10 Things We Learned From WWE 24: Drew McIntyre

5. He Was Almost On ECW

Drew McIntyre Wade Barrett FCW
WWE.com

Soon, OVW gave way to FCW, and Drew was sent for more seasoning. That was actually something he personally requested, because it was obvious that he wasn't quite ready for the bright lights or Raw and SmackDown just yet. So, he put his all into improving and learning the WWE system in Florida.

One day, Vince McMahon arrived to check out some talent. The third-string ECW brand was running a "new talent initiative" storyline at the time (which led to debuts for Sheamus, Kofi Kingston and others), and the boss fancied seeing who was a good fit.

That's when he clapped eyes on McIntyre.

Drew told 24 that he made a point of staring down McMahon when he worked his segments. He caught Vince's eye, and WWE management went on to tell him that he wouldn't be heading to ECW. Nah, McIntyre was going to SmackDown instead as the 'Chosen One'.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.