Drew McIntyre Nearly Recalls Signing With NJPW Before 2017 WWE Return

Drew McIntyre has revealed he came close to signing with NJPW after his TNA run ended and before returning to WWE in 2017. McIntyre had rebuilt his character across several promotions during his time away from WWE and felt growing success that made him question whether he needed to go back.

He told The Joe Vulpis Podcast that after leaving TNA as champion under new management that did not see a future for him, he decided he wanted to head to Japan. McIntyre began initial conversations with New Japan, and some wrestlers who worked there offered to speak to the bosses on his behalf.

"I realized as the success was coming, maybe I don't want to go back [to WWE]", said McIntyre. A conversation with Triple H then changed his mind within two minutes, convincing him it was time to return after three years away.

At age 32, McIntyre felt comfortable with himself and noted that Triple H had observed his growth both as a performer and as a man. William Regal had contacted McIntyre after seeing an article about him becoming a free agent and urged him to talk with Triple H.

McIntyre planned to start his second WWE stint in NXT, aiming to present himself as a changed person to Vince McMahon before working his way to the main roster.