Challenges Faced by Drew McIntyre: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Drew McIntyre's life and career.

Drew McIntyre, born Andrew McLean Galloway IV, is a Scottish professional wrestler currently signed to WWE's SmackDown brand (as of April 2025). He is known for his time in WWE, where he has been a multiple-time world champion, showcasing his in-ring skills and character work. His career highlights include winning the WWE Championship and the Royal Rumble, establishing him as a top star in professional wrestling.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2012: Joins 3MB Faction

In 2012, Drew McIntyre's character took a comedic turn when he joined the 3MB faction in WWE, resulting in a series of match losses.

August 2015: PWG Battle of Los Angeles Tournament

In August 2015, Galloway debuted for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, competing in the Battle of Los Angeles tournament and was eliminated by "Speedball" Mike Bailey.

January 2016: TNA World Tag Team Championship Match

On January 8, 2016, Galloway and Kurt Angle competed in a 3-Way TNA World Tag Team Championship match, which The Wolves won. On January 12 episode of Impact Wrestling, Galloway lost to Angle.

February 2016: PCW Road to Glory Tournament

In February 2016, Galloway returned to PCW, entering the "Road to Glory" tournament, defeating Martin Kirby, Mr. Anderson and Noam Dar, before losing to Rampage Brown in the finals.

March 2016: wXw 16 Carat Gold Tournament

In March 2016, Galloway entered the Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw) "16 Carat Gold Tournament", but lost to Axel Dieter Jr. in the semi-finals.

August 2016: Evolve Tag Team Championship Defense and Feud Building

On August 20, 2016, at Evolve 67, Dustin and Galloway made their first Evolve Tag Team Championship defense, teaming with EC3 in a six-man tag-team match which they lost, also resulting in a title change. Galloway also built a feud with former partner Cody Rhodes and veteran announcer Joey Styles in August 2016.

January 2019: Royal Rumble Appearance and Elimination

At the Royal Rumble on January 27, 2019, Drew McIntyre entered the Royal Rumble match at number 16 but was eliminated by Dolph Ziggler.

January 2021: McIntyre tests positive for COVID-19, retains title against Goldberg

In January 2021, after retaining the title against Keith Lee on Raw, a rematch between McIntyre and Orton was cancelled after McIntyre tested positive for COVID-19. On January 31st, McIntyre retained the title against Goldberg at Royal Rumble.

2021: McIntyre Competes for the WWE Championship

Throughout 2021, Drew McIntyre competed in several high-profile matches. On July 18th at Money in the Bank, he participated in the namesake ladder match but failed to win. On August 21st at SummerSlam, McIntyre defeated Jinder Mahal. He was drafted to SmackDown and on October 21st at Crown Jewel, McIntyre faced Big E for the WWE Championship, but lost. At Survivor Series on November 21st, McIntyre captained Team SmackDown, but was eliminated, and his team lost to Team Raw.

January 2022: McIntyre Defeats Madcap Moss at Day 1, Enters Royal Rumble

In January 2022, McIntyre started feuding with Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss, defeating Moss at Day 1 on January 1st. On January 29th, McIntyre participated in the Royal Rumble match but was the last competitor eliminated by Brock Lesnar.

January 2023: McIntyre Enters Royal Rumble

On January 28, 2023, at Royal Rumble, Drew McIntyre entered at number 9, but was eliminated by Gunther.

2023: McIntyre's Draft and Heel Turn

Throughout 2023, McIntyre was drafted to the Raw brand. He returned at Money in the Bank on July 1st, attacking Gunther. At SummerSlam on August 5th, McIntyre failed to win the Intercontinental Championship from Gunther. In September, McIntyre transitioned into a tweener. On November 13th, McIntyre turned heel by helping The Judgment Day retain their titles. At Survivor Series: WarGames on November 25th, McIntyre and The Judgment Day lost to Cody Rhodes' team. On January 1st, 2024, he failed to win the title from Rollins at Day 1.

January 2024: McIntyre Injures CM Punk at Royal Rumble

On January 27, 2024, at the Royal Rumble, Drew McIntyre legitimately injured CM Punk's tricep during the Royal Rumble match. This was later incorporated into a storyline.