Drew McIntyre Reveals Near Move to NJPW Before 2017 WWE Return

Drew McIntyre, known as the Scottish Warrior, nearly joined New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) before his 2017 return to WWE, but advice from William Regal and a conversation with Triple H convinced him to come back to WWE instead. McIntyre's initial WWE run as "The Chosen One" was hindered by a lack of creative control, resulting in a character that felt forced and failed to connect with the audience, teaching him valuable lessons for his later career. After his 2014 WWE release, McIntyre rebuilt his career on the independent circuit and in TNA, eventually returning to WWE where he became a multi-time world champion and a standard-bearer for released wrestlers seeking success. He proudly acknowledges his role as an inspiration for others like Cody Rhodes and Matt Cardona, who have similarly reinvented themselves after WWE releases. McIntyre is currently set to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Saturday Night's Main Event, highlighting a rivalry built on mutual respect despite their competitive history. His journey exemplifies resilience, reinvention, and the importance of creative freedom in professional wrestling.