Drew McIntyre is using his extended break from WWE television to rediscover a technical side of his wrestling career that has largely disappeared from his modern in-ring style. The Scottish wrestler has returned to practising chain wrestling, a technique built around holds, counters and fluid transitions, and hopes to incorporate some of those skills into future matches.
McIntyre discussed his renewed interest in technical wrestling during an appearance on the Joe Vulpis Podcast. Although he has spent much of his time away from WWE working on acting projects, he has continued training in the ring and revisiting techniques he developed earlier in his career.
The former world champion believes these sessions have reminded him of abilities he had not used regularly for years. Rather than abandoning his established power-based approach, he wants to combine elements of his technical background with the physical style that has become a defining feature of his performances.
Drew McIntyre Returns to His Wrestling Roots
McIntyre explained that he had not spent an extended period practising traditional holds and counters in the ring for approximately 17 years. His recent sessions have allowed him to reconnect with the fundamentals he learned during his early days as a professional wrestler in Britain.
During this period, technical exchanges formed an important part of his wrestling style. However, after moving to the United States and pursuing opportunities in WWE, he gradually changed his approach.
McIntyre found that the style he had developed earlier did not always translate effectively to the presentation expected in WWE at the time. He consequently focused more on strength, strikes and throwing opponents around the ring.
That adjustment helped establish the powerful wrestling persona audiences recognise today. Nevertheless, his recent training has shown him that his technical abilities remain useful and could add another dimension to his performances.
Training Continues During His WWE Absence
McIntyre has been away from WWE television since WrestleMania 42, with acting commitments keeping him occupied. His projects include the upcoming Highlander reboot and The Last Druid, giving him opportunities to work outside professional wrestling.
Despite the change in schedule, he has continued to maintain his fitness and practise in the ring whenever possible.
He revealed that fellow wrestler Miro, known to WWE audiences as Rusev, opened a wrestling school near the airport in Nashville. McIntyre visits the facility when he is home, using the sessions to maintain his conditioning and work on wrestling techniques without putting unnecessary pressure on himself.
The sessions have also helped him rediscover the enjoyment of practising wrestling outside the demands of televised matches and live events.
Technical Moves Could Add Variety to His Matches
McIntyre does not intend to completely transform his wrestling style. Instead, he wants to introduce technical exchanges when they suit the opponent and the direction of a particular match.
His height and physical strength are important factors in that decision. Standing approximately 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 285 pounds, he often competes against considerably smaller wrestlers.
He believes that the size difference must remain believable within the context of professional wrestling. Any technical sequences he introduces therefore need to fit the matchup rather than appear forced.
The objective is to expand his existing approach while retaining the power and intensity that audiences associate with him.
An Old Match With Will Ospreay Sparks New Ideas
One of McIntyre's recent sources of inspiration has been his earlier match against Will Ospreay. Reviewing footage of the contest reminded him of techniques he had previously performed but had since largely forgotten.
The experience encouraged him to consider bringing some of those moves back into his repertoire. McIntyre joked about borrowing ideas from his own past performances, suggesting that revisiting old matches could provide material for future contests.
For a wrestler with years of experience, reviewing earlier work can reveal possibilities that may have been overlooked as a character and wrestling style evolved.
WWE Return Date Remains Unconfirmed
Although McIntyre has continued training, his return to WWE television has not been assigned a confirmed date. His acting commitments remain a major focus, and he has indicated that he will return when the timing is appropriate.
His renewed interest in technical wrestling nevertheless suggests that the next phase of his career could include adjustments to his established in-ring approach.
If he incorporates the rediscovered techniques successfully, fans may see a more varied version of McIntyre when he eventually returns. For now, the wrestler appears content to use his time away to develop his skills and explore opportunities beyond the ring.
