”
It wasn’t all roses
Many fans, including us, have voiced our opinions at him still being in the championship picture, and he spoke about that criticism.
He understands that most of us just think a change is needed and it’s nothing about the level of work he’s put in as no one could ask for more from him or those he’s worked with.
“These days, because of my journey, all the ups and downs, I’m so hardened to criticism. But I never worry if it’s constructive criticism. I appreciate constructive criticism.
“I understand some fans may be like, ‘Ugh, I’d like a new fresh face in the picture,’ perhaps. Realistically, I have been fighting for the title or been champion for over a year now — which is a pretty significant time — but I don’t think anyone is saying, ‘Oh my goodness, Drew’s not working as hard as he can to give us the best matches possible and do the best he can with every interview possible.’ I think it’s more, ‘I would like to see something different here and see Drew do something different over here.’
“I would love to win the title back from Lashley and walk out in front of fans once we get back on the road as WWE Champion. But if, somehow, he screws me out of it just to keep the title, I will get my moment in front of the fans.”
This has been our argument, and it’s mainly because Lashley chasing the title should have been a longer feud, and with Lashley all but dominating their matches the last two times it feels overstretched.
Like McIntyre, we’d love to see him with the championship again, but we would prefer to see it done in front of a packed house say at SummerSlam and not Hell in a Cell.
What are your thoughts? Do you think Drew McIntyre should still be in the championship picture or wait until he can win in front of live crowds? Let us know in the comments below.
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