Drew McIntyre recently spoke with “SHAK Wrestling” to comment on the renewed amount of creative freedom talent has these days and why he believes it’s been contributing to WWE’s recent success.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On if he’s upgraded as a performer as of late: “100%. Mostly because I feel the way I’ve not felt in a long time. I really have to point back to my independent run, where I truly found myself and I was truly relaxed, and I wasn’t worried about anything, except telling my truth. Over the last few years, I was a smiling sword man, I’m very proud of the work I did, but there was also a line I couldn’t cross, there were certain things, a way things have always been done. So I had to stay within those limitations. Right now, it feels like there’s no limitations, there’s no right or wrong answers. There’s everything outside the box. Everything you do now, obviously the collaboration with the creative team, stay on-point, stay on the story, don’t go out of the bounds of the story you’re trying to tell. But if you’ve got an idea, you go for it, and it succeeds, it’s on you. If it fails, it’s on you. That’s all I’ve ever asked in my entire career, is let it fall on me.”
On how much the new level of creative freedom factors into WWE’s recent success: “It’s a lot, very much to do with his things are now. Things were a certain way, and obviously it was very, very successful. Look how much the company grew. But eventually, it’s good to try new things, get a fresh pair of eyes on it and say, ‘Alright, let’s let the performers go for it. Let’s maybe try things that have never been tried. Let’s maybe involve characters in multiple stories at the same time, rather than just story A and story B, and the rest is kind of random matches across card. Everything has meaning, everyone has meaning, and we can cross these characters, doesn’t matter if they’re both bad, doesn’t matter if they’re both good. Right now, it’s just, ‘What’s your point? Where’s this character coming from? Oh, this is interesting.’ As long as it’s interesting television, compelling television, it touches you emotionally. That’s all that matters and should really matter. It’s awesome to see how many people have been able to step up, and every time someone’s music hits, the fans know, ‘Oh, that’s such and such. They’re about his, they mean something.’ It hasn’t been that way probably since late ‘99, early 2000, where everybody across the board meant something.”
In a recent interview with “SHAK Wrestling,” Drew McIntyre discussed the increased creative freedom that WWE talent now has and how it has contributed to the company’s recent success. McIntyre, who has experienced a resurgence in his career, attributes his upgraded performance to this newfound freedom.
McIntyre compared his current experience to his time on the independent circuit, where he felt relaxed and able to express himself without limitations. In WWE, he had to adhere to certain guidelines and stay within the boundaries of how things have always been done. However, he now feels that there are no limitations or right or wrong answers. While collaboration with the creative team is still important, performers are encouraged to go for their ideas and take responsibility for their success or failure.
According to McIntyre, this increase in creative freedom has played a significant role in WWE’s recent success. While the company had been successful in the past, trying new things and allowing performers to take more control has brought a fresh perspective. WWE is now exploring different approaches, involving characters in multiple storylines simultaneously, and giving every character meaning and purpose. McIntyre believes that as long as the television is interesting and emotionally compelling, it doesn’t matter if characters are good or bad; what matters is their impact on the audience.
McIntyre also highlighted how this creative freedom has allowed more performers to step up and make a name for themselves. When a wrestler’s music hits, fans now recognize them and understand their significance. This level of engagement and investment hasn’t been seen since the late ’90s and early 2000s when every wrestler on the roster had meaning.
The interview with McIntyre provides insight into the positive effects of increased creative freedom in WWE. It allows performers to showcase their talents, take risks, and create compelling storylines that resonate with the audience. This shift in approach has revitalized the company and given rise to a new era where every character matters. As WWE continues to embrace this creative freedom, fans can expect more exciting and engaging content in the future.