Drew McIntyre hasn’t wrestled in WWE since WrestleMania 42, but he’s already planning some surprises for when he gets back. The former WWE Champion has spent months working on his body, and he’s now moving better than he did in his 20s. And when he finally returns to the ring, he’s bringing some moves people haven’t seen from him in years, along with a few new ones.
Speaking during an interview with Chris Van Vliet on INSIGHT, McIntyre explained that his time away from WWE has allowed him to completely change how he trains. Instead of simply focusing on getting bigger, he’s been putting serious work into his footwork, balance, flexibility and conditioning.
“I’ve been working out a lot. Like I’ve been building my body from the ground up, like improving my, you know, foundation. I didn’t realize how important it was till the past year and I’ve got like a great base now.”
McIntyre said he’s been training barefoot and working with his trainer to improve his stability. That’s made a huge difference in how he moves, especially considering he’s now heavier than he’s ever been.
“I’ve been working real hard in a way that my cardio and agility is, I’d say my whole life, but really for sure the past 12 years, is right now the best I’ve been. Like I feel great agility-wise. Bigger than I’ve ever been. I’m moving better than I have.”
And Drew isn’t kidding about getting bigger. He revealed that he now weighs 285 pounds after gaining another 10 pounds of muscle. Despite the added size, he believes he’s in better physical condition than he was before stepping away from WWE. The improvements have also given McIntyre some ideas about what he wants to do when he starts wrestling again. He explained that people have been sending him old clips of his matches, and some of the moves he used to perform actually surprised him.
“I’ve got a feeling some of my offense is going to be unique. I saw some videos of myself people had sent me, were highlight videos, and I was like, I didn’t realize I did that. Guess I’m going to start stealing for myself.”
That doesn’t mean Drew is simply going to repeat everything he used to do. He believes his improved conditioning will allow him to perform some of those moves even better than he did when he was younger.
“Forgot I did half the moves, and I physically can do them easily now and probably better than I did them when I was in my 20s.”
When Van Vliet asked whether that meant fans could expect some additions to his moveset, McIntyre didn’t hesitate. He confirmed that he’s planning to change things up, although he made it clear that becoming a high-flying wrestler isn’t exactly the goal.
“Yes, 100%. Mostly violence again.”
McIntyre has already given people a glimpse of his progress. As Ringside News previously covered, he shared footage of himself running the ropes in September, showing that he was back inside a wrestling ring despite his extended absence from television. That video picked up millions of views, and Drew said people have been asking when he’s coming back ever since. But while he’s clearly preparing for an eventual return, he isn’t letting anyone rush him.
“I know the audience, our fans are wanting me back. I see the messages every day and I appreciate it. I appreciate it. Just give me a little second and I’ll be back. Just a little second. When I decide.”
McIntyre has been keeping busy with acting projects during his WWE absence, and he made it clear that Hollywood Drew isn’t finished yet. WWE remains his home, but he’s enjoying the opportunities coming his way outside the wrestling business.
Still, it sounds like McIntyre has some unfinished business waiting for him whenever he decides to return. At 285 pounds, with better mobility and a fresh set of moves in mind, Drew isn’t planning to come back as the same wrestler who left at WrestleMania. And judging by his comments, whoever gets in the ring with him first might be in for a rough night.
What do you think about Drew McIntyre planning new moves for his WWE return? Which moves from his earlier career would you like to see him bring back? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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