Drew McIntyre is no stranger to being released by WWE and then coming back strong.
McIntyre was released by the company in June 2014, but went on to make a name for himself in IMPACT Wrestling and the Independent scene before returning in April 2017. McIntyre has found plenty of success since returning, becoming a two-time WWE Champion.
With WWE releasing talent on a monthly basis since April, McIntyre is hopeful for their future.
“You know, when the releases happen, it’s a sad time. We’re gonna miss seeing a lot of our superstars regularly every week (on) television,” he said on a virtual media call (via IBTimes). “But at the same time, it is a huge opportunity. That’s the way I look at it. Perhaps some of the superstars that were released weren’t particularly happy with their position. Now, they have an opportunity to go out there and reinvent themselves and the world’s opening back up. The wrestling scene was thriving and will be thriving again very soon with live fans back in the building all across the world. And they’ll get the chance to go out there and try something different. Really make their own name and create their own buzz.”
McIntyre continued by saying, “I was so fortunate that when I was released from the WWE, that’s exactly what my mindset was–I’m gonna put the image out that I see myself as, as opposed to what others see me as. Thankfully, it caught on. I was given a lot of opportunities outside of WWE to make my name and it brought me back to WWE and to the top of the mountain. There are so many talented individuals that just got released. They can do exactly the same [as I did]. If they’ve got the work ethic and the passion, they’re gonna make it happen and I’ll see them all again one day"
The former Aleister Black quickly found work outside of WWE, making his AEW debut as Malakai Black on Wednesday's Dynamite. You can find his comments on his debut by clicking here.
Another recently released talent, Buddy Murphy, spoke to Fightful about his release. You can watch the interview by clicking here.