8 Wrestlers Who Admitted To Cracking Under Pressure

by Andy H Murray

1. Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre
WWE

That Drew McIntyre feels like a real, authentic human being while simultaneously playing the role of a credible prizefighter is one of the key reasons why he appears to have connected with the fanbase as WWE Champion (it's tough to say for sure without live crowd reactions), with the lines between the man and his on-air persona blurred since he turned babyface.

McIntyre's first WWE run ended in failure. Brought in as Vince McMahon's 'Chosen One,' he left as a comedy jobber with 3MB, his mainstream wrestling career seemingly consigned to the scrapheap. The work, dedication, and graft he'd put into rebuilding himself on the road back to WWE - and now, the biggest role of his career - became part of his character as he closed in on the Raw throne earlier this year, admitting in promos and interviews that he couldn't hack it.

The Drew McIntyre of 2020 needed the Drew McIntyre of 2014 to finally conquer the throne. Crumbling under the pressure of being branded a 'Chosen One' as a green rookie was an essential step in his ascension, and speaks to his character.

Advertisement

Watch Next


In this post: 
AJ Styles
 
Posted On: 
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.