Drew McIntyre Maintains Ring Shape During WWE Hiatus

Drew McIntyre has been focusing on film work this year but continues to maintain his in-ring conditioning during the hiatus. He described an intense desire to return to wrestling and began seeking opportunities to train in rings while on location.

While filming The Last Druid in Barcelona for three months following Highlander, McIntyre located a local wrestling ring through a stuntman who worked on the indie scene. He used the ring to roll around and spar with the stuntman's associates to satisfy his need for wrestling activity.

McIntyre admitted feeling remorse for the intensity of his sessions, noting that he trains as he competes and delivered heavy impacts even without cameras present. He has also been training at Rusev's wrestling school in Nashville.

A video McIntyre posted of himself hitting the ropes received over eight million views on his social media. He believes only Bron Breakker hits the ropes at a faster pace.

McIntyre expressed missing the energy from live audiences and the adrenaline of performing but stated he is currently enjoying his ongoing projects. His most recent matches were a title win over Cody Rhodes in Germany in January, a title loss to Rhodes in Portland in March, and an unsanctioned loss to Jacob Fatu at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas in April.