159: Scotland to Louisville with Drew McIntyre | Soder Podcast | EP 153
Summary
Drew McIntyre discusses his journey from starting wrestling in Scotland at age 15 to becoming a WWE champion, highlighting his "chosen one" narrative and subsequent reinvention. He shares anecdotes about moving to Louisville for OVW, his early shock at American culture, and his current role in the Highlander film alongside Dave Bautista. McIntyre reflects on winning the title at WrestleMania 36 during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and perspective following the sudden passing of fellow wrestler Ben Carr.
Topics discussed
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Upcoming tour dates in Salt Lake City and Rochester
Banter with host and discussion of Drew's return
The narrative of being chosen and finding a happy ending
Growing up watching wrestling in Scotland and the UK
Starting wrestling at 15 and training at the community center
Recalling his first match at 16 and getting knocked out
Accessibility of wrestling and comedy compared to the past
First live wrestling experiences and meeting Yokozuna
Seeing top stars like Crash Holly and Luther Reigns live
Moving to America and the lack of acclimation process
Arriving in Louisville and observing local culture
Observing the difference in local advertising standards
Stereotypes of OVW and the Kentucky location
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Filming the Highlander movie in the Scottish Highlands
Working with Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, and Dave Bautista
Acting challenges and finding vulnerability in roles
Relaxing during red lights and finding truth in characters
Ring psychology and similarities with comedy performance
The adrenaline dump of touring and returning to WWE
Competing with oneself and the evolution of mindset
HBO special release and the impact of the pandemic
Watching Drew's return while processing his own loss
WrestleMania in an empty arena and the decision to proceed
WWE's role as a comfort show during the pandemic
John Cena's final match and the significance of the event
Media work and positive fan feedback during the empty era
Breaking the fourth wall and connecting with the camera
The private moment of winning the title in an empty arena
Wife presenting the title at home and family on Zoom
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Ridge Wallet gifting options and family/friends pricing
First entrance in front of a live crowd at WrestleMania
Physical pain and adrenaline of returning to the ring
Perspective, gratitude, and the passing of Ben
Remembering Ben as an amazing talent and person
The suddenness of loss and the importance of connection
Creating emotional connection in high-flying matches
The growth of the UK wrestling scene and global talent
Discussion of a wrestler from Glasgow or Vancouver
Influence on younger wrestlers and the BBC documentary
Growing the crowd and the BBC documentary part two
Growing the business outside WWE and personal life
WrestleMania 40 title win and presenting it to his wife
The importance of emotional connection in wrestling
Introducing Shane Gillis to wrestling and Walter
Comedy and wrestling moving into stadium shows
Filming The Last Druid with Russell Crowe in Barcelona
Coordinating with WWE for time off for film projects
The Real Shot Company project and the character Roscoe
Reading the script and finding the character interesting
Filming in Hollywood and the James Bond/Archer comparison
Improvisation and collaboration with the lead actor
Unintentional humor and British banter on set
Ripping on CM Punk and the rivalry dynamics
Punk's charisma and the 'good guy' vs 'bad guy' dynamic
Writing jokes and testing lines with other comics
Excitement for Highlander and the Agent of Shadows project
Taking five months off and working with Shawn Michaels
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Closing thought on AI and autonomy
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