It was July 2014 and Drew McIntyre, wrestling under real name Drew Galloway, had just burst back onto the ICW scene at Shug’s Hoose Party in Glasgow.
And although he had only just left the WWE months prior to his appearance in Scotland, McIntyre immediately caught the eye of a certain Mick Foley.
So much so, the hardcore legend reached for his phone to tell Triple H to “keep an eye” on the would-be Royal Rumble winner.
“Hunter, I know he just left here, but you need to keep an eye on Drew McIntyre. He’s almost like an entirely different human being,” the direct message read to Triple H, as per Busted Open.
McIntyre soon found himself involved again with the WWE and made his return to the company through their developmental programme NXT.
Just three short years later, McIntyre shocked fans when he confirmed he had re-signed with the company and would be part of the NXT roster, essentially re-starting his career with WWE.
The Scot would reign for over a year before injury halted his rise.
Re-appearing in 2018, McIntyre had a long-term alliance with Dolph Ziggler, but a feud with The Shield saw him grab the headlines – starring at WrestleMania 35 in a match against Roman Reigns – a bout he eventually lost.
As 2019 drew to a close, McIntyre began to make a name for himself once again. A winning streak saw him declare he thought he could win the upcoming Royal Rumble.
Perhaps he had a premonition because that’s exactly what he did – even eliminating WWE Champion Brock Lesnar in the process before also tossing out his old foe Roman Reigns.
The stage was set for WreslteMania 36. The following night, on Monday Night RAW, McIntyre chose his opponent for what might prove to be the biggest night of his life – and he chose Lesnar.
It just goes to show that even superstars who turn their back on the WWE, the door is always ajar.
Foley saw something in Drew McIntyre and if he hadn’t sent that DM to The Game, who knows where the 34-year-old would be right now.