WWE Undisputed Champion Drew McIntyre recently shared insights about the Drew McIntyre fan reception since capturing the title from Cody Rhodes during an interview on TMZ’s Inside the Ring. Speaking from Europe, McIntyre said that, overall, the response has been mostly positive, especially from fans in his home region. He acknowledged that some fans, whom The Rock dubbed “Cody Crybabies,” initially resisted his rise due to their loyalty to Rhodes. However, McIntyre expressed appreciation for supporters who have remained with him throughout his journey.
“If you’ve been on the bandwagon, you’ve been supporting me through the worst of times, then good. If you’ve not been with me, then get lost. I don’t need you. I said, I didn’t need you then, I don’t need you now. So keep enjoying the show,”
McIntyre said. He also promised a more unpredictable and intense reign as champion than what fans might expect from Rhodes, describing his approach as “dangerous and unpredictable.”
Encounter with an Angry Fan at a Photo Opportunity
McIntyre recounted a tense moment backstage during a recent show. A fan who had won a raffle to meet a WWE superstar chose to meet McIntyre instead of Rhodes, despite warnings about the potential for conflict. The fan confronted McIntyre, proclaiming that he was holding “Cody’s title” and even attempted to lunge at him. Security intervened quickly to prevent any physical altercation.
After calming the fan down, McIntyre took a photo with him and the championship belt to ease tensions. Despite this, the fan continued to express frustration, prompting McIntyre to back away, letting security maintain distance, and then jokingly waving the title before the fan left.
“He was really, really genuinely upset. It was great,”
McIntyre remarked with a laugh, highlighting the emotional investment of passionate fans.
The Value of Passionate and Vocal Fans
McIntyre emphasized his preference for emotionally engaged fans, whether their feelings are positive or negative. He explained that it is better to have fans actively involved, making noise and showing passion, rather than those who remain indifferent or silent throughout events.
“I want fans like that. As long as you’re passionate, you’re making noise. There’s nothing worse than somebody just sitting there, sitting on their hands, not making noise whatsoever,”
McIntyre said. He shared personal anecdotes about his extensive fan interactions, noting that regular appearances and thousands of photos taken with fans add to that connection.
He also acknowledged that some attendees might initially come as casual viewers but quickly become captivated by the WWE spectacle, gaining enthusiasm for Drew McIntyre as they invest emotionally in the performances.
Drew McIntyre’s Message to His Critics
Addressing his detractors, McIntyre welcomed the negativity, suggesting it fuels his competitive spirit. He admitted he wished for more opposition to challenge him, promising to continue antagonizing those who oppose him.
“Keep hating. I absolutely love it. I mean, there’s just not as many. I wish I had more. So I’m going to keep running my mouth,”
McIntyre said, adding confidence in his resilience and ability to out-talk critics both online and in person. He painted himself as a formidable figure, blending physical dominance with sharp verbal prowess and joked about his intimidating presence.
Upcoming Title Defense at the Royal Rumble 2026
Drew McIntyre is set to defend his WWE Undisputed Championship this weekend against challenger Sami Zayn at the Royal Rumble 2026. The event will take place on Saturday, January 31, at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will be broadcast live on the ESPN App for viewers in the United States, with Netflix streaming internationally.
This title defense marks an important moment in McIntyre’s championship reign, presenting an opportunity to prove his capability as a fighting champion amid intense fan reactions and critical scrutiny.
