Steve Austin's Broken Skull Sessions: Drew McIntyre FULL RECAP
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin sits down with the current WWE Champion Drew McIntyre to discuss and analyze the Scottish Warrior's career thus far, as well as share never-before-told stories from in and outside the ring. Read the full recap below.
Drew McIntyre:
Stone Cold opened by noting it had been a while since the two had crossed paths. Drew reflects on this and notes it was back in LA where he introduced himself to Steve mid-conversation, so this is their first proper conversation.
Steve brings up how he has been following his career for quite some time, so he’s looking forward to it. Drew has been in the business for 19 years with his first match taking place at age 16.
Steve congratulates Drew on being WWE Champion and asked if his perspective changed this time around. Drew: “I feel exactly the same as I did the first time, so it’s like the first time every time. The difference was, I was sitting at WrestleMania and there was nobody there at the Performance Center. It still meant the world to me.” During his victory in the Thunderdome, Drew noted it was great to have the fans present and even saw his wife holding their cat in the crowd.
Steve asked about the belt, which Drew brings out. Stone Cold loves the weight and the feel of it, asks about his thoughts on being the World Champion. Drew explains this was his lifelong dream and he was expected to do big things early on, including Vince McMahon who told everyone at 23 that McIntyre was the future. Drew points out the highs and lows and at times, it would have been laughable for him to be considered World Champion, so he is humbled to be trusted as “the guy.” He’s the fan’s chosen one now.
Stone points out how the belt is a word, but also a shoot. Drew agrees by noting that you’re “the guy to pull the wagon” if you hold it. Stone Cold jokes if he ever wore the championship through an airport, which he brought up during the Undertaker episode while noting it’s a rib if the boys suggest you should do it. Back in 2009, Drew won the IC Title and Randy Orton suggested he needs to wear it to Applebee’s with the guys, so he did but wasn’t embarrassed.
Drew&A was a way to have fans relate to him during downtime while also exploring his interests such as talking to bodybuilders, shark experts etc. A clip is shown of Drew interviewing Matthew McConaughey who touches on watching WCCW and getting kicked out of an arena for throwing rotten tomatoes at Skandor Akbar, snuck back in and spit on King Kong Bundy.
A picture is brought of a very young Drew meeting Yokozuna. McIntyre put over Yoko for not phoning it in during a small show in Ayr, Scotland while working as WWF Champion.
More photos are shown, but this time of Drew holding a magazine with Stone Cold on the cover and later sleeping with a Stone Cold comforter. This was very flattering to Steve and noted how cool it was while displaying his full fandom.
At 15, Drew attended wrestling school 12 hours away from his home. The two noted how chain wrestling is arguably the most challenging component of learning.
Drew would be the one working with outside talent such as Marty Jannetty, so he would absorb knowledge from them and pass it on to everyone else. At 16, Drew brought up how Jake Roberts came over to a seminar, specifically pointed him out and remarked, “this guy might make it.”
Drew and Sheamus connected over their mutual love for the business and loved Bret Hart, so would sit and dissect his matches together.
Drew learned about body and diet from Sheamus while McIntyre primarily helped him improve in the ring.
Sheamus was Drew’s foot in the door to WWE. The two would work in the ring against each other for a WWE tryout and while Drew received positive feedback, he was asked to return 6 months later as John Laurinaitis wasn’t present to sign him. As a side story, Drew brought up going out to a club with Sheamus and how the bouncer was told WWE performers were there, so take care of them. Drew and Sheamus lived it up in VIP until getting tapped on the shoulder by Bobby Lashley and Boogyman, the performers the bouncer was told to take care of. Fortunately, they were both super nice and helpful.
During the next tryout, John Laurinaitis takes Drew for a walk and says, I’m thinking about signing you, while Drew, at 21, responded with, “I’m thinking about letting you.” This popped Steve.
Drew went head over to OVW and rolled out with a heel in the ring the writers were checking out. He was then asked to cut a promo. This led to Howard Finkel calling him and providing him with details to come on the road for SmackDown. Drew assumed this was normal, but after only one week at OVW, Al Snow explained it’s not and he required more training.
Drew worked a SmackDown match with Dave Taylor and learned about all the details such as working the hard camera as it was quite foreign to him.
Just looking at the photo with Drew and Dave Taylor, Stone Cold could tell that despite being physically impressive, he lacked confidence, which Drew confirmed was accurate.
Drew would then be sent to FCW and admitted he had to go back to move forward. McIntyre specifically points out learning a lot from Dr. Tom Prichard, who Austin also points out as an early mentor of his.
On September 25, 2009, Vince McMahon introduces Drew as a future World Heavyweight Champion. This also came with a ton of pressure and a target on his back.
A rare clip is shown of promo class where he jokingly attempts to throw a bottle at Vince McMahon, which made him flinch.
By WrestleMania 26, things started to go downhill. Vince would explain to Drew that Undertaker will be your mentor and we will build to a match with you two down the line. The tentative plan was for those two to battle at WrestleMania 26. Drew’s mother got sick for the first time after being diagnosed with cancer, so he acted out by drinking every night. Drew kept this to himself as he knew the company would likely send him home. Steve empathized with this since he knew how heavily that would weigh on his mind.
Steve asked more about Undertaker with Drew joking that he harassed him all the time. Taker would tell him, stop playing the wrestler and be the wrestler. He wasn’t relaxed enough. Drew felt Undertaker was talking in riddles, but his IQ was so high compared to his that it took years to click.
Going back to WrestleMania 26, Drew was told he was intended to win the MITB match, but it would have been too obvious, so the outcome was changed.
3MB was brought up and Drew laughs at the photo. Jinder and Drew were brought in as Vince wanted to see their personalities. Drew was pissed off and felt it was dead on arrival, but he loved both of them.
June 12, 2014, Drew McIntyre is released. Steve asked how it hit him. Drew was surprised since 3MB was pretty heavily featured. He was overwhelmed with emotion, but felt he wasn’t good enough and let Vince down. Looking in the mirror, Drew blamed himself.
Drew felt he needed to fall on his ass outside of the bubble since it removed that entitlement. He could have kept working hard and applied himself.
Drew’s mission statement was planned for ICW in three weeks. He called the promotor, a friend of his, in an effort to start all over and regain perspective.
Steve brought up how he found himself in a similar situation after being fired from WCW and he didn’t know it at the time, but Paul Heyman was his lifesaver.
Drew’s goal was to become the biggest star in independent wrestling and to put independent wrestling back on the map. He wanted to be the first travelling world champion since Ric Flair.
Steve shows a clip of Drew’s return to ICW on July 27, 2014. During the promo, Drew Galloway spoke from the heart and it was totally authentic. Both Steve and Drew had goosebumps watching it. He was laser-focused and intense for those 20 minutes.
Drew was the one who called the promoter, not the other way around.
Drew’s schedule was actually even busier than WWE’s since he was travelling all over the world and at one point held seven championships. Social media was his tool to take everyone following on his journey. This was a very healthy time for independent wrestling.
As his confidence grew, Drew got more comfortable and listened to his gut when cutting promos. He wanted his character to be consistent across every promotion.
Drew’s mission statement started off as “I’m going to show you what I’m all about” then it evolved into “I’m going to show you what wrestling’s all about.” Drew referenced his Talk Is Jericho appearance where he noting gaining experience and building himself back up to WWE one day.
Originally, he had his eye on Japan, but Regal reached out and wanted to chat before making a decision. Regal then arranged a call between Drew and Triple H. Both men were very proud of Drew and wanted him in NXT. According to Drew, NXT had to be the destination since the audience would have been following his progression. It was important to be a leader and prove himself there.
His NXT TakeOver: Orlando appearance is shown with Drew noting he was incredibly nervous 10 seconds before the clip in fear that the audience wouldn’t remember him.
Drew was very familiar with the NXT scene and kept his finger on the pulse. He still does.
With Shawn Michaels working with the talent in NXT, Drew would drive down twice or three times a week just to learn from him.
Drew McIntyre vs Bobby Roode from NXT TakeOver Brooklyn III is shown. Steve noted loving the headbutt, Claymore and the way he pinned Bobby. Going through Drew’s mind was, “I’m back on track.”
The Claymore was invented during his time in 3MB thanks in part to the tight leather pants. He was intended to give a big boot, but in fear of the pants splitting, he kicked up his other leg and essentially knocked himself out. In the back, someone said, “if you can figure out how to use that move without killing yourself, it will be great.”
Steve brought up how Michael Hayes showed him the Stunner backstage during a television taping in North Carolina. Due to drinking too much beer, his shorts would be too tight and end up kicking most of his opponents in the balls as opposed to the gut when setting up the Stunner.
In 2018, Drew gets called back to Raw. Steve asked if there was a come to Jesus meeting with Vince, but there was no conversation. While getting backstage in Gorilla, Vince hugged Drew and said welcome home. It was only later on that the two started talking more frequently.
Steve put over the 2020 Royal Rumble as one of the best in years. He loved how Drew smack talked Brock upon entering the ring and looked like a man on a mission. Both Steve and Drew put over Brock’s bump from the Claymore while he achieved a Road Warrior pop. Steve loved the little nuance of how he tossed Roman Reigns out of the ring with authority to win.
Drew used Brock as motivation in terms of getting physically bigger and more imposing. With Paul Heyman by Lesnar’s side, it was also important that he refined his microphone skills and ability to adlib.
Royal Rumble 2020 is in front of a sold out crowd, but as COVID hits, WrestleMania would be drastically altered. Drew was immediately pulled out of the UK and flown back to America.
Austin brings up the staredown photo between him and Brock at WrestleMania. Drew jokes that he was so amped up and ready to fight if that Brock tried any funny business, he was fully prepared.
Originally, Drew was quite frustrated and down with the fact no fans would be in the audience during the biggest moment of his career, but he eventually came back down to reality when he realized all of the lives impacted by COVID. His new goal was to be an escape for those who required one.
WrestleMania was surreal as it was a skeleton crew and Drew needed to psych himself up. That said, his game face came on as he made his entrance. He also noted that Brock was in the zone too. Drew credits Brock and Paul, through his reactions on the outside, with helping to create a new Superstar.
Despite the unique circumstances, Drew is optimistic that he will receive a second big moment at WrestleMania in front a crowd. The championship celebration felt more like a private moment and montage of the highs and lows along with the countless sacrifices. Steve commends Drew for breaking the fourth wall and reaching out to the screen. This was McIntyre saying, “thank you for choosing me.”
Steve then turns the conversation to Randy Orton. Drew would note that if he were Batman, Randy was his Joker. This was Drew’s true test to prove himself as a champion while also absorbing knowledge from Orton. Drew believes this feud cemented him as a top-tier superstar.
A clip is shown of Drew’s promo where he called out Randy for not picking him up when he was down 10 years prior and labelling him a prick. Steve loved it since it felt real. McIntyre knew this was the moment that would prove he belonged in this spot.
Drew commended Randy for being so remarkably talented and a leader full of knowledge but feels Orton often doubts it.
Drew believes in leading by example and with the situation being unique, trying something new to see what sticks. Just have fun and go with it during uncharted waters. Whether he made a pop culture during segment one or interacting with the commentators, he’s always thinking outside the box and he got a lot of that mindset from Fit Finlay.
Drew and Steve chat about building relationships with those behind the scenes since they help make the Superstars larger than life.
Steve points out a 40-second promo of Drew’s that he loved. Austin would note how Drew made him believe in the character about the title, the match and the opponent, so he was entirely sold on it. Steve also believes that Drew is one of the biggest promos in the business today. Most of this stems from the fact that Drew wants to constantly elevate the title and compete against himself.
Steve believed that the second time Drew won the WWE Championship elevated him to another level. Drew pointed out how this was the first time the championship changed hands on Raw in 5 years. This felt very different since the crowd was actually present in the form of the Thunderdome.
Generally, a babyface should chase the title, but Drew feels the fans respond to him better holding it. Steve completely agrees.
Drew noted that being champion feels real to him and it will never get old. Losing the championship was important to show some resolve.
Steve loved the recent match at Survivor Series between Drew and Roman Reigns since it was two alphas going toe to toe. Drew felt far more confident going up against Roman this time around as opposed to WrestleMania 35. Behind the scenes, Drew praises Roman for helping him and others out. The Thunderdome greatly helped with the atmosphere for this big fight feel.
Drew was proud of the outcome that despite losing, he didn’t give him and while Roman Reigns was proven to be the guy, so was McIntyre. When the story comes back around, Drew feels it will be even bigger. Steve noted that when two opponents are meshing, verbalizing and making people connect, that’s where the money is and he sees that with Drew. Austin would also note that as a big guy, Drew sells his ass off and people feel when he’s in pain or struggling. McIntyre is clearly very humbled by Steve’s compliments.
When studying Drew’s work, Steve sees the nuances of Fit Finlay, Dave Taylor and William Regal, but the way he works, Drew is completely unique.
Specifically, Steve focuses on a spot at Survivor Series where McIntyre counters the spear into a Kimura. When Roman went over, it didn’t hurt Drew at all.
The sword entrance was envisioned different from Vince where Drew would carry it to the ring, but McIntyre brought up some concerns about it being over the top. Vince then swung around the sword and jammed it down. Drew put over how simple yet creative it was. The sword was actually Vince’s, which was a gift from Triple H and Stephanie.
Heading into 2021, Drew is simply hoping for fans. He’s proud of being a face for the brand, but he wants everyone back in person to feel their electricity since they are truly the number one Superstar.
Drew’s biggest goal is to bring a major WWE PPV to the UK such as the Royal Rumble. The fans deserve it and it would easily sell out.
Steve felt that when Vince bestowed the moniker of “The Chosen One” on Drew, he was right, it just took several years for it to manifest into the version we see today. Austin noted being very proud of Drew McIntyre.
This was a very enjoyable conversation and you can tell that Steve is genuinely a fan of Drew’s work, so this almost felt like a true endorsement from arguably the biggest star in WWE history.
