Drew McIntyre’s journey to becoming one of WWE’s top stars was almost drastically different, as original creative plans for his debut involved a gimmick far from the gritty warrior persona fans know today. The former WWE Champion revealed in a recent interview that the company initially pitched him to debut as a “Runway Man” — essentially a male model character focused on showcasing undergarments — before settling on his eventual breakthrough as “The Chosen One” and ultimately a dominant main eventer[1][3][5].
The Runway Man: A Gimmick That Almost Was
During an appearance on the No Contest Wrestling podcast, McIntyre opened up about this surprising initial concept from WWE creative. Rather than the imposing and battle-hardened Scotsman fans admire, WWE executives originally envisioned him as a flamboyant male model — a character dubbed the “Runway Man.” The idea was for McIntyre to strut down the ramp showing off various styles of underwear and modeling wear, a gimmick that McIntyre himself found far from appealing and not aligned with his vision for his career[1][5].
This pitch came early in his first WWE run, which began back in 2007. WWE saw McIntyre’s impressive physique and saw potential for a character in the vein of the stereotypical fashion model, but McIntyre, driven by a serious love for the wrestling craft and a commitment to authenticity, was quick to reject the gimmick[3]. As he explained, it just didn’t fit who he was or how he wanted to be perceived by the wrestling audience.
From Runway Man to The Chosen One
After the “Runway Man” idea was discarded, WWE moved McIntyre into a very different direction, eventually branding him as “The Chosen One.” This persona was heavily promoted as a future world champion — a mantle even Vince McMahon personally endorsed by calling McIntyre the potential face of WWE[1]. Despite the strong push and an Intercontinental Championship reign, McIntyre struggled to connect with fans in that role during his initial tenure.
Sources close to WWE during that period confirm the company’s high hopes for McIntyre, but also highlight that the creative direction failed to fully resonate with audiences or maximize his talents. A backstage WWE insider noted, “The ‘Chosen One’ was a label that came with enormous pressure, and while Vince believed in Drew, the storytelling didn’t always come together, which stalled his momentum”[1].
Early Career Struggles and Release
McIntyre’s first WWE run included time in developmental territories and intermittent appearances on main shows like Raw and SmackDown. Despite glimpses of potential, his career trajectory dipped, culminating in a release in 2014. As McIntyre has recounted, a mix of unfortunate booking, personal struggles, and a search for meaningful character work led to pivotal moments where his passion for wrestling was tested[2].
The backstage environment at WWE in those years often saw young talents shuffled through different gimmicks and storylines, sometimes with minimal input from the wrestlers themselves. McIntyre’s candid reflections indicate that, despite his impressive physical presence and strong work ethic, the creative constraints left him frustrated and underutilized[2][4].
Redemption and WWE Return
McIntyre’s story is ultimately one of resilience. After rebuilding his reputation on the independent scene and abroad, he returned to WWE in 2017 with renewed purpose and a fresh, more authentic character as the hard-hitting, no-nonsense “Scottish Psychopath.” This reinvention resonated deeply with fans and led to a remarkable world title run, including winning the WWE Championship during the pandemic era.
According to people working closely with him, McIntyre’s evolution from “Runway Man” to world champion is a testament to his determination and creative instincts. A WWE creative team member remarked, “Drew found his voice and his character after going through those early struggles. Now, he’s one of the most respected and credible performers in the company”[1].
Upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event Match Against Cody Rhodes
Currently, McIntyre is slated to face WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event. This matchup is highly anticipated, not only because of their individual talents but also due to the history and parallels between these two competitors, including their shared past as tag team champions.
Sources close to Cody Rhodes have revealed that both men are committed to delivering a high-caliber match that underscores their growth and status in WWE’s landscape. Rhodes respects McIntyre’s journey and legacy, with insiders describing their rivalry as one of mutual respect forged through years of competing at the top[1].
Conclusion
Had WWE stuck with their original plans, Drew McIntyre might have debuted as a male model gimmick named “Runway Man,” which would have likely limited his eventual rise to superstardom. Instead, McIntyre’s career path shows the importance of aligning a wrestler’s character with their authentic identity and the enduring value of perseverance in professional wrestling. From near-fashion model to WWE World Champion, McIntyre’s story remains one of the most inspiring redemption arcs in modern WWE history.