During a recent WWE show, mention was made of a lesser-remembered Drew McIntyre championship reign that happened several years ago. This reference highlighted McIntyre’s earlier successes before his rise to current stardom, shedding light on his journey through the wrestling world.
Drew McIntyre was initially promoted as WWE’s future star when he first signed with the company. However, he struggled under the pressure, eventually becoming a mid-card act and later being released. Afterward, McIntyre reinvented himself in TNA Wrestling as Drew Galloway, where he captured the TNA World Heavyweight Championship once. His strong performances in TNA paved the way for a return to WWE, where he joined the NXT brand and won the NXT Championship during his tenure there. Both these title reigns have been recently recalled in WWE commentary and discussions.
Notable Ladder Match Links McIntyre to Other Multi-Title Holders
In an NXT ladder match to determine the next NXT Champion, commentators noted that if Joe Hendry emerged victorious, he would join a select group of wrestlers who held both TNA and NXT titles. This group includes Robert Roode, Drew McIntyre, Nic Nemeth, and Trick Williams, drawing a direct connection between McIntyre’s forgotten reigns and the current competitive landscape.
Drew McIntyre’s Perspective on Trick Williams’ SmackDown Promotion
Trick Williams earned significant acclaim during his year-long run on NXT, which led to a promotion to WWE’s SmackDown roster. In a TMZ Inside The Ring interview, Drew McIntyre expressed respect and hope for Williams’ future success on the main roster.
“Coming up right now, that I’ve gotten to see enough of, maybe Trick,” McIntyre said. “He certainly has a great look, charisma, and ability. It’s just what you do when you’re given the ball. I got the ball to the highest level when I was younger and wasn’t able to quite maximize and had to take the long way around. Hopefully, Trick takes that opportunity and absolutely smashes it. Based on what I’m seeing, he’s young, jacked, and handsome, just like I was. He’s going to get some opportunities.” [H/T PWMania]
McIntyre’s comments underscore the challenges he faced early in his career and his hopes that Williams can seize his moment more effectively.
The Enduring Impact of McIntyre’s Early Title Runs
The renewed attention on Drew McIntyre’s earlier reigns in both TNA and NXT highlights how pivotal these accomplishments were in shaping his career trajectory. His evolution from a pressured young talent to a reinvented champion demonstrates the resilience required to succeed in professional wrestling. Recognizing these earlier reigns provides fans and analysts with a deeper appreciation for his current status as WWE’s top star.
As WWE continues to build new stars like Trick Williams, McIntyre’s experience serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration, emphasizing the importance of maximizing opportunities and adapting through challenges. His forgotten reigns remain an integral part of WWE’s larger narrative, reminding audiences of the long road that some champions travel before reaching the pinnacle.
NO smiling. LOCKED IN. ALL motivation.
LET’S GO, JOE HENDRY!!
Booker T started singing again. 😂😂😂 #WWENXT
pic.twitter.com/48ecL7SyxW— 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐕𝐞𝐧 (@WrestlingCovers) February 4, 2026
