10 Tough Questions WWE Must Ask Itself In 2021

2. Is Drew McIntyre Really 'The Guy'?

Drew McIntyre RIPPED
WWE

This question isn't a comment on Drew McIntyre's abilities, which should be obvious to anybody paying attention.

Drew rules. The best babyface World Champion WWE has had since Daniel Bryan in 2014, the Scot is a big, swaggering badass with power and finesse, an assertive personality, and a believable promo style. He's as convincing a fighter as WWE has on the main roster, yet he is never unlikeable. Considering the long list of top WWE "babyfaces" that have come across like absolute pricks over the past couple of decades, that's a miracle. Drew's charm, charisma, and swagger prevent him from following into the same trap as the John Cenas, Roman Reignses, and even the Sheamuses.

The problem with McIntyre is twofold:-

1. The COVID era's lack of fans presents us from gauging how over he is as WWE Champion with live crowds.

2. His two time with the strap hasn't helped assuage ratings concerned. He hasn't drawn.

Creatively, yes, Drew McIntyre feels like 'The Guy'. In business terms, the answer isn't as straightforward.

Dave Meltzer is right when he says that it'll take the emergence of a huge, era-defining star for wrestling to return to the mainstream. WWE needs another Hulk Hogan, Steve Austin, or Rock. A megastar. Cruelly, current metrics suggest McIntyre isn't the answer.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.