50 Best Wrestlers Of The 2020s (So Far)
40. Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre's journey through the last half-decade stands as a testament to resilience and reinvention, as well as a keen understanding of how to maximise potential rather than be accused of squandering promise.
McIntyre's late-2010s return exploded into life in the 2020s, with him capturing the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36 in 2020. This victory, achieved in an empty arena due to the pandemic, positioned him as the face of WWE during unprecedented times, showcasing his ability to carry the company through adversity while fulfilling all the difficult roles that come with being Champion. As the years rolled on and he survived booking that might have finished others, McIntyre had evolved into a multifaceted heel that came to typify a philosophical shift at the heart of the 2022 creative change.
A pivotal moment came when CM Punk sustained an injury taking a Futureshock DDT at the 2024 Royal Rumble, leading to an intense feud between the two that spanned most of the year. Their rivalry - marked by personal attacks and electric physical confrontations - culminated in a brutal Hell in a Cell match at October's Bad Blood that drew near-unanimous critical acclaim as the WWE match of the year. It was just one of several over the last five years to solidify McIntyre's status as a top-tier all-rounder.
Now tenured, McIntyre's performances continue to resonate deeply with fans, particularly when it comes to the real-life frustrations he channels into his work. He's nothing if not believable, and much of that comes from a foundation of trust built by the dedication he put into his return.