WWE Champion Drew McIntyre has offered advice to 19-year-old British darts champion Luke Littler, urging him to embrace the negative reactions he has been receiving from darts fans. Littler’s recent success in the sport has led to increased attention and some backlash among spectators.
Littler has accumulated several titles in darts, but his rise has not been without controversy, as he has occasionally responded sharply to critics during interviews and post-event comments. Speaking with SportBible, McIntyre addressed this tension, advising Littler to lean into the situation rather than resist it.
McIntyre Shares Insight on Handling Fan Reactions
Drew McIntyre highlighted the connection between consistent winning and increased scrutiny, explaining that sustained success can eventually lead to fatigue or resentment from the public. He recommended that Littler use these reactions as fuel for his competitive drive and maintain strong performances to justify his confidence.
“Eventually if you just keep winning, winning and winning people get bored of it and then he’s probably getting some of the stick that’s getting to him. So lean into it. Start saying how you feel. As long as you keep the performances and the victories going – you have to win when you talk that much trash. More people are going to show up, it’s going to generate interest for darts. If he starts leaning into that and running his mouth like he did in that one interview after the crowd were giving him a bit of stick, that’s what makes attendances grow.” – Drew McIntyre, WWE Champion
Background on Littler’s Rising Profile and Support
Though Littler’s rise has attracted criticism, he has also received encouragement from notable figures in the sports world. For example, Cody Rhodes sent Littler a supportive message ahead of the 2024 US Masters, demonstrating the growing recognition of his talent beyond darts. These interactions have helped raise Littler’s profile as he navigates his career amid both praise and boos from audiences.
Implications for Littler and the Sport of Darts
McIntyre’s advice suggests that Littler’s ability to channel fan hostility positively could increase interest in darts and boost attendance at events. By embracing the challenge of managing crowd reactions, Littler may foster a more engaging atmosphere that benefits both his personal brand and the sport as a whole. How he responds moving forward could influence his long-term popularity and competitive mindset.
