Drew McIntyre Recalls Pitching Vince McMahon On Sword Amputation Scene

In 2020, Drew McIntyre started carrying a Scottish claymore to the ring as part of his WWE character, tying into his finishing move. During an appearance on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, he recalled pitching a violent scene involving the sword to Vince McMahon. The idea was inspired by realistic amputation scenes in Saving Private Ryan that used amputee actors.

McIntyre suggested a fight sequence at WrestleMania that would move backstage before transitioning to a pre-tape. In the pre-tape, he would swing the sword at an opponent, resulting in an arm being severed. He explained the full pitch as ending with him finally using the sword and paying it off.

"I was like, '[In] "Saving Private Ryan," they use actors — amputees, et cetera — they lop off the limbs, they're actually missing; very realistic." McIntyre expressed frustration that he carried the sword for an extended period without ever using it on anyone. He believed actually employing the weapon would be the best way to keep it relevant in his storyline. The proposed segment never happened.

McIntyre eventually stopped bringing the sword because it no longer aligned with his character's development. This shift followed his loss at Clash at the Castle in front of his family, which led to a downward spiral involving trauma and PTSD. He felt it would be inconsistent to deeply explore those themes while holding a giant sword.

He remains open to reintroducing the sword for a special entrance or a temporary run, as he enjoyed carrying it. McIntyre stated he is proud of his Scottish roots. The sword is named Angela after his late mother.