Drew McIntyre revealed that an unexpected Hollywood opportunity extended his WWE absence, with Triple H immediately supporting his decision to pursue another film role.
The former WWE Champion has been absent from television for several months, having taken time away from the company to work on the upcoming Highlander film. However, Drew McIntyre recently explained that he was preparing to return to WWE when he received an unexpected offer to appear in another movie alongside Russell Crowe. Speaking on Bradley Martyn’s Raw Talk podcast, McIntyre revealed the opportunity came after Crowe expressed interest in working with him.
“Once I finished Highlander, I was about to return to WWE, and I got a phone call from the agent, and he said to me, ‘Russell Crowe is asking for you to be in a movie.’”
McIntyre admitted he was surprised by the offer, especially after learning that Crowe had reportedly spoken to his Highlander co-star, Henry Cavill, about his performance.
“Then I really liked the script. I loved the character, and the fact Russell was asking for me was just bizarre to me. I guess he went to Henry and kind of asked about me. Henry put me over for the performance on Highlander,” McIntyre explained.
Triple H Immediately Supported Drew McIntyre’s Hollywood Opportunity
Although Drew McIntyre was enthusiastic about the project, he recognised that accepting the role would mean spending additional time away from WWE. The Scottish wrestler explained that he wanted to pursue the opportunity without leaving professional wrestling behind, believing that appearing in consecutive films alongside major Hollywood stars would benefit both himself and WWE.
“We got working with WWE and said, ‘I know I’ve been out for a couple of months and supposed to come back, but there’s this thing here. I think it’s a big opportunity. I’m not leaving. I want to be the first full-time WWE wrestler that’s done two movies with A-listers back to back. I think it’s a great look for the company,’” McIntyre recalled.
McIntyre had prepared an extensive argument to convince WWE Chief Content Officer Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque to approve the additional time away. However, he discovered that no persuasion was necessary, as Triple H immediately recognised the significance of the opportunity and agreed to accommodate his filming commitments.
“I was like, ‘Oh, damn it. But Paul, I’ve got all these notes and things. I didn’t even get to tell you.’ He was like, ‘No, D, you’re good. Just don’t even have to tell me,’” McIntyre said.
The conversation demonstrated Triple H’s willingness to support Drew McIntyre’s growing acting career, even though it meant extending his absence from WWE programming. McIntyre made it clear that he remains committed to WWE and views his Hollywood opportunities as a way to raise both his own profile and that of the company. While his latest comments explain why his absence has continued longer than originally planned, McIntyre did not provide a confirmed date for his return to WWE television.
