Drew McIntyre does not take for granted the responsibilities of being the top Superstar in WWE during a global pandemic and at WrestleMania 37, he is looking forward to welcoming back the audience.
Last April, during the most unconventional WrestleMania in the history of the event, Drew McIntyre defeated Brock Lesnar in 5 minutes to begin his first reign as WWE Champion, a reign that would see him be the face of the company during what can arguably be considered the most challenging time in company history.
Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Drew McIntyre opened up about his position at the top of the company during the pandemic era and earning the trust of Vince McMahon to be able to go out without a script and do and say what he feels is right.
“That’s why I stared straight into the camera after I won the belt from Brock Lesnar last year at WrestleMania,” McIntyre says. “We’re not supposed to do that, but it was very important to me to make a connection with the people at home. Vince [McMahon] trusts me enough to go out and do and say what I feel. If I’m believing it, and it feels right, then the fans believe it. I am grateful to be in this position and fight for the people, and I hope that shows.”
Drew McIntyre was also able to be the face of the company during a moment in January of 2021 when he was actually diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. Drew was able to deliver another message from his home on Monday Night Raw promising to make a full recovery. For Drew, this message meant a lot.
“I’m so proud I could deliver that message while I was WWE Champion,” McIntyre says. “The best way to fight this thing is to wear our masks and stay socially distant. I’m following all the safety protocols to the letter. Sometimes I’m a hermit at home, and I still got it. We are going to get through this; we just need to work together. I’m glad I had the opportunity to speak out and hammer home how serious this situation is.”
Now, Drew McIntyre can turn his full attention to facing Bobby Lashley at this year's WrestleMania in hopes of capturing the WWE championship for the third time and his first time in front of a live crowd.
“I’m so excited to have fans back at WrestleMania, and I think people genuinely don’t know what’s going to happen in our match. Lashley has really stepped up and deserves this moment. People are invested, and we are going to give the heavyweight title clash that wrestling is all about.”
Fightful will have live coverage of both nights of Wrestlemania during the second weekend in April.
